27 May 2025
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) has refined its definition of full-time Emergency Medicine training as 40 hours per week, following feedback regarding a lack of equity between those working full-time and those working less than full-time. This position statement, initially proposed by the Emergency Medicine Training Association (EMTA) and developed by the RCEM Training Standards Committee (TSC) aims to ensure transparency and consistency in how training time is calculated across all resident doctors training in Emergency Medicine. The baseline standard of 40 hours per week will apply uniformly across the UK, eliminating ambiguity and promoting fairness.
We anticipate that some doctors working more than 40 hours per week may enquire whether working additional hours could allow them to shorten their CCT date. The length of training is determined by a combination of time, experience, and evidence of progress, rather than hours worked alone. This statement should be considered alongside RCEM’s position on Bringing Forward CCT and guidance that outlines the principles for accelerated progression. Exceptional performance, documented through portfolio evidence and ARCP outcomes, is required for any adjustment to the CCT date.
It is worth considering the example of a resident doctor who has worked 48 hours per week consistently for 30 months of higher training. In this case the additional hours would account for six months of training time. This is the maximum reduction in HST permitted in the “bringing forward CCT” guidance.
Working beyond 40 hours per week will not automatically lead to a reduction in training time. Any request to bring forward CCT will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with reference to the criteria outlined in the Bringing Forward CCT guidance.
If you have any further questions, please refer to the detailed guidance or contact the RCEM Training team – via training@rcem.ac.uk
