LTFT (Less Than Full Time) training allows you to train at 50-80% of full-time hours while meeting the same competency standards. It is not a reduced-quality pathway — it is the same training at a sustainable pace.
Eligibility Categories
Category 1. Caring responsibilities (children, dependent relatives), disability, ill health. The most commonly used category. Evidence typically required: childcare arrangements, medical documentation, or carer responsibilities. Category 2. Unique opportunities — elite sport, significant non-medical professional development. Rare. Category 3. Personal choice. This is a newer category — it allows LTFT without needing a specific qualifying reason. Not yet universally available across all deaneries, but expanding. Check with your TPD for local availability.
Application Process
Apply through your TPD and HEE local office. Typically request 3-6 months before planned start. You agree on a percentage (most commonly 60%, 70%, or 80%) and a working pattern. Your training programme structures rotations to accommodate the reduced hours.
Impact on CCT Date
Pro-rata extension — this is the most commonly misunderstood aspect of LTFT. Training at 60% does not double your CCT date. It extends remaining training time by approximately 40% (the proportion of time not worked). A 3-year programme at 60% LTFT takes approximately 5 years (3 years ÷ 0.6). At 80% LTFT, a 3-year programme takes approximately 3 years 9 months.
Impact on Pay and Pension
Salary is pro-rata. If you work 60% of full-time, you receive 60% of the salary. Pension contributions are also pro-rata — but you can choose to "top up" contributions to maintain full-time equivalent pensionable service. Discuss this with your medical staffing department and financial adviser. Study budget and study leave are typically pro-rata.
Same Standards
Same competency requirements. Same ARCP assessment criteria. Same exam requirements. Same portfolio evidence expectations. The training is identical in quality — you simply have more time to achieve the same competencies. This is a significant advantage for complex competencies that benefit from consolidation time.
Common Concerns
Career stigma: rapidly diminishing. Most consultant appointment panels do not penalise LTFT training. Competitiveness for posts: no evidence that LTFT negatively affects consultant appointment outcomes. Returning to full-time: possible at any point with TPD agreement and appropriate notice.