Confirmation of Stage 2 Equivalence Certificate guidance

Background

The ‘Confirmation of Stage 2 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 2 domains of learning and have passed the Final FRCA examination.

This certificate can be used to support those working towards practising as a Specialist Doctor or can also be used to accelerate training once an ST4 post has been secured. 

Certificate Policy

Doctors in this category cannot be awarded the full Stage 2 Certificate, as this is reserved for doctors who have completed all Stage 2 requirements within UK substantive higher training posts.

Instead, if an individual:

• Has demonstrated achievement of all Stage 2 domains of learning, and
• Has successfully passed the Final FRCA,

then a Regional Adviser Anaesthesia (RAA) or Deputy Regional Adviser Anaesthesia (DRA) may issue the ‘Confirmation of Stage 2 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 2 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 2 of the 2021 Anaesthetics curriculum:

• Signed confirmation of achievement of Stage 2 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.

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.