What Is a GP Registrar?

What Is a GP Registrar?

A GP Registrar is a fully qualified doctor who is completing their specialty training in General Practice. GP Registrars are often referred to as GPST1, GPST2, or GPST3, depending on their year of training.

They are not medical students, and they are not yet fully qualified independent GPs. Instead, they are in the final stage of training required to become a GP in the UK.

Once they successfully complete training, they receive their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) and are added to the GP Register, allowing them to work independently as a GP.

What Does a GP Registrar Do?

GP Registrars work in a combination of GP practices and hospital placements throughout their training. Their responsibilities increase each year as they gain experience.

Typical duties include:

• Seeing patients in GP surgeries
• Diagnosing and managing common medical conditions
• Prescribing medication under supervision
• Making referrals to secondary care
• Managing long-term conditions
• Carrying out health checks and reviews
• Participating in on-call and out-of-hours work (depending on placement)

Although they work independently with patients, GP Registrars are supervised by a GP Trainer and have protected time for learning, assessments, and exams.

GP Registrar Salary

GP Registrar salaries are set nationally by the NHS and depend on:

• Year of training (ST1–ST3)
• Whether the role is hospital-based or practice-based
• Additional supplements such as out-of-hours work

On average:

• ST1–ST2: £40,000–£45,000 per year
• ST3: £45,000–£50,000+ per year

Additional earnings may come from:

• Out-of-hours shifts
• London weighting
•  Unsocial hours supplements

GP Registrar Career Path

The typical career pathway looks like this:

1. Medical Degree (MBBS/MBChB)
2. Foundation Training (FY1–FY2)
3. GP Specialty Training (ST1–ST3) → *GP Registrar*
4. CCT Awarded
5. Added to the GP Register
6. Work as a fully qualified GP

After qualifying, GPs can choose a variety of career options depending on lifestyle, income goals, and clinical interests.

GP Registrar vs GP Register (Common Confusion)

These two terms are often mixed up, but they mean very different things.

GP Registrar

• A job role
• A doctor still in GP training
• Cannot work as an independent GP

GP Register

• Not a job
• An official list held by the GMC
• Confirms a doctor is fully qualified to work as a GP

A GP Registrar aims to get onto the GP Register once training is complete.

Other Types of GPs

Once doctors qualify and are on the GP Register, they can work in several different roles:

Locum GP

• Works on a temporary or flexible basis
• Often higher day rates
• Greater control over working hours

Salaried GP

• Employed by a GP practice
• Fixed salary and contracted hours
• Less responsibility for business management

GP Partner

• Owns a share of the GP practice
• Involved in management and finances
• Higher earning potential, but more responsibility

Portfolio GP

• Combines clinical GP work with other interests
• Examples include teaching, aesthetics, leadership, or specialist clinics

Final Thoughts

A GP Registrar is a vital part of the primary care workforce, gaining hands-on experience while training to become a fully qualified GP. Understanding the difference between GP Registrar and GP Register helps avoid confusion for practices, recruiters, and candidates alike.

Whether you’re hiring, recruiting, or exploring a career in General Practice, knowing these distinctions is essential.