Whilst advanced clinical practice has existed in the UK for many years, the UK lacks a single regulatory framework to define advanced practice, and the education required to underpin it. Although all four nations have developed frameworks for advanced practice, with many commonalities between them, these frameworks are not yet fully harmonised and regulation for all ACPs remains the responsibility of the practitioners’ initial professional registration. 

The term ‘Advanced Clinical Practitioner’ remains an unprotected title and can be subject to a high degree of variability in its application, leading to a variance in performance and skills amongst practitioners who have the same job title applied to their clinical working. 

It was in part to address these issues that, in 2015, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine launched a curriculum and credentialling process for Emergency Care ACPs, with the aim of providing a consistent standard in training and education for ACPs working in Emergency Departments. The pilot completed in 2017, and credentialing is now an established part of College activity. 

For further information on the history of Advanced Clinical Practice, the latest national developments, and what the future might hold, please read former RCEM Vice President, Lisa Munro-Davies’ blog post ACP – Past, Present & Future: A Brief Overview & RCEM Position (August 2022). 

The GMC defines credentialing as a process which provides formal accreditation of competence (knowledge, skills and performance) in a defined area of practice, at a level that provides confidence that the individual is fit to practise in that area. 

The RCEM EM-ACP credential is a specialty-specific credential in emergency medicine that confirms that an ACP has achieved a nationally recognised standard of competence and capability.  

The EM-ACP Curriculum provides the framework for ACPs who wish to apply for credential status with the College. It defines the competences that the EM-ACP is expected to demonstrate, the evidence required, and the standard that must be achieved.  

Clinical evidence can be obtained through observed clinical practice (MiniCEX or DOPS), case-based discussions (CBDs) and simulation sessions. ACPs must also demonstrate involvement in education, quality improvement, research and leadership, so as to align with the four pillars of advanced practice. 

RCEM EM-ACP credentialing will take an ACP a minimum of three years (whole-time equivalent) to complete, increasing to four for an ACP wishing to credential for both adults and children. ACPs are required to be an associate member of RCEM and use the RCEM ePortfolio platform, risr/advance,  to collect evidence and demonstrate capability against each element of the ACP curriculum and clinical syllabus (access to the ePortfolio is a membership benefit and no separate charge is made). Upon submission of the portfolio, a trained panel will assess the evidence to determine whether the requirements of the curriculum have been met and the credential can be awarded. 

For information on becoming a member of RCEM, please visit the membership pages of the website.

Credentialing offers many benefits for both ACPs and patients.  

It allows ACPs working in emergency medicine to gain formal recognition of their level of expertise and skill in their clinical practice, leadership, education and research in a way that is recognisable to colleagues and employers. It also enables them to enhance and develop their career prospects and to continue their personal and professional development.  

Other personal and professional benefits for ACPs may include: 

• Increased job satisfaction due to the recognition of skills, ability to take on more complex and rewarding tasks, and opportunities to expand scope of practice; 

• Financial benefits including higher pay, better job security, and improved pension and other benefits; 

• Enhanced clinical competence achieved through a programme of rigorous training and assessment; 

• Professional development through continuous learning, keeping ACPs updated with the latest practices and standards in the field. 

For patients, safety and quality of care is improved in a number of ways: 

• Credentialed ACPs are typically more knowledgeable and skilled, leading to better diagnosis, treatment, and management of health conditions;  

• Continuous learning and professional growth ensure ACPs stay updated with the latest practices and standards, helping to maintain high levels of competency and patient safety; 

• Skilled professionals can be quickly identified in emergency situations where timely access can significantly impact patient outcomes; 

• Credentialed ACPs are typically better at communicating and coordinating care with other healthcare providers, leading to more comprehensive and integrated patient care. 

The RCEM EM-ACP curriculum provides the framework for ACPs aiming for credential status with RCEM, and defines the capabilities, standards and evidence required of ACPs in emergency medicine. Initially implemented in 2015, a new ACP curriculum was developed in 2017 following completion of the original pilot. 

