What is the Cosmetic Surgery Certification Scheme?
The Intercollegiate Cosmetic Surgery Certification Scheme is supported by a process that aims to provide accreditation of competences (including professional behaviours, clinical skills, knowledge and experience) in defined areas of cosmetic surgery.
It was initially developed by the Royal College of Surgeons of England through a Cosmetic Surgery Interspecialty Committee comprising a wide range of stakeholders including representatives of the surgical colleges in the UK and Ireland, the relevant Surgical Specialty Associations (SSAs), patients, providers and regulators. Its role was to respond to the review into the regulation of cosmetic interventions in 2013, led by the Department of Health, which recommended a more robust regulatory framework that provides protection against the potential risks from cosmetic procedures. The certification process is an important step in this direction by recognising those surgeons who have the appropriate training, qualifications and experience in the area of cosmetic surgery in which they practise, by supporting patient choice and by promoting confidence in the quality of training and practice in cosmetic surgery.
Who can apply for certification?
Certification is open to all surgeons who are on the GMC specialist register or who are registered with the Irish Medical Council in a surgical specialty that provides training and experience related to the area of cosmetic surgery in which they practise.
What is the application process?
There are x2 application routes:
Traditional Route: https://www.certify-cosmeticsurgery.org.uk/eligibility-for-certification
Established Practitioner Route: https://www.certify-cosmeticsurgery.org.uk/established-practitioner-route-info
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for the established practitioner route which includes:
- 3+yrs in cosmetic practice, in the private sector (post CCT).
- Applicants must be on the GMC Specialist register, under the relevant specialty.
- Full membership of a relevant UK professional association.
Over 200+ surgeons have certified, but why?
Being a certified surgeon, means being part of the ‘Cosmetic Surgery Certification’ community, that:
- Shows commitment to best practice.
- Help patients choose the right surgeon.
- Helps make aesthetic surgery safer.
- Future proofs their practice.
- Appears on the public register of certified surgeons.
- Demonstrates expertise as a cosmetic surgeon.
- Meets the professional standards for providing cosmetic surgery to the face or body appropriate to their specialty.
Maintaining certification
Applicants will have to apply for re-certification every five years. The date of the first renewal will be set at the point of successful certification. Applicants will not have to repeat the original certification process or re-submit the same portfolio of evidence to maintain certification.
Application fees and costs
- Application fee for certification – £650 (for both routes).
- ‘Professional Behaviours in Aesthetic Surgery’ (PBAS) course is mandatory, for all applicants – £475.
- Re-certification – £250 (takes place every 5yrs from the date of original certification).
