As an overseas doctor, preparing for your royal college or PLAB exams can be a daunting prospect and requires a huge amount of learning. IMGs have told us that the top tips below helped them improve their scores on their journey to exam success.
1. Find a study group or partner
For a lot of people, studying with others is both motivational and more sustainable.
Whether to share exam tips, test each other or just be there for a bit of emotional support – the benefits are endless. Oh, and it’s free!
2. Join an online community
By joining online communities of doctors in similar positions, you will surround yourself with people in the same position, revising the same topics and preparing for the same exams. Just like having a study group or partner, this can offer you a huge support network and won’t cost you a penny!
3. Use the internet to its full potential
There are lots of very useful content, for all exams, available online & free of charge. Whether you’re taking an English Language test or a postgraduate exam, someone will have created an online resource for you. From podcasts and YouTube videos, to reading materials, curriculums & study guides - make sure you are using the internet to its full potential!
Ask your study groups, partner or online community which resources have worked well for them.
4. Use the GMC and your Royal College to their full potential
Similarly, the GMC or your Royal College will usually have lots of useful links and documents to help you prepare. Have a look online and use all of them where you can, we have tried to highlight them throughout our blogs to help you make a start.
5. Courses & Study Books
Whilst you don’t necessarily have to pay for courses and books to aid your studies – most IMGs have found substantial benefits in using them. Do your research and ask those around you what has worked well for them.
6. Don’t burn out
Avoid leaving everything to the last minute and make sure you stay healthy and sleep properly during your preparations. Whilst these exams are of course very important, don’t burn yourself out at the cost of good rest. You might consider yourself a night owl but your productivity will plummet without a good night’s sleep.
7. Plan your studies & staying ahead
Take the time to get to know your syllabus as early as possible and use it as a road map for your study plan.
Once you have your plan, stay on top it and try and get ahead – you don’t want to be cramming revision in at the last minute at the cost of your day-to-day life.
Join our IMG Community, if you haven’t already done so
The IMG Community is an open group that provides an informed & regulated platform for any doctor to ask questions and share their experiences. The focus of our business is to help doctors find work and relocate to the UK, and IMG Connect proves to be an effective way of managing this process for you.
From answering any questions on your:
exams
registrations
qualifications
To providing planning & support with:
relocation
integration with your local community
schooling
ongoing career support
Remember, both our platform and our service are free of charge from start to finish.
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Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors are employed in the NHS in a non-training post. An SAS doctor will have at least four years of postgraduate training, at least two of which will be in a relevant specialty.
SAS doctor jobs in the UK are paid well and the number of posts available in the UK have risen steadily over the past decade. They are an attractive way for both the NHS and IMGs to ensure doctors are secured into posts quickly.
In this article we will consider the following topics:
What is a SAS doctor?
Could I take a training post instead?
What are the benefits to a SAS role?
How do I secure a SAS doctor job in the NHS?
What is a SAS doctor?
Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors fill NHS service roles which sit outside of Specialty Training pathways. These roles are non-training ‘service’ roles where the doctor has at least four years of postgraduate training, at least two of those being in a relevant specialty.
A variety of terms can be applied to SAS doctors, including specialty doctor, associate specialist and staff grade.
It is worth noting however that not all non-training medical roles (service posts) are SAS doctors. Service roles are available across all grades and can be commonly referred to as Trust doctors.
Could I take a training post instead?
Yes of course. Training posts in the NHS are very attractive however competition for places on these posts is highly competitive.
As such for IMGs interested in securing a place on a training post in the NHS, we advise that they should obtain a trust doctor or SAS doctor post, depending on experience, for 1 – 2 years. Following which you will be able to apply for a training post, for which you will be given priority.
Not only will this approach give you the best chance of securing excellent training and career progression opportunities in the NHS, it will also give you the chance to settle in to the UK, get to know your trust better, and help you understand the training post that will suit you the most.
SAS doctor jobs also offer very competitive rates, so whilst you are getting to know the NHS and settling into life in the UK, you can also ensure that you are financially rewarded.
What are the benefits to a SAS role?
Less competition and a route to Specialty Training
The majority of IMGs are keen to enter the specialty training pathway at some point, but competition for these positions is very high. Places are offered to UK based applicants first, then EEA applicants, finally followed by Non-EEA applicants.
As such, it can be difficult to get a training post when applying for your first NHS role.
However, competition for service roles is not nearly so competitive and following completion of one year as a Specialty doctor you can enter into the first group of applicants for specialty training.
Allowing you time to settle into the UK and NHS
Taking a service role can be a great way to allow yourself time to bed into NHS and UK culture in the first months following your move. By taking on a new culture, employer and healthcare system all at once, you may feel more comfortable taking on a SAS post, avoiding all the extra commitment and learning associated with a training role.
Quicker route to securing your first post
For overseas doctors applying for SAS posts, the process can be quicker. Less competition and a high demand for doctors will ensure that IMG Connect can secure you interviews quickly.
Financial reward
SAS posts typically offer competitive salaries, with some harder to fill locations able to offer additional incentives. Speak with your IMG Consultant for more information.
More patient focused roles and less responsibility
SAS roles are usually more focused on meeting NHS service requirements compared to trainee roles. Many doctors simply prefer a role where they can spend more time with patients and doing the job they love, without the pressured commitment to training, admin and competition that a training role brings.
Balance between work and personal life
When taking a SAS post, additional working hours and on call commitments can be optional.