In September 2022, the ACP curriculum (2017) was revised to align with the new Specialty Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and Key Capabilities (KCs) introduced in the RCEM Curriculum 2021 for doctors in specialty training. The new ACP curriculum (2022) retained its original breadth and standard of practice whilst tailoring the clinical syllabus and programme of assessment to ACPs. 

There are two separate curricula, one for adults and one for children, allowing ACPs to choose the most appropriate pathway based on the emergency department they work in and the patient population they see. ACPs who manage both adult and paediatric patients can opt to credential in both curricula, either at the same time, or one after the other. The RCEM help sheet Selecting a curriculum provides additional guidance to assist practitioners in selecting the right option for them. 

EM-ACP Curriculum (2022) – Second edition (April 2025) 

RCEM EM-ACP Curriculum (Adult)  

RCEM EM-ACP Curriculum (Children)  

In response to feedback from ACPs and supervisors, a revised edition of the RCEM EM-ACP curriculum (2022) was published in April 2025, providing additional guidance and clarification. A detailed summary of the modifications can be found in RCEM Emergency Medicine ACP Curriculum (2022) and Credentialing Regulations – second edition release statement 

Important information (April 2025) 

The College is currently reviewing the ACP credentialing regulations to evaluate their potential impact on ACPs who work less than full-time (LTFT) or need to take an extended period of absence. 

Although it is anticipated that changes will be made to the credentialing regulations once this review has been completed, we have opted to release updated editions of both the curriculum and credentialing regulations now as the additional guidance will benefit those planning to credential in Autumn 2025. 

Further information on this review can be found within the ACP Credentialing Regulations tab below. 

The ACP Credentialing Regulations outline the eligibility criteria, academic standard, evidence requirements, and application and review process for ACPs credentialing in either adults or children. They also provide specific guidance for ACPs aiming to credential in both patient groups, whether at the same time or one after the other. 

It is essential that ACPs, supervisors and local faculty familiarise themselves with, and adhere to, these regulations. 

ACP Credentialing Regulations – Second edition (April 2025) 

ACP Credentialing Regulations  

The second edition of the EM-ACP curriculum (2022) was published in April 2025, providing additional guidance and clarification on a number of areas. The ACP Credentialing Regulations were updated at the same time to reflect the revisions made to the curriculum, and to bring together other guidance published elsewhere on the RCEM website. A detailed summary of the modifications can be found in RCEM Emergency Medicine ACP Curriculum (2022) and Credentialing Regulations – second edition release statement  

Important information (April 2025) 

The College is committed to ensuring the RCEM EM-ACP credential is achievable for all ACPs working in emergency medicine. Recognising that credentialing is likely to be more challenging for ACPs who work less than full-time (LTFT) or need to take an extended period of absence, such as for parental leave (including maternity leave) or ill health, RCEM established a Task and Finish Group in November 2024 to evaluate how current credentialing regulations – such as evidence submission timelines – may inadvertently disadvantage some ACPs. 

In March 2025, ACPs (both members and non-members of RCEM) were surveyed to explore the impact of the current regulations, and to help the College identify potential changes that could be made without impacting the credential’s nationally recognised standard. This feedback will inform recommendations to be presented to the College Council for consideration. 

Although it is anticipated that changes will be made to the credentialing regulations once this review has been completed, we have opted to release updated editions of both the ACP curriculum and credentialing regulations now as the additional guidance will benefit those planning to credential in Autumn 2025. Subsequent editions will include any approved amendments. 

Entry into the credentialing pathway will be defined locally but it is recommended that a suitable entry point would be five years post-registration with a minimum of three years of emergency/acute care experience at enhanced practice level. All trainee ACPs (tACPs) and EM-ACPs must be registered with either the NMC, HCPC or GPC.  

Whilst professional training for nurses and paramedics provide a foundation most likely to support advanced training, other allied health care professionals and pharmacists may also credential against this curriculum on presentation of the required evidence. However, due to the breadth of previous experience, particularly in procedural skills and case mix, these professions may require additional time to credential.  Further information can be found in the RCEM help sheet I am not a nurse or paramedic – can I credential with RCEM? 

