Confirmation of Stage 3 Equivalence Certificate guidance
Background
The ‘Confirmation of Stage 3 Equivalence’ certificate has been introduced for doctors who are not enrolled in a UK higher-level training programme under the 2021 Anaesthetics curriculum, but who can demonstrate evidence of achieving the Stage 3 domains of learning and have passed the Final FRCA examination.
This certificate is primarily used to support those working towards submitting an application via the GMC Portfolio Pathway, or promotion to a specialist contract.
Certificate Policy
Doctors in this category cannot be awarded the full Stage 3 Certificate, as this is reserved for doctors who have completed all Stage 3 requirements within UK substantive higher training posts.
Instead, if an individual:
- Has demonstrated achievement of all Stage 3 domains of learning,
- Has successfully passed the Final FRCA, and
- Has completed 12 months whole time equivalent in one or more Special Interest Areas (SIAs)
then a Regional Adviser Anaesthesia (RAA) or Deputy Regional Adviser Anaesthesia (DRA) may issue the ‘Confirmation of Stage 3 Equivalence Certificate’, which is available from the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) website.
Certificate sign-offs are sent to the RCoA for review and ratification by a national panel of Regional Advisers and Heads of School, ensuring robust quality assurance.
Requirements for Sign-Off
- The certificate must be signed by the local RAA or DRA
- The doctor must be known to the RAA/DRA signing the certificate, or be formally recommended by their College Tutor
- Prior to signing, the RAA/DRA must conduct a thorough review of the evidence to ensure that all Stage 3 domains of learning have been met
Recommended Supporting Documentation
The following documents are considered helpful in demonstrating equivalence. These should be used as a guide, and applicants should also refer to Stage 3 of the 2021 Anaesthetics curriculum:
- Signed confirmation of achievement of Stage 3 domains of learning
(The Assessment Guidance document may be adapted to support this) - ARCP outcomes, if applicable/evidence of annual educational supervisor review or appraisal
- Evidence of Final FRCA pass
- An outline CV
- Evidence of peer-assessed performance, e.g.,
- Multi-Source Feedback (MSF)
- Multiple Trainer Reports (MTR)
- Recommendation from the current College Tutor.
Confirmation of Stage 3 Equivalence certificate
Important Notes
- The certificate may only be issued if the RAA/DRA is fully satisfied with the evidence submitted
- If the evidence is insufficient, the RAA/DRA may request additional documentation
- If concerns remain after reviewing further evidence, the RAA/DRA should not sign the certificate.
No Affiliation to a UK RAA/DRA?
If the applicant does not have a UK-based RAA or DRA, they must:
Contact the Royal College of Anaesthetists at training@rcoa.ac.uk