You will also be given the option to increase your overall hours through weekend and shift work, which will increase your overall take home pay.
In most circumstances it is up to you how you want to approach balancing a life at home with work commitments & financial rewards.
Freedom to consider all parts of the UK
Entering a training post is not only a commitment to the programme over a number of years, but also the geographical location that the deanery covers.
By taking a service role instead, you could complete a one-two year contract, but realise the area is not for you. At this point you could take a new contract and not have to worry about giving up your hard-earned place on the training programme.
Remember, it is vital that all contracts are honoured and not only will breaking contract have a negative impact on your CV but may also damage your chances of securing your next post.
Specialist Registration is still possible
Specialist registration is still possible via the CESR route as some hospitals or Trusts will offer SAS doctors the support required with their CESR applications. However, it is likely to be a much longer process when not taking the training pathway.
In summary:
There are many reasons why a SAS post can be a great option for experienced IMGs when considering their first job in the UK, and it is clear that trust doctors are vital to the day to day running of the NHS.
Regardless of the route you wish to take, IMG Connect will support any doctor pursing either path and can offer guidance and advice throughout either process.
So how do I secure a SAS doctor job in the NHS?
You can apply for SAS doctor roles online via the NHS Jobs websites for England & Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
However, working with IMG Connect can offer more jobs than are available online with the added benefit of an IMG Consultant speaking directly with services on your behalf to expedite the process and negotiate the best doctor salary for you.
For the most comprehensive selection of roles and fastest routes to the UK for Trust Doctors, register an interest or apply for trust doctor roles via our Job Search page on our website.
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Here we take a look at an essential document for any Pakistani doctor looking to work outside of the country – the Pakistani Protector Stamp.
In this article we will look at what exactly the protector stamp is and consider the following topics:
What is the Pakistani Protector Stamp?
Do I need the Protector Stamp?
Life Insurance
How do I get my passport stamped?
Documents you will need
The process
I have my protector stamp. What happens next?
What is a Pakistani Protector Stamp?
The protector stamp is an actual passport stamp given to any Pakistani travelling abroad on a work visa. It is an official Pakistani government requirement and without the protector stamp you will not be allowed to travel.
In addition to allowing you to work abroad, it will also cover you for life insurance, with the person you nominate receiving one million Pakistani rupees in such an event.
Do I need the Protector Stamp?
Every intending emigrant is legally bound to get their foreign service agreement protected from the concerned Protectorate of Emigrants (PE) office in Pakistan.
It is important to remember that the protector stamp is needed alongside your offer of employment and your visa. Visits to the UK for leisure or PLAB 2 do not require the Pakistani Protector Stamp.
As well as granting you access to work overseas, the Pakistani Protector Stamp will also cover you for life insurance to a figure of PKR 1,000,000
Life Insurance:
Whilst life insurance is an obvious perk, you do have to pay for it.
You will be required to deposit PKR 2,500 to cover life risk for a sum of PKR 1,000,000.
This insurance is valid for five years.
There are also a number of other benefits that come once your life insurance and protector stamp are in place, you can read through them on the Pakistani Government website here.
How do I get my passport stamped?
You will need to attend an appointment at your local Protectorate Office in order to receive the stamp.
The process of getting your Pakistani Protector Stamp can be a little arduous. Specific documents are required and be prepared to spend up to one whole day completing the process.
Documents you will need:
Your Visa work permit
Contract or a conditional offer of employment from the UK employer
Pakistani passport
Pakistani CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card)
Next of kin information (including CNIC for recipient of insurance compensation)
Medical report
Bank challan receipts
Life insurance
Undertaking form
One passport photo
Please note, until very recently NICOP was an essential document for this process as well. There has been a little confusion over this recently so if you have a card already, it does not hurt to bring this along with you.
It is best to make any copies of your documents in prior to attending your local Protectorate Office, it will help you avoid any delays once you are there and make for a smoother process.
The Process
Attend your local Protectorate Office early in the morning with the original copies of your documents. You can find your local office here.
The main reception will direct you to a window to show the checking officer your CNIC, passport and the copy of your UK visa.
As soon as your visa copy is signed, you will need to take this and the rest of your documents to the next window to submit the rest of your documents.
Once these are ready you can expect to wait a few hours until your passport is stamped.
I have my Protector Stamp. What happens next?
You need to have your passport stamped once you have a job offer and work visa, so this should be one of the last steps before relocating.
Once your passport is stamped you will be cleared to work outside of Pakistan and begin your journey in the UK!
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As we continue on our journey through UK Life & Culture we land on one of IMG Connects favorite topics of all – Sport!
Britain most definitely is a sporting nation and with events running throughout the whole year there are so many amazing events for IMGs to enjoy once living in the UK – no matter where you live.
So what are our 6 must-see British Sporting events? Let’s find out…..
The British invented many of the sports we find popular in the world today including football, rugby, cricket, golf, badminton, field hockey, tennis, table tennis, snooker, curling and darts to name just a few!
Football - English & Scottish Premier Leagues
When: August to May
Where: Throughout the UK
Like the rest of the world, football is huge in the UK and with more big teams than ever challenging for the championship, it is a hugely exciting time to watch British football. Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham represent the biggest clubs in England but with Leicester City winning the title in 2016 anything is possible!
The Scots are no less passionate about their brand of the game and this year sees the big two of the biggest clubs in Britain, Rangers and Celtic, go head-to-head for the Scottish title once more.