Eligibility to submit a credentialing application 

At the time of submission, applicants must: 

• be practising as an ACP in an Emergency Department (adult or children); 

• be on the relevant professional register without limitation on their practice; 

• For submissions up to and including Autumn 2025: have an advanced clinical practice qualification awarded by a UK Higher Education Institution at level 7 (minimum PGDip), covering the RCEM-required learning outcomes; 

• For submissions from Spring 2026 onwards: have a full Master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice awarded by a UK Higher Education Institution covering the RCEM-required learning outcomes; 

• be an independent prescriber;  

• have a minimum of 5 years’ (whole-time equivalent) experience in clinical practice, with a minimum of 3 years (whole-time equivalent) in advanced clinical practice in Emergency Departments (minimum of 4 years for concurrent adult and children’s applications); 

• have the equivalent of 30 hours of clinical contact per week over 3 years (4 years for concurrent adult and children’s applications); 

• be an associate member of RCEM and collect their evidence for credentialing within the RCEM electronic portfolio, risr/advance. 

All ACPs submitting their portfolio of evidence for credentialing up to, and including, the Autumn 2025 application window, must have an advanced clinical practice qualification awarded by a UK Higher Education Institution at level 7 (minimum PGDip). 

From 2026, ACPs will be required to have a full Master’s degree in advanced clinical practice. 

All qualifications must be awarded by a UK Higher Education Institution, and the programme modules must cover history taking and physical assessment, and clinical decision making and diagnostics. The programme may not have modules with these specific titles, but they must meet the learning outcomes specified by the College in appendix 2 of the RCEM help sheet RCEM ACP credentialing – where do I start?  

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their advanced practice qualification meets these requirements. ACPs must demonstrate this by completing the Academic Credentialing Declaration within their RCEM ePortfolio.  

If the ACP has attained a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice that has been accredited by the NHSE Centre for Advancing Practice, completion of the Academic Credentialing Declaration is not required. A list of NHSE accredited programmes can be found on the Centre for Advancing Practice website. 

All ACPs are required to provide evidence of the following life support courses and other mandatory training at the time of submission: 

For ACPs intending to credential for adults and children concurrently, all courses are mandatory. 

If an ACP has been unable to certify, or re-certify, in one or more of the mandatory life support courses, they may still submit providing they have evidence of a place allocated on a course within six months of the date the ACP Credentialing Panel sits.  If an ACP is successful in their credentialing application, the credential will be approved once evidence is received of successful completion of the life support course. 

By the time an ACP Is ready to submit their portfolio of evidence, they must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient experience working as a trainee ACP or ACP in a UK emergency department. For an ACP intending to credential for either adults or children, the minimum requirement is 30 hours of clinical contact per week for three years (whole time equivalent). ACPs intending to credential for both adults and children, either concurrently or sequentially, will require a minimum of 30 hours of clinical contact per week for 4 years (whole time equivalent). 

Demonstrating this minimum time requirement will naturally take longer for ACPs who work less than full time (LTFT), or who need to take an extended period of absence, but will not preclude them from credentialing. ACPs will, however, need to be aware that extended time away or working clinically for less than 30 hours per week, may have an impact on currency of evidence requirements. For evidence that falls outside the stipulated timescales, additional reflection or supporting evidence to demonstrate maintenance or development of skills since the original assessment will be required.  

For further advice, please refer to the RCEM help sheet Demonstrating previous experience. 

All ACPs working towards RCEM EM-ACP credentialing must record their progress and development throughout their training, and collect and present their evidence, using the RCEM electronic portfolio (ePortfolio).  

ePortfolio access is included as part of associate membership of the College. 

Please visit the ePortfolio page for further information. 

ePortfolio System upgrade – July 2024 

As part of a system-wide upgrade to the risr/advance ePortfolio platform, the way that documents are uploaded has changed. As from 02 July 2024, the Document section has been replaced by a Files area and all documents, images, media files, etc. will now need to be uploaded as an ‘event. We have published detailed guidance to assist ACPs on the credentialing pathway with this process. 

