How to Join the UK Medical Register - A Guide to GMC Registration
All doctors who want to work within the NHS will need to hold GMC registration with a full license to practice.
There are four types of registration routes:
Provisional Registration
Full Registration
Specialist Registration
GP registration
Specialist and GP registration can ONLY be applied after you have completed the respective training in an approved training post.
You can check which route you are eligible for here.
What You need to know before applying:
1: Recognised Medical Qualifications
To be an eligible applicant for the GMC you will need to have passed all relevant examinations of an ‘acceptable overseas medical qualification’. A list of these acceptable primary medical degrees can be found here.
2. English Language
You must have relevant knowledge of the English language to be able to safely practice medicine in the UK. Evidence of this can be obtained by taking the IELTS or OET exam. If you have already taken one of theses exams it must be dated within two years of your application for GMC registration.
3. Evidence of Knowledge and Skills
The GMC require proof of your knowledge and skills to demonstrate that you can safely practice in the UK. This can be achieved in 3 ways:
Taking a PLAB exam, this is aimed at newly qualified Junior Doctors. The PLAB exam is an English language test that focuses on English in a medical setting. More information can be found here.
Complete an approved GMC post-graduate qualification. A list of UK and International qualifications that are accepted by GMC can be found here.
MTI Scheme – This involves gaining sponsorship through an NHS hospital. More information can be found here.
4. Gathering Documentation
Some documents required as evidence when applying for GMC registration includes:
Proof of your Primary Qualification.
Certificate of Experience.
Certificate of good standing – this is the registration or license for all medical authorities you have practiced under within the last 5 years.
Proof of Identity (Passport, National Identity card etc.).
Employer references (including translations if not in English).
Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials also known as EPIC verification Certificate.
The exact requirements are different for every type of registration application. You can check which route to registration type of application you are eligible for here.
5. Complete Application
Start your online application here.
Provide the required documentation within 28 days of it being requested.
Pay fee amount relevant to your application type.
Once your documentation has been assessed you will be invited to attend an identity check or may be required to submit additional documentation.
You will receive a decision on whether your registration has been granted or not and can then accept or appeal the decision.
References:
Gmc-uk.org. 2021. Before you apply. [online] Available at: <https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/before-you-apply> [Accessed 12 July 2021].