Did you know? The 2018/19 English Premiership season broke records. Both Liverpool and Manchester City were outstanding with City pipping Liverpool to the title on the final day of the season. In the end, Liverpool broke the record for highest points scored for a runner-up.
Cricket & ICC Cricket World Cup
When: Throughout the summer and World Cup from May to July
Where: Throughout the UK
The quintessentially English sport of Cricket has captivated the world and is hugely popular in nations such as India, Pakistan, Australia and Sri Lanka to name a few.
Whether its 20/20, one day tests or a full test match there are so many great Cricket matches to attend in the UK, each a great day out with friends or family.
2019 is a special year for cricket in the UK, as it welcomes the 12th Edition of the Cricket World Cup. It will be hosted by England and Wales from May to July - two and a half months of amazing one-day internationals.
Whilst many teams are in contention, many see England, India and Pakistan as the three favorites to win the World Cup.
Did you know? It is thought that cricket may have its origins with shepherds in England who devised the game as a way of passing the time while guarding their sheep.
Tennis & Wimbledon
When: July
Where: London
Wimbledon is famous the world over for its grass Grand Slam event held in South West London. Producing some of the best tennis matches and rivalries across generations, from McEnroe v Carter, Steffi Graff v Monica Sales or Nadal v Federer, Wimbledon has produced some truly magical moments in Tennis history.
Some of the world’s biggest celebrities go to Wimbledon every year and it is very hard to get tickets for centre court! That being said, watching with the crowds in Wimbledon on Murray Mound is quite a buzz.
Did you know? Serena Williams and Roger Federer are comfortably the most successful tennis players that the sport has seen.
This year, Williams is vying for her 8th Wimbledon title whilst Federer is going for his 9th!
Snooker & World Snooker Championship
When: April to May
Where: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
The World Snooker Championship is the leading snooker tournament in terms of prestige and prize money. Ever since 1977 it has been played at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, a beautiful part of the UK.
This is a huge event for any snooker fan and is always a tense yet enjoyable two weeks of snooker - one which we would most definitely recommend to any IMGs coming to the UK!
Did you know? The first World Snooker Championship was held in 1927 and won by Joe Davis who won every single championship following, until he retired 15 years later!
That kind of domination does not exist today but keep an eye on Zhou Xingtong, a rising star and the ‘Roger Federer’ of snooker.
Athletics and London Marathon
When: London
Where: April
Whether running or spectating, this is an amazing event to attend if you’re in London this summer.
Starting in Blackheath and finishing in The Mall alongside the beautiful St James’ Park, the course spans 42 kilometres and takes you through many amazing parts of London. Expect the race to pass many of London’s most famous landmarks, from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, whilst encircling the River Thames throughout.
Whilst raising huge amounts of money for charity every year it also offers a fun day out for the family, even if you’re not running. IMG Connect are big London Marathon fans and slowly plucking up the courage to run one year (watch this space!).
Did you know? Every year more than 40,000 people run the 26-mile marathon course and in 2018 a record-breaking £63.7 million was raised for charity, breaking global fundraising records for a single event!
Six Nations Rugby
Where: The six nations championship is an annual Rugby Union tournament played between the national teams of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy.
When; between February & March
An amazing, full-blooded and passionate sport – rugby is a sight to behold when watched live with giants running around the pitch hitting each other at full pelt! Perhaps not a game to play for the faint-hearted, but a great one to watch.
With all fans mixed together and with a very warm and welcoming atmosphere among fans, this is a lovely day out for family and kids.
Did you know? The average weight of a six nations England player is 105kg! Or just under 16 stone if you’re using the imperial system like a true Brit.
So, there we have it, just a small selection of the diverse sports that make up our British sporting cultural landscape.
P.S. any hockey or golf fans, sorry I missed you out!
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Overseas doctors hoping to register with the GMC & find a job in the NHS will have to pass an English language test.
This will demonstrate that they have the right level of English to practice safely in the NHS, and in this article we will look at how to prepare for both IELTS and OET examinations.
To help you decide the best way to prepare, we have included the following topics:
The first thing to say – it isn’t easy!
What should I expect?
Can I just take the exam?
How can I prepare? Can I do all of this at home?
Where can I find training?
Knowing your level
What resources are available online to help with my preparation?
Steps to success in the English Language Tests
The first thing to say – it isn’t easy!
Preparing for any English Language Test, whether you have chosen IELTS or OET, requires you to learn a huge amount of vocabulary, write specific reports or essays, use a high level of grammar and structure, learn how to engage with a range of scenarios and acquire a set of key exam techniques.
What should I expect?
Preparing for and sitting the exams is difficult, not least because of the overload of information that is out there, for example which sources do you trust? What is the best way to find information?
Passing the exams can take months, and in some cases years of hard work. And don’t forget that each exam costs money, with many also choosing private tuition – the money and time can soon add up.
Can I just take the exam?
The exams costs money each time and are very specific in format, with the answers requiring certain structures and techniques. A lot of IMGs don’t get the required marks at first attempt and as such, we don’t advise taking the exam without sound preparation.
Remember… failing to prepare, is preparing to fail.
In general, there are a few things that most IMGs tell us that they have improved on through preparing well:
Overall general level of English – this takes time
IMGs who passed have told us that this takes the longest, but it is time well spent…
Overall improvements in general English skills, including broadening your vocabulary, grammar and punctuation, will help you to achieve the best score possible. Try to make a little progress every day.