Changes to the ePortfolio platform – guidance for ACPs 

Further information on the upgrade can be found on the RCEM ePortfolio page. 

For credentialing, all ACPs must have an ACP Educational Supervisor who is responsible for overseeing their educational progress, planning their training and helping them to achieve the required learning outcomes. ACPs must have an ACP Educational Supervisor assigned to them within the first year of training who is familiar with the curriculum and clinical syllabus, and understands the standard required for credentialing.  

When selecting an ACP Educational Supervisor, ACPs must be confident that they meet the eligibility criteria defined in the ACP Credentialing Regulations. It is essential that the Educational Supervisor successfully completes RCEM ACP Supervisor Training (2022 curriculum) within 12 months of an ACP commencing their portfolio.  

To be eligible, an ACP Educational Supervisor must: 

• be on the Medical Register in the UK with no restrictions to practice 

• be a GMC-recognised trainer 

• have successfully completed RCEM ACP Supervisor Training (2022 curriculum). 

For ACPs credentialing in adults, or adults and children concurrently, the ACP Educational Supervisor must also: 

• be on the GMC specialist register in Emergency Medicine (with or without PEM) and be employed as an EM consultant in a substantive post, OR 

• be an Associate Specialist or Senior Specialty Doctor and be employed in a substantive role in Emergency Medicine. 

For ACPs credentialing in children only, the ACP Educational Supervisor must also: 

• be on the GMC specialist register in Emergency Medicine (with or without PEM) and be employed as an EM or PEM consultant in a substantive post working mainly in a paediatric emergency department, OR 

• be on the GMC specialist register in Paediatrics (with or without PEM) and be employed as a PEM consultant in a substantive post working mainly in a paediatric emergency department, OR 

• be an Associate Specialist or Senior Specialty Doctor and be employed in a substantive role working mainly in a paediatric emergency department. 

ACP Educational Supervisors are recognised by the College upon successful completion of RCEM ACP Supervisor training (2022 curriculum) and are assigned the ACP Educational Supervisor role on risr/advance. 

Only approved ACP Educational Supervisors (with the ePortfolio ACP ES role assigned) can complete the ESR, FEGS, Foundation Skills Sign-off form and the final portfolio sign-off for an ACP credentialing submission.  

For further information on the roles of ACP Educational Supervisor, RCEM Educational Supervisor and RCEM Clinical Supervisor, please refer to the RCEM EM-ACP curriculum and credentialing regulations. For advice on how other members of the ED team, such as resident doctors and experienced ACPs, can support an ACP on their credentialing journey, please refer to the RCEM help sheet I have trainee ACPs in my department – how can I get involved in their training? 

ACPs are no longer able to credential on the 2017 EM-ACP curriculum, and the majority of ACPs who commenced the credentialing pathway prior to September 2022 have now been migrated to the 2022 curriculum. ACPs who have not yet been migrated should email ePortfolio@rcem.ac.uk.  

ACPs who credentialed on the 2017 curriculum and wish to maintain an RCEM ePortfolio should also request to transition to the 2022 curriculum, as should ACPs who have been using the ePortfolio platform for other reasons, such as continuing professional development. All evidence collected against the old curriculum will still be accessible once migration has been completed.  

ACPs who transitioned to the 2022 curriculum after the final credentialing opportunity in Autumn 2024 should meet with their Educational Supervisor as soon as possible to identify existing evidence that will remain valid for the new curriculum and that which will need to be completed post-transition. We have published detailed transition guidance to assist ACPs and supervisors with this process. 

2022 ACP Curriculum Transition Guidance 

If an ACP has already transitioned to the 2022 ACP curriculum without an STR and/or FEGS having been completed for the year prior to transition, the Educational Supervisor will need to complete these reports using the templates provided below (2017 curriculum forms will no longer be accessible). These should be saved as a PDF file and uploaded to the ePortfolio. 

