1. Who can apply for specialist accreditation?
The applicant must be a medical practitioner currently registered (either full registration or conditional registration) with the Singapore Medical Council. Otherwise, he should apply concurrently to the Singapore Medical Council for registration as a medical practitioner.
The applicant must have obtained a relevant recognised basic specialist qualification and an exit specialist qualification or equivalent.
The applicant must have completed an approved specialist training programme in Singapore or overseas.
2. Must I complete advanced specialist training before I apply for specialist accreditation?
The applicant must have completed an approved specialist training programme in Singapore or overseas. Specialist training programmes conducted overseas will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Refer to Criteria for Specialist Accreditation for more information.
3. Must I be FAMS certified before I apply for specialist accreditation?
No, FAMS (Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore) certification is not a pre-requisite for specialist accreditation.
4. Can I apply for specialist accreditation just before sitting for the exit interview?
Local trainees are required to complete all requisite postings and pass their exit interview. Such applicants will obtain a letter from the Joint Committee on Specialist Training certifying they have completed their advanced training before applying for specialist accreditation. The certified true copy of the certification letter together with other required supporting documents must accompany the application to the Specialists Accreditation Board.
5. What happens if an applicant applies for specialist accreditation but he does not meet the criteria?
Trainees are advised not to apply for specialist accreditation if they do not meet any of the specified requirements. Applicants who do not meet specified criteria will not be successful in the application.
6. Can I apply and go for my HMDP training after I have sat for my exit interview?
If an applicant wishes to be registered as a specialist for the period during his HMDP, he should ensure that all required documents are submitted to the Specialists Accreditation Board together with his application form before he leaves for HMDP.
7. How long does it take the Specialists Accreditation Board to approve an application?
If the applicant has completed an approved specialist training programme in Singapore, the process takes about 2-3 weeks, upon receipt of the complete set of supporting documents. Application from foreign-trained specialists may take longer if they are not straightforward applications (about 1 month for straightforward applications).
8. Can I be designated as a specialist after I have been accredited by the Specialists Accreditation Board?
Medical practitioners who are accredited by the Specialists Accreditation Board need to apply for registration in the Registry of Specialists, maintained by the Singapore Medical Council, before they can be designated as specialists. The Singapore Medical Council charges SGD$500 for specialist registration. Please approach the Singapore Medical Council if you require more information.
9. What are the charges for application for specialist accreditation/registration?
Currently only a one-time payment of SGD$500 is payable to the Singapore Medical Council for registration as a specialist. Please approach the Singapore Medical Council if you require more information. Please email SAB@spb.gov.sg if you have any queries.
10. Will my accreditation be backdated to the date of completion of my specialist training?
There will be no backdating of accreditation dates with effect from 15 April 2011 for all applicants (local/foreign trained). The date of accreditation will correspond to the date that the application is approved for accreditation. To avoid undue delays, you should submit your application for specialist accreditation with all the necessary supporting documents to the SAB as soon as you receive the letter for completion of training from the JCST (for local trained doctors).
11. What is “Secretariat of healthcare Professional Board”?
With effect from 1 Jan 2020, the Specialists Accreditation Board (SAB) is supported by the Secretariat of healthcare Professional Boards (SPB) for its secretariat and operational functions. The registration and regulation of specialists continue to be governed by Singapore Medical Council. The Singapore Medical Council retains autonomy and independence over professional and statutory matters, as provided for under the Medical Registration Act.