Refining your test skills – this takes practice
Each sub-test (reading, writing, speaking and listening) has a different style of question and answer, so each of them has a specific skill that you need to learn.
Knowing how the tests are marked – this takes guidance
To gain those valuable extra scores, get to know what the examiner wants and give it to them!
Remember, this skill alone won’t get you a pass, but combined with the above it will be a huge help to getting the score you want.
How can I prepare? Can I do all of this at home?
IMGs have shared many ways to practice for a pass and this doesn’t mean just repeating exam questions.
Here are a few of our favourite examples that you can do every day, for free!
Find a colleague at work, friend or family member, who you enjoy speaking English with and speak to them every day!
Read a wider range of topics online, both medical and general.
Find a regular news source you enjoy reading in English.
Tune into UK radio stations, available online, or, on your mobile phone. Put the radio on before and after work, rather than your usual local station.
Listen to Podcasts in English, there are thousands of topics to choose from.
Watch YouTube channels about medicine and life in the UK.
Watch movies and TV shows in English, both with and without subtitles.
Start writing, it is key that you practice, but this can sometimes be the hardest to practice in natural contexts. IMGs have suggested writing a blog or writing letters and emails (in English) to friends and family
Watch Ted Talks, that both do and don’t interest you!
Take practice tests at home, mark your answers and check how you improve.
Basically, find your passion and go for it!
Where can I find training?
There are excellent training sessions available, including face-face and online courses to help you to prepare. They can help you to build the skills you need to succeed in your exam.
It is always good to tailor your learning to your own needs, so whether you are new to the tests, or looking for support to help you to study or retake the exams, find a training programme that suits you.
Whilst not necessary, taking up an exam preparation course led by an experienced teacher or tutor who is knowledgeable on the test and the skills – is highly recommended
Knowing your level
Knowing your level is an essential part of the preparation for both IELTS and OET. Whether you decide to sign up for a course, or tutor, getting assessed and knowing your current level will help you identify your areas of weakness to focus on.
We would recommend getting your speaking and writing assessed by a qualified teacher. They can tell you what level you are at and areas for improvement.
Identify weaknesses, focus on these and get reassessed to check if you have improved.
You can find courses or individual teachers online who have been trained directly by the examining body, which can give you the boost you need. But, speak to colleagues and see if they can recommend a trusted course or teacher.
What resources are available online to help with my preparation?
The following sites will give you all the general information you need for your IELTS or OET exam preparation:
IELTS Official
British Council IELTS
IDP IELTS
OET
You can find video tutorials and support on YouTube, including official channels from both IELTS and OET:
YouTube - IELTS
YouTube - OET
You can find online practice papers at the following trusted sites:
British Council – free sample tests
IELTS Essentials – free sample tests
IDP – free sample test
OET – free sample tests
Consider working with an accredited tutor
As an International Brand dedicated to helping international doctors to register with the GMC and find work in the NHS - we have lots of partnerships in place with trusted companies in many areas. One of these key areas is English Language Testing and IMG Connect works closely with a company called Specialist Language Courses. You can take a look at their website here.
Specialist Language courses work very professionally and are the UK's leading provider of online courses and tutoring. They are also one of the few accredited providers of OET and have provided consultation and guidance to the GMC on english language testing.
Success rates are 70% + for those who sign for their tutoring and you can receive a discount if introduced by IMG Connect.
Register with IMG Connect to request your discount on English Language Courses or get in touch with one of our IMG Consultants to discuss
So, broken down, here are our steps to success in the English Language Tests:
Understand the test structure and format
Set yourself achievable learning goals
Get to know the marking criteria
Understand the various question types
Polish your exam skills
Improve your vocabulary
Take practice tests
Practice every day, and we mean every day!
Not essential depending on your level of English, but you can also find a tutor or online course.
Get assessed, identify weaknesses, work on these, get reassessed.
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As an overseas health and care professional, the main route to the UK is via the HCPC registration.
The Health & Care Professionals Council is the regulator for 16 health and care professions across the UK.This article is tailored for psychology practitioners who have completed professional training outside the UK and who wish to apply to work in the NHS.
Overseas psychologists from any country in the world can register with the HCPC in the UK and use the protected ‘practitioner psychologist’ titles such as clinical psychologist or counselling psychologist, thus qualifying them to practice in the UK.
The process is summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
How can I practice in the UK?
Which route is for me?
I qualified and practice outside of the UK, am I eligible?
Am I eligible for full clinical equivalence?
What is the role of the standards of proficiency?
What are the standards of proficiency for practitioner psychologists?
How do I demonstrate that I have met the standards of proficiency?
How to apply via European Mutual Recognition (EMR)
How to apply via International Application
Application steps
What documents will be required?
What if I am unsuccessful?
English language proficiency
Is the HCPC enough? What about the British Psychological Society (BPS)?
Successful? What next?
How can I practice in the UK?
To practice in the UK using any of the HCPC regulated terms, including clinical psychologist or counselling psychologist, you have to satisfy the HCPC that you have broadly equivalent skills to those who trained in the UK.
The HCPC check equivalence based on the British qualification which is at Doctorate level.
If your degree is from outside the UK then the HCPC will want to assess all your qualifications and experience to see what you need to add to reach their standard for a clinical psychologist, or where you would need to join the training path if you have moved to the UK already.
The type of HCPC application you make depends on your country of origin and training. There are two application routes:
European Mutual Recognition (EMR)
International application
Which route is for me?