Structured Training Report (2017 curriculum) 

Faculty Educational Governance Statement (2017 curriculum) 

The College has produced a series of help sheets providing additional advice and guidance for ACPs and supervisors. These should be read in conjunction with the ACP curriculum and credentialing regulations. Patient numbers and case mix summary table templates can also be downloaded below.  

• RCEM ACP Credentialing – where do I start (January 2025)
• Overview of the curriculum (April 2023)
• Selecting a curriculum (updated January 2025)
• The clinical syllabus: coverage, evidence and linking to SLOs (updated January 2025)
• Demonstrating previous experience – CV, training advice and academic programme (July 2023)
• I am not a nurse or paramedic – can I credential with RCEM? (updated January 2025)
• Entrustment levels (updated January 2025)
• How to sign-off procedural skills (SLO6) (updated January 2025)
• ESLEs and ACATs (updated January 2025)
• Patient contacts and how best to use every contact (December 2023)
• Use of non-clinical time – evidencing the supporting SLOs (July 2023)
• Other evidence (December 2023)
• Linking and de-linking (April 2023)
• Mapping evidence to the adult curriculum and clinical syllabus (January 2025)
• Educational meetings (updated January 2025)
• Utility of the FEGS and ESR (July 2023)
• Extending credentialing to adults or children from a 2017 curriculum base credential (March 2025)
• I have trainee ACPs in my department – how can I get involved in their training? (updated January 2025)
• Preparing to submit – advice for ACPs and Educational Supervisors (includes checklists for mandated evidence) (updated January 2025)
• Patient numbers and case mix summary table template – adults (January 2025)
• Patient numbers and case mix summary table template – children (January 2025)
• ACP and Educational Supervisor Sign-off (December 2023)
• ACP credentialing screening criteria (January 2025)
• March 2024: ePortfolio linking issue affecting RP3 and RP4 (adult clinical syllabus and children clinical syllabus)
• March 2024: ePortfolio linking issue affecting oncological emergencies, pain and sedation, sexual health, vascular and other clinical presentations within the combined adult and children clinical syllabus

RCEMLearning  

RCEMLearning is the College’s e-learning platform, dedicated to offering top-tier resources to its members and the wider global community. 

RCEM members have unrestricted access to a vast library of evidence-based educational materials, including blogs, podcasts, clinical case studies and interactive modules covering a wide range of topics in Emergency Medicine, with all content curated by leading experts in the field. 

The RCEMLearning platform allows users to search for material relevant to each clinical and non-clinical SLO and area of the clinical syllabus making it an invaluable tool for credentialing.  

For more information, please visit the RCEMLearning website. 

EM Leaders Programme 

The EM Leaders programme consists of nine online modules focusing on developing the leadership skills of those working within the Emergency Department, including ACPs. These modules have been created by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and Health Education England, with technical and design support from eLearning for Healthcare (elfh), and are based on the EM Leaders Framework. These modules are accessible via the elfh website and cover topics such as shop floor team working and communication, conflict management, managing change and quality improvement.  

Although not mandatory for credentialing, these modules may help evidence some of the non-clinical SLOs.  

For more information, please visit the EM Leaders page of the RCEM website. 

elearning for Healthcare (elfh) 

elearning for Healthcare (elfh) is an NHS England online platform which provides elearning programmes to educate and train the heath and care workforce. All content is nationally quality assured. 

The e-learning programmes are developed and delivered in partnership with professional bodies, including Royal Colleges and associations, NHS organisations, charities and other health and care organisations.  

For more information, please visit the elfh website. 

NHS Learning Hub 

The Learning Hub provides easy access to a wide range of educational resources, elearning, specialist health and care content and more, which has been developed or shared by professional organisations such as the Royal Colleges, universities and other health and care organisations. 

For more information, please visit the NHS Learning Hub website. 

RCEM Training Team 

If you have a query regarding the EM-ACP curriculum or credentialing pathway, please email ACP@rcem.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0) 20 7400 6101. Our Training Officers are available to offer advice and support on all aspects of the curriculum, credentialing requirements and application process. 

