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The UK medical microbiology training pathway.

From foundation to CCT under the 2021 infection curriculum: each stage, how long it takes, how you are assessed, and when FRCPath Part 1 and Part 2 fit in.

The stages

Foundation to CCT, step by step.

Indicative full-time lengths for a single Medical Microbiology CCT. Less-than-full-time training and dual CCTs take longer.

  1. 01 · 2 yearsFoundationFY1 and FY2 — general clinical training after medical school.
  2. 02 · 2 yearsInternal Medicine Stage 1The first two years of IMT (or three of ACCS-Internal Medicine), plus the full MRCP(UK) diploma.
  3. 03 · 2 years · ST3–4Combined Infection TrainingShared by all infection specialties — laboratory and clinical infection. FRCPath Part 1 is through the CICE.
  4. 04 · 2 years · ST5–6Higher Infection TrainingMedical Microbiology-specific training towards consultant practice. FRCPath Part 2 is required.
  5. 05 · CompletionCCTCertificate of Completion of Training and entry to the GMC specialist register.

Higher Infection Training length by CCT

Medical Microbiology (single)2 years
Medical Virology (single)2 years
Infectious Diseases + Medical Microbiology or Virology3 years
Tropical Medicine + Medical Microbiology or Virology4 years
After two years of Combined Infection Training. Source: RCPath rough guide to the 2021 infection curricula.

Your ePortfolio

Medical Microbiology and Medical Virology trainees record their training in the JRCPTB ePortfolio — supervised learning events, CiP self-assessments, MSF and supervisor reports. RCPath’s LEPT system is used by other pathology specialties.

Progress is reviewed at your ARCP each year against the curriculum’s ARCP decision aid.

Not in UK training? Read the IMG FRCPath roadmap →
Entry to ST3

Getting into Combined Infection Training.

Key criteria from the 2026 national person specification. Check the full specification before you apply.

  • MRCP(UK)Part 1 when you apply, and the full diploma by the offer date (or an accepted alternative).
  • Core medical trainingYear 2 of IMT Stage 1 completed by the start date — or ACCS-IM, Broad Based Training (medicine) or an accepted equivalent.
  • GMC registrationFull registration when you apply, and a licence to practise when the post starts.
  • Trained outside UK IMT?The JRCPTB “Alternative Certificate to Enter Group 2 Higher Physician Specialty Training” can evidence the same capabilities.
FRCPath in training

When the exams fit in.

  1. CIT year 1 · ST3Laboratory and clinical foundationsBench and clinical liaison work, first supervised learning events. Start Part 1 revision early.
  2. End of CIT · ST4CICE = FRCPath Part 1Usually taken after 18–24 months of CIT — first attempt towards the end of CIT year 2 or early in HIT. Required for every infection trainee.
  3. HIT · from ST5FRCPath Part 2Required for Medical Microbiology and Virology CCTs. RCPath recommends at least 3 years of specialty training first — from the end of HIT year 1.
  4. HIT year 2 · ST6Towards consultant practiceSpecialist interests, leadership and final ARCP. Both FRCPath parts must be passed before CCT.
The curriculum

Capabilities in Practice.

The 2021 curriculum is built on CiPs — the professional tasks you must be trusted to do by CCT.

  1. 1Function successfully within NHS organisational and management systems
  2. 2Deal with ethical and legal issues related to clinical practice
  3. 3Communicate effectively and share decision making
  4. 4Focus on patient safety and deliver effective quality improvement
  5. 5Carry out research and manage data appropriately
  6. 6Act as a clinical teacher and clinical supervisor
  1. 1Provide clinical leadership and support to the laboratory
  2. 2Use the laboratory service effectively to investigate, diagnose and manage infection
  3. 3Advise on infection prevention, control and immunisation
  4. 4Manage and advise on clinical syndromes where infection is in the differential diagnosis
  5. 5Lead and advise on antimicrobial treatment and stewardship
  6. 6Provide continuity of care to inpatients and outpatients with suspected or proven infection
  7. 7Manage and advise on imported infections

An eighth specialty CiP — equitable, high-quality care in resource-poor settings — applies to Tropical Medicine only.

CIT FOCUS · ST3–4
Basic biology of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasitesLaboratory practicePublic healthInfection prevention and controlImportant clinical syndromes
HIT FOCUS · ST5–6
Advanced scientific basis of infectionLaboratory leadership and qualityComplex syndromesImmunocompromised patientsAntimicrobial management and stewardship
Assessment

How you are assessed.

Supervised learning events
ACAT
Acute care
CbD
Case-based discussion
Mini-CEX
Clinical evaluation
Workplace-based assessments
DOPS
Observed procedures
ECE
Evaluation of clinical events
TO
Teaching observation
QIPAT
Quality improvement
OPCAT
Outpatient care
Feedback
MSF
Multi-source feedback
MCR
Multiple consultant report
Entrustment

From observing to independent.

Each specialty CiP is rated on four supervision levels, rising through training.

  1. Level 1Observe only
  2. Level 2Act with direct supervision
  3. Level 3Act with indirect supervision
  4. Level 4Act unsupervised
To reach CCT
  • Satisfactory ARCP outcomes every year
  • The required assessments, per the ARCP decision aid
  • The expected CiP levels for your stage
  • FRCPath Part 1 (CICE) and Part 2 passed
FAQ

Training, answered.

How long is medical microbiology training in the UK?

After the two foundation years and two years of Internal Medicine Stage 1, a single Medical Microbiology CCT takes about four years full time: two years of Combined Infection Training and two of Higher Infection Training. Dual CCTs with Infectious Diseases or Tropical Medicine take one or two years longer.

Is the CICE the same as FRCPath Part 1?

For UK infection trainees, yes — the Combined Infection Certificate Examination is the Part 1 route. It is usually taken after 18–24 months of Combined Infection Training.

When should I sit FRCPath Part 2?

During Higher Infection Training. RCPath recommends at least three years of specialty training before attempting Part 2, which for most trainees means from the end of HIT year 1. Both parts must be passed before CCT.

Do I need MRCP(UK) for microbiology?

Yes, for entry to Combined Infection Training at ST3: the 2026 person specification asks for MRCP(UK) Part 1 when you apply and the full diploma by the offer date, or an accepted alternative.

Which ePortfolio do microbiology trainees use?

The JRCPTB ePortfolio. RCPath states that Medical Microbiology and Medical Virology trainees are required to use it; LEPT is used by other pathology specialties.

How can FRCPath Prep help during training?

Part 1 Premium covers the CICE years with the 5,300+ MCQ bank; Part 2 Premium covers Higher Infection Training with OSPE, Complex Case, SAQ and Viva banks of 1,000+ each. Both include training modules, timed mocks, WhatsApp expert access and the discussion group.

Pass both parts on schedule.

Start 24+ weeks before each sitting and you can complete every bank around a full rota. Part 1 Premium £1,999 a year · Part 2 Premium £2,999 a year.

Training rules change. Always confirm with your deanery, RCPath and JRCPTB. FRCPath Prep is independent and not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the Royal College of Pathologists, JRCPTB or the NHS. Sources: RCPath — Rough guide to the infection specialties curricula (2021) · RCPath — LEPT and ePortfolio · NHS England — CIT ST3 person specification 2026 · RCPath — Examinations regulations 2026 · RCPath — Fees for examinations 2026
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