It all depends on where you have trained and qualified, EEA or outside the EEA.
EEA:
If you have trained and are a citizen of an EU member state, then you are eligible for European Mutual Recognition (EMR). If you are eligible for EMR then you must apply via this route.
EMR ensures that EEA qualifications are recognised across Europe as equivalent, and therefore you will only require your English language proficiency to complete your application.
Outside the EEA:
If you have trained outside the EU, then you are eligible for an international application.
Both routes follow the same process, the skills, education and training you submit via your application forms are assessed by Registration Assessors, who make a decision within 60 working days.
I qualified and practice outside the UK, am I eligible?
To be eligible to apply for registration via the international route, you must have undergone relevant training in psychology and be fully qualified to practice your profession
To be eligible to apply for registration based on European Mutual Recognition you must be:
a citizen of a relevant European State
fully qualified to practice your profession in a relevant European State other than the United Kingdom
Your application will be assessed against the standards of proficiency for practitioner psychologists.
We advise that before you apply you should check you meet, or exceed, the professional standards all registrants must meet in order to become registered in psychology.
Am I eligible for full clinical equivalence?
To be eligible for full clinical equivalence (i.e. to be able to secure a job in the NHS as a Clinical Psychologist) you have to demonstrate you have met:
all of the competencies required to get a doctorate in the UK
experience of all the core client groups (working age adults, older people, children and families, people with learning disabilities) or core competencies
have a doctoral standard piece of research
What is the role of the standards of proficiency?
For the purposes of HCPC registration, in order to ensure all applicants will work to the standards necessary to protect the public, the HCPC set threshold standards they consider necessary to measure all candidates and practitioners against in the UK.
They set clear expectations for overseas psychologists’ knowledge and abilities for when they start practicing in the UK.
What are the standards for practitioner psychologists?
When applying for registration you will have to ensure that your meet 15 standards of proficiency. We have listed the titles below:
A registrant practitioner psychologist must be able to:
1. practice safely and effectively within their scope of practice
2. practice within the legal and ethical boundaries of their profession
3. maintain fitness to practice
4. practice as an autonomous professional, exercising their own professional judgement
5. be aware of the impact of culture, equality and diversity on practice
6. practice in a non-discriminatory manner
7. understand the importance of and be able to maintain confidentiality
8. communicate effectively
9. work appropriately with others
10. maintain records appropriately
11. reflect on and review practice
12. assure the quality of their practice
13. understand the key concepts of the knowledge base relevant to their profession
14. draw on appropriate knowledge and skills to inform practice
15. understand the need to establish and maintain a safe practice environment
Request a copy of the full standards and proficiency document for psychologists.
How do I demonstrate that I have met the standards of proficiency in my application?
Include as much as detail possible:
You will be asked to provide detailed information about your experience, education or training. Include as much relevant information as possible in your application.
Detail all your experience:
The HCPC will assess the courses that you have complete, some courses are broader with less in-depth coverage, and others are more detailed but have a narrower scope. Therefore, as a precaution, you must detail as much experience as you can in your application in case there are any shortfalls from the training and qualifications that you have. Significant experience may make up for shortfalls in training.
TOP TIP: HCPC assessors make their determinations based on all the information that you provide. So, provide as much as you can!
How to apply via European Mutual Recognition (EMR):
The EMR application process follows the format of the international applications process. The skills, education and training you submit via the EMR application forms are assessed by Registration Assessors, who make a decision within 60 working days.
How to apply via International Application:
The International application process follows the format above. The skills, education and training you submit are assessed by Registration Assessors, who make a decision within 60 working days.
Application steps?
The process follows four steps:
Step 1 - submit forms and pay fee
Step 2 - processing
Step 3 - assessment by the HCPC
Step 4 - decision letter
A successful decision letter will confirm your addition to the HCPC register.
What documents will be required?
You will require the following to support your application:
identity documentation
qualifications
good standing and character declaration – part of application
declaration regarding background checks – part of application
Original documents that are not in English will have to be accompanied with a translated version.
TOP TIP: We advise that you prepare your documents and experience as early as possible before making your application, this will not only save you time, but give you the chance to add and edit the content you will provide. Increasing your chances of success!
Step 1 - Submit forms and pay fee
Once you have gathered your documents and have fully considered your experience matched to the standards of proficiency, you can submit your forms and pay the application fee.
The HCPC will take a scrutiny payment of £495 at this stage.
You will receive a confirmation receipt and payment.
You will also receive your application reference number. This reference number is important, and you should use this each time you contact the HCPC to discuss your application.
TOP TIP: If your application is not accepted for processing because of missing information, the HCPC will return it to the address on the form. You will then need to resubmit your application. To avoid this, ensure you have prepared all of your evidence and documentation as above.
Download and complete your form, then send them by post to the address on the front page of the application.
Download the application form for registration – EMR
Download the application form for registration – International application
Step 2 – Processing
During this period (4 weeks from receipt of application), the HCPC will contact your education provider, any relevant regulatory or professional bodies and any professional referees.
This is to verify the information that you have provided in your application.
You do not need to do anything until the HCPC have notified you of the outcome of the next stage of the process.
Step 3 - Assessment
The next stage is the assessment of your regulated education and training and any other relevant education, training or experience included in your application.
Your application will be sent to two assessors from the practitioner psychology register.
They will consider all the information that you have submitted before making their recommendation to the HCPC.
What are they assessing?