Virtual Dop-ins

RCEM holds monthly virtual drop-in sessions for ACPs on the credentialing pathway. These sessions provide an opportunity for ACPs to ask questions about the ACP curriculum and credentialing, including the mandated evidence required, evidencing the KCs and clinical syllabus, workplace-based assessment, foundation skills sign-off, reflection, and curating the portfolio for submission (where to link evidence, maximum items of evidence permitted, supervisor sign-off process, etc.). ACPs who have transitioned from the 2017 curriculum may also have questions about evidence that may still be used for the 2022 curriculum, and where. ACPs may drop-in at any time during the sessions and either leave once their question has been answered, or stay and listen to other ACPs’ queries. 

Please note that we are unable to comment on, or review, individual portfolios or specific pieces of evidence. 

Dates and Zoom joining instructions for the sessions can be found below: 

Wednesday 11 June, 15:00 – 16:00 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83569309424?pwd=gJbdkaxu5xX2usnsdqvahufvfUvgzu.1 

Meeting ID: 835 6930 9424 

Passcode: 993643 

Friday 18 July, 11:00 – 12:00 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82581071937?pwd=dyWevUEADOpaKz93I6wXsyQJQxJ1rn.1 

Meeting ID: 825 8107 1937 

Passcode: 449897 

Tuesday 12 August, 15:00 – 16:00 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89854077069?pwd=PzxgeZd9VHtiKcKsW3Shre0B34VgC8.1 

Meeting ID: 898 5407 7069 

Passcode: 616827 

For further information on these sessions, please email ACP@rcem.ac.uk 

ACP Forum 

The ACP Forum represents ACPs and trainee ACPs (tACPs) within the College with the aim of helping to shape the development of Emergency Medicine as a specialty, improve the training experience, and promote sustainable careers for ACPs both pre- and post-credentialing.  

If you would find it helpful to speak with a member of the Forum, details of your regional representative can be found here.  

There are two credentialing opportunities each year (Spring and Autumn) and within each are two separate application windows, one for ACPs submitting a new application or full resubmission, and a later one for ACPs who submitted within the previous credentialing opportunity and received a ‘limited resubmission’ outcome. The later window gives ACPs a longer period of time to collect the additional evidence required. 

2025 Credentialing Application Windows 

Application Fees 

By the closing date of the application window in which they are submitting, ACPs must be confident that they will have sufficient evidence uploaded to their ePortfolio that demonstrates achievement of each SLO/KC to the required entrustment level, and coverage of the entire clinical syllabus. Any evidence submitted after this date will not be considered except in exceptional circumstances and at the sole discretion of the Chair of the ACP Credentialing Panel. 

To submit a credentialing application, ACPs are required to complete an online registration form.  A link to the form will appear on this page once the application window opens.  

Please note: following submission of the online registration form and payment of the application fee, ACPs may continue to upload evidence to their portfolio until the application window closes. 

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please email ACP@rcem.ac.uk. 

All portfolios must be signed-off by an ACP Educational Supervisor who meets the eligibility criteria stipulated in the credentialing regulations. It is recommended that this is completed at least two weeks before the application window opens. This gives time for last-minute items to be completed and refinements made. 

 The College has provided information and guidance to help ACPs and ACP Educational Supervisors with the application and portfolio sign-off process. 

• Preparing to submit – advice for ACPs and Educational Supervisors (includes checklist for mandatory evidence) 

• ACP and Educational Supervisor Sign-off (summary table outlining the sign-off requirements for the curriculum and clinical syllabus) 

All ACPs must provide an annual breakdown of their patient numbers and case mix using the summary table templates below.  

• Patient numbers and case mix summary table template – adults 

• Patient numbers and case mix summary table template – children 

 Please note: in addition to this summary table, an anonymised list of patients must be provided showing each patient’s age and gender, presenting complaint and diagnosis, the area of the ED in which they were treated, and whether they were admitted, discharged or referred to an inpatient specialty. The data should also indicate where the ACP has been the primary clinician or took handover of care.  

