From 16 November 2009, all doctors require a license to practise in the UK. Revalidation encompasses relicensing and recertification. This article focuses on recertification for gastroenterologists. Revalidation should not be viewed as a threat, and for the vast majority of doctors it should be straightforward, with the aim of demonstrating safe doctors, while keeping to a minimum time spent on exhaustive data collection. Specialty specific standards for physician medicine are ready to be endorsed by the General Medical Council and the first revalidations will be introduced around 2011. Subspecialty specific standards for gastroenterology are under evaluation and in the early stages of consultation.