To be eligible for full clinical equivalence (to be able to get a job in the NHS as a Clinical Psychologist) you have to demonstrate:
you have met all the competencies required to get a doctorate in the UK
experience of all the core client groups (working age adults, older people, children and families, people with learning disabilities) or core competencies
you have a doctoral standard piece of research.
First, they will compare your regulated education and training with HCPC standards of proficiency. If any shortfalls are identified, they will check your submission to see if these have been made up through any other relevant education, training or experience that you have provided details for.
They will then send a recommendation to the Education and Training Committee (ETC). This recommendation will be then reviewed by the ETC who will send their decision to you.
TOP TIP: The HCPC can only base their decision on the information provided in the application. They do not contact referees, training institutions, or employers to obtain further information about your training or work experience. So, remember to provide as much experience, training and relevant education as possible.
The HCPC will send a Record of Assessment to you within 60 working days of receipt. This Record of Assessment may include a request for further information which will prolong the processing time of your application.
Again, for this reason it is important that you include as much relevant information as possible when you submit your application.
Step 4 - Decision letter
You will be notified of the outcome of your application in writing. In successful cases this will confirm your addition to the Register.
What if I am unsuccessful?
If you have not been successful in your HCPC application, it is likely that there was some information missing from your application to demonstrate that you meet the standards of proficiency.
The HCPC will return your application to the address you provided, you can then add more detailed information to your application forms and resubmit.
If, however, you have failed the application, the following will apply depending on the route that you have applied through:
International application rejected:
you may be able to appeal the decision. You can find out more about appeals here.
EMR application rejected:
your choices are different. If you're a national of an EEA country, and are entitled to practice, you will be required to complete a period of adaptation or an aptitude test to rectify shortfalls in your knowledge or experience. You can find out more about the period of adaptation here.
English language proficiency:
The ability to communicate in English is of course crucial to working effectively in the healthcare profession in the UK. If you are applying via the International Application then you must obtain one of the following scores:
IELTS – 7.0 average in all areas, with no element below 6.5
TOEFL – minimum score of 100/120
If applying via the EMR Application, and are a National of a relevant EEA state, then you are exempt.
Please note that Speach & Language Therapists must obtain higher scores, contact us for more information.
Is the HCPC enough? What about the British Psychological Society (BPS)?
The professional body for psychologists in the UK is the BPS. It is not necessary to be a member to practice, however they have a parallel process for achieving chartered status, which may be of value to some psychologists.
The BPS can provide you with Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) which is a way of acknowledging your Bachelor’s degree covers enough psychology in enough depth to be a foundation for further study.
It is a standard given to certain degrees in psychology in the UK, and international qualifications can be given this status by the BPS.
To practice in the UK using any of the protected/regulated terms, including clinical psychologist or counselling psychologist, you have to satisfy the HCPC that you have broadly equivalent skills to those who trained in the UK. You can find more information on BPS membership here.
Successful? What next?
First of all, congratulations! Once you have been granted registration with the HCPC, you can apply for work as a practitioner psychologist in the UK.
For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.
If you have attained HCPC registration don’t hesitate to get in touch with your IMG Consultant to discuss UK job options in psychology, including discussions regarding a typical psychologist’s salary in the UK and the most suitable locations for you.
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Here we look briefly at the CESR route available to overseas consultants and exerienced senior doctors who wish to secure a job in the NHS and relocate to the UK.
Many IMGs have recently asked if they would be eligible for the CESR route to Specialist registration. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can apply for CESR, provided certain eligibility criteria are met.
To help answer this question we have put together a short article to explain further, including the following topics:
What is CESR?
What is the Equivalence process?
Who is the CESR for? Who can apply?
What does the CESR route involve?
Are there other senior NHS positions available?
Legal requirement before taking a substantive, honorary or fixed term NHS consultant post in the UK
What are the achieved standards?
How can I prepare my evidence for CESR applications?
What if my application is not successful?
CESR is suitable for those who have already been practising overseas for many years.
What is CESR?
The CESR is for doctors who wish to join the GMC (General Medical Council) Specialist Register, and whose specialist training, qualifications or experience was partly or completely acquired outside an approved CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) programme in the UK.
It is equivalent to a CCT and certifies that the recipient has all the competences defined in the CCT curriculum, known as specialist registration.
What is the Equivalence process?
Equivalence describes the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current training programme requirements, in order to gain a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) for the Specialist Register held by the General Medical Council.
The process involves submitting a written body of evidence to the GMC of:
training and/or competence
skills and knowledge
Each Royal College will assess the application against the relevant Curriculum before providing a recommendation to the GMC, who will then make a decision.
Please note that Equivalence procedures are the responsibility of the GMC.
Applications are made through their Certification Department and initial enquiries should be directed there.
Who is the CESR for? Who can apply?
If you have training, qualifications and experience in a CCT specialty but have gained these partly or completely outside an approved CCT training programme (for example, you have trained outside the UK or EEA), you may apply for a CESR in a CCT specialty.
What does the CESR route involve?
In a nutshell, you will need to compile a portfolio of evidence to prove you have achieved the equivalent skills and experience of a doctor who has completed a full GMC-approved training programme.
You can collect this evidence prospectively through non-training jobs.
Is it the right route for me? Yes, if…
You have already completed specialty training back home
If you have already completed Specialty Training, then you’re unlikely to want to repeat it.
You haven’t completed training, but you have too much experience in your specialty to apply for training posts.
In both scenarios, even if you are willing, you may be overqualified to apply for training.