The College recognises that electronic recording systems, and the data they capture, will vary between Trusts. If you are unable to provide some of the required information, please email ACP@rcem.ac.uk for advice.  

Due to the high number of portfolios to be reviewed by the ACP Credentialing Panel during each credentialing opportunity, all portfolios are screened upon submission. This process, undertaken by College officers, is designed to identify portfolios where there is missing mandatory evidence. The criteria by which each portfolio is screened can be found below. 

EM-ACP Credentialing Screening Criteria (2022 Curriculum) 

In most instances where there is a small amount of missing or incorrect evidence, such as a missing academic transcript or an expired life support certificate, ACPs will be given a short period of time to upload the correct evidence. However, a significant amount of missing evidence could result in the portfolio being rejected, the application fee refunded (a small administrative charge will be retained), and no further evaluation being undertaken. This decision will be taken by the Chair of the ACP Credentialing Panel. The ACP will be required to resubmit within a future credentialing window against the curriculum and regulations valid at that time (full fee applicable). 

There are four possible outcomes that may be awarded by the ACP Credentialing Panel: 

• Credential: the Panel confirms that the ACP has provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that they are practising at the required standard across the breadth of the EM-ACP curriculum and clinical syllabus. The credential will specify adults, children, or adults and children

• Immediate resubmission: the Panel believes that evidence exists within the portfolio to demonstrate that the ACP is practising at the required standard across the breadth of the EM-ACP curriculum and clinical syllabus, but some additional clarification of the evidence is required. 

Applicants will be given three weeks from the date the outcome is awarded to provide this clarification. Providing the Panel are satisfied with this evidence, the credential will be awarded. Please note that if any new evidence is required, an immediate resubmission outcome cannot be awarded. 

• Limited resubmission: the submission is unsuccessful, but the Panel believes that the additional evidence required for the ACP to demonstrate they have met the required standard should be achievable by the next credentialing window. A limited resubmission outcome is likely to be awarded when up to 8 elements of new evidence is required. Applicants will receive feedback on the specific evidence to be presented; only this additional evidence will be reviewed upon resubmission.  

Applicants will be permitted to submit the additional evidence within the next application window for a reduced fee. An outcome will be awarded following review of the new evidence. 

If the applicant is unable to present the additional evidence at the next Panel, the ACP will be required to submit within a subsequent application window; this will be considered a new application (full resubmission) and the full portfolio of evidence will be reviewed against the curriculum and regulations valid at that time. The full fee will become applicable. 

• Unsuccessful: the Panel is in agreement that the ACP has failed to demonstrate that they have met the required standard. Either multiple elements of evidence are missing, or the standard of evidence or performance is not appropriate; a full resubmission will be required. 

 In most cases this will normally be expected to take a minimum of one year. Therefore, currency of evidence will need to be reviewed. Full resubmission in less than a year may be possible, but applicants should consult their ACP Educational Supervisor and carefully consider the work required. 

A full resubmission will always require an additional Faculty Educational Governance Statement (FEGS) and Educational Supervisor Report (ESR) for each year of work since the original submission, and the full fee will be applicable. 

All EM-ACPs who submit evidence for credentialing have the right to appeal an ‘unsuccessful’ or ‘limited resubmission’ outcome, providing that either one, or both, of the grounds for appeal, as described below, are met: 

• There is evidence of a procedural irregularity (including administrative error); 

• There were exceptional circumstances that adversely affected the EM-ACP’s submission. 

Appeals will not be granted on the grounds that an EM-ACP: 

• was not aware of, or did not understand, the regulations; 

• considers that their efforts were mis-represented; 

• seeks to question the academic or professional judgement of the ACP Credentialing Panel. 

For further information on the appeals process and how to submit an appeal, please refer to the RCEM Emergency Medicine Advanced Clinical Practitioner (EM-ACP) Credentialing Appeals Procedure.