Credentialing

What is credentialing?

Credentialing is a process whereby individuals provide evidence to demonstrate that they have achieved defined competencies. In the case of the Emergency Medicine ACP Curriculum, ACPs (predominantly nurses and paramedics working in emergency care) will use an e-portfolio to collect evidence against each requirement in the Emergency Medicine ACP curriculum. A trained panel will assess the evidence to decide whether the trainee ACP has achieved the defined competences required in the curriculum.

What are the benefits of credentialing?

Benefits of ACP credentialing are as follows:

The ACP would be confirmed as having reached a nationally recognised standard of competence, as evidenced by WPBAs completed by consultants and supervisors in Emergency Medicine
An ACP with a RCEM approved credentialed portfolio would be recognised as they move geographical boundaries
A statement of competence would be possible which would detail what an ACP is competent to do within a defined scope of practice
Trainee ACPs will be working within a learning environment, the quality of which is overseen by Health Education England Quality Framework
The learning environment in the ED for junior doctors and other learners will be strengthened by credentialed ACPs resulting in patient safety benefits.

How can I find out more information?

Further information can be found in the ACP Guide to credentialing and by reading the curriculum.

Is the curriculum for England only, or all of the United Kingdom?

Whilst the curriculum has been co-produced by Health Education England and The Royal College of Emergency Medicine, it is available to applicants across the UK subject to approval by their employer.

Do I need an RCEM ePortfolio and Associate Membership (ACP) to be credentialed?

Yes, it is a mandatory requirement for ACPs who wish to be credentialed to have an ePortfolio and be registered as an associate with The Royal College of Emergency Medicine. Access to ePortfolio is a membership benefit and no separate charge is made.

ACPs need to complete the online application form available on the RCEM website. To access the application form and to obtain more information about the fees and process, please visit our membership pages.

Can I use evidence that is more than 3 years old? I have worked for over 5 years as an ACP.

The majority of evidence should be within 36 months; however some evidence would be accepted if it is within 5 years and is accompanied by reflection on the progression of your skills in those 5 years. Likewise, if you have achieved courses that remain valid and ‘in-date’, then the relevant certificates may be uploaded to demonstrate achievement/competence. Where there is a clear expiry date, this is applicable and cannot be extended (e.g. ALS).

Is credentialing part of revalidation planning?

No, credentialing processes and revalidation processes are two separate stand-alone processes; however, evidence can be used across both processes. It is noted however that healthcare professionals, once they have obtained a specific, defined scope of practice, are accountable within the defined scope of practice. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of those credentialed to be able to account to the roles and responsibility they undertake and keep up to date with the requirements of the job.

Can I still credential if I have been unable to certify or re-certify in any of the mandatory life support courses due to Covid?

We are aware that some ACPs are currently having difficulty in accessing mandatory life support courses. If you are intending to submit a credentialing application, and you have been unable to certify or re-certify in any of the mandatory life support courses, you will still be able to apply providing you are able to provide evidence of a place allocated on a course within 6 months of the credentialing date. If you are successful in your credentialing application, the credential will be approved once evidence is received of successful completion of the life support course in the College office.