Doctors who have complete specialist training overseas or via a non-CCT pathway may be eligible for entry without further training. You can check using the guidelines below:
GMC CESR Guidance
Specialty Specific Guidance
You will need to demonstrate all specialty learning outcomes specified in the relevant CCT curriculum.
Are there other senior NHS positions available?
It is important to note that you can apply for more senior roles such as a SAS doctor, specialty doctor or a locum consultant (locum consultants are not required to be on the Specialist Register).
This way you will have better pay and the roles and responsibilities are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a junior trainee. While working in these jobs you can collect evidence of your competences.
This is also a quicker route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.
Legal requirement before taking a substantive, honorary or fixed term NHS consultant post in the UK:
It is a legal requirement that doctors must have their names entered on the General Medical Council's (GMC's) Specialist Register before taking up substantive NHS consultant posts in the UK.
What are the achieved standards?
To apply you will need to have either a specialist qualification or have undertaken a period of specialist training (not less than 6 months anywhere in the world).
Your application is measured against the GMC standard.
The GMC break down the standard into four domains mirroring the headings of Good Medical Practice.
The GMC recommend that you allocate the evidence you provide with your application in the following way:
Domain 1: Knowledge, Skills and Performance - 75%
Domain 2: Safety and Quality - 20%
Domain 3: Communication, Partnership and Teamwork - 5% (combined for
both domains 3 & 4)
Domain 4: Maintaining Trust - 5% (combined for both domains 3 & 4)
The full list of evidence needed for each specialty is provided here.
How can I prepare my evidence for CESR applications?
As CESR applications are currently a completely paper-based process it is important to think about the evidence you present. You should:
Research/think about the types of evidence you will need and begin to gather your evidence well in advance of making your application.
Make sure that your evidence is current and of the highest possible quality.
Always note any curriculum changes – you will be assessed against the most recent one
Ensure that the evidence you collect demonstrates your competence across the whole of the curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.
Throughout your application you should refer to the Specialty Specific Guidance in your specialty (or the most relevant if applying in a non-CCT specialty).
You should also refer to the relevant CCT curriculum in your specialty; as this is the standard that all CCT applicants will be measured against.
Look thoroughly at the GMC guidance available and get advice on your application from the GMC before you apply.
Remember to refer to the relevant CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.
The GMC has strict guidelines for presenting evidence, including verification, anonymising and translating documents. We strongly advise all IMGs to take a look here and familiarise themselves with the criteria.
What if my application is not successful?
Following an unsuccessful application, you can apply for a review within 12 months of receiving your decision from the GMC. You can apply for a review of the GMC’s decision on the grounds that:
You now have additional evidence to submit that addresses the areas of your application in which you were previously unsuccessful
You believe that there has been a procedural error or unfairness in the processing of your original application.
Please refer to the GMC guidance for further information on applying for a review.
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Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
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Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK, CESR and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
The NHS offers extensive training schemes and career development for all of its doctors, and such programmes are recognised as a gold standard across the medical world.
Training in the NHS is always in keeping with advances in medical sciences and the progressive landscape of the medical profession, including the more complex ailments of a growing and ageing population. The NHS frequently updates and develops its training programmes, making them attractive to UK graduates and doctors, as well as overseas doctors seeking the very best training.
In this article we will cover the following topics:
The NHS Training Pathway
Graduation to Foundation Training
Specialty Training Programmes
Different types of Specialty Training programmes
Completion of Specialty Training Programme
Should I apply for a training or service post?
As an IMG, can I get onto the specialist register?
How do I secure a service post?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
The NHS Training Pathway
Many IMGs looking to move to the UK (particularly more junior doctors) will be keen to enter into UK Specialty Training at some point, and as such it is important to understand the UK training pathway from start to finish in order to map your NHS career effectively.
Furthermore, greater understanding of the NHS structure and training offered to doctors in the UK will help an IMG to understand at what grade they can likely enter the system and the salary most appropriate for them.
The NHS Training Pathway describes the journey from medical school to completion of specialist training and is the path most commonly followed by UK trainees.
Graduation to Foundation Training
After graduating from a medical school, doctors gain provisional registration with the GMC allowing them to enter the Foundation Programme - a two-year work-based training programme.
Upon completion of the first year (FY1 or F1) doctors will gain full registration with the GMC and can apply for further study and training in a specialised area – known as Core or Specialty Training, depending on the specialty.
Specialty Training Programmes
Completion of the Foundation Programme allows doctors to apply for Specialty Training in an area of medicine or general practice. There are 60 different specialties to choose from.
A doctor entering year one of Specialty Training is known as an ST1 or CT1 doctor.
Specialty Training programmes can take between three and eight years depending on the specialism chosen.
Doctors can pass through the training quicker depending on how fast they achieve their competencies.
Sometimes doctors do not complete the training pathways in the indicated time for a variety of reasons and it can take between 1 - 4 years longer than indicated in the curricula.
Types of Specialty Training Programmes
There are two different structures for Specialty Training programmes, and these vary between specialties.
Run-through Training Programmes
For these training programmes, you only have to apply once at the beginning of the programme. This is because you are recruited for the full duration of Specialty Training.
These training programme can last from approximately three years for general practice, to five or seven for other specialties such as histopathology.
Uncoupled Specialty Training Programmes
These programmes are split into Core Training and Higher Specialty Training.
Core Training lasts for either two or three years and once complete, allows you to apply for Higher Specialty Training, which can take from three to five years.
Overall, Specialty Training programmes can take anywhere from 5 – 8 years in their entirety, depending on your medical specialty, for example 6 years for psychiatry.
Doctors are known as ST1-3 or CT1-3 during their Core Training and ST4+ level during Higher Specialty Training programmes.
Higher Specialty Training programmes are very competitive, and completion of a UK Core Training programme does not guarantee a Higher Specialty Training post.
Completion of Specialty Training Programme
Upon successful completion of either a run-through or coupled training programme, doctors are awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
At this point doctors are able to make an application for Specialist Registration (or GP Registration) and are able to take up permanent consultant posts.
Training Positions vs Service Posts
As above, competition for places on training programmes within the NHS is very high. As such, we advise that IMGs who are interested in entering core or specialty training in the NHS first obtain a service post for 1 – 2 years.
Following this contract, you can apply for a training post, for which you will be given priority. Not only will this approach give you the best chance of securing excellent training and career progression opportunities in the NHS, it will also give you the chance to settle in to the UK and the NHS system, and help you understand the training post that will suit you the most.
Service posts also offer very competitive rates, so whilst you are getting to know the NHS and settling into life in the UK, you can also ensure that you are financially rewarded.
Specialist Registration for IMGs
IMGs that enter the UK training programmes later on and have not completed the full programme can still get on the specialist register via the CESR-CP route (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration via a Combined Programme)
Check to see if you're eligible for CESR-CP via the GMC website or read through our detailed blog through our IMG Resources library.
Secure a Trust Doctor Post (with the view to securing a training post at a later date)
You can apply for Trust Doctor or Service Role online via the NHS Jobs website.
However, working with IMG Connect can offer more jobs than are available online with the added benefit of an IMG Consultant speaking directly with services on your behalf to expedite the process and negotiate the best doctor salary for you.
Getting started
Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, training pathways, doctor salaries in the UK, relocation and much more!
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to learn more about the opportunities available to you once as an IMG new to the UK.
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Here we take a closer look at the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians examinations (MRCP) for doctors who have chosen their specialism in medicine, including exam dates, fees and eligibility.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the MRCP examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is MRCP(UK)?
Eligibility for overseas doctors
MRCP(UK) Part 1
MRCP(UK) Part 2
MRCP(UK) PACES
How to prepare and what resources are available
How to apply
Fees
Venues
Dates of Exams
Passed? What next?
The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body responsible for the specialty of medicine throughout the UK. Amongst many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession.
What is MRCP(UK)?
The MRCP examinations assess:
knowledge of basic medical sciences
clinical skills required for the diagnosis and management of disease.
The exams are designed to test both applied basic science and principles of medicine to the level of a UK trainee with two to three years postgraduate experience.
Completion of MRCP will allow you to work in the UK from ST3 level upward (ST3+), with seniority beyond ST3 level dependent on experience.
MRCP is one of two routes an overseas doctor can take full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route).
For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCP would be the best route to take.
MRCP (UK) is a prerequisite to anyone wishing to go on to a specialist training post as a physician in the UK.
The MRCP exam has three parts as outlined below:
MRCP Part 1 – two written papers
MRCP Part 2 – two written papers
MRCP PACES – practical assessment in a clinical setting
Eligibility for overseas doctors:
Part 1:
To be eligible you must have a GMC recognised Primary Medical Qualification and a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.
Part 2 & PACES:
To be eligible you must have passed Part 1 within the last seven years.
Whilst it is not essential to successfully complete Part 2 to sit PACES, the Royal College strongly advises you to do so.
To support this, pass-rates are much lower for those who sit PACES before passing Part 2.
MRCP(UK) Part 1:
The entry-level examination is accessible to doctors with a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.
It consists of:
one-day examination
two three-hour papers
200 multiple-choice (best of five) questions
no imagery
sat in an examination hall
A more detailed look at Part 1 can be found here.
This will include examination centers, dates, fees and advice to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt.
MRCP(UK) Part 2
Part 2 can only be taken if you have passed Part 1 (building on the knowledge already assessed).
The format at a glance:
two papers taken on one day
papers last three hours
200 multiple choice questions
questions include images
sat in an examination hall
A more detailed look at Part 2 can be found here.
This will include examination centers, dates, fees and advice to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt.
MRCP(UK) PACES:
PACES applicants must have passed MRCP Part 1. However, we echo the Royal College guidance and strongly advise our doctors to take both Parts 1 & 2 before taking PACES.
PACES is based on a format that is similar to OSCEs, a practical assessment in a clinical setting. There are five clinical stations with either patients with a given condition, or trained stand-ins (surrogates).
The format in brief:
half-day examination
takes place in a clinical setting (hospital or clinical skills centre)
assesses seven core skills
five stations
eight patient encounters
two independent examiners at each station
each candidate is assessed independently by a total of 10 examiners
A more detailed look at PACES can be found here.
This will include examination centers, dates, fees to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt.
How do I prepare and what resources are available?
With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:
Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training.
We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible, and using it as a road map for your study plan.
MRCP(UK) mock exams: We suggest registering for the MRCP mock exams here.
These will provide you with the most accurate and relevant mock questions to prepare you for the real thing.
Sample questions: Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, see below:
Part 1
Part 2
PACES content: prepare and practice example questions on the topics and skills covered in the PACES exam
Preparation
Sample scenarios
PACES marksheets
For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation
How do I apply?
Applications for all exams are made online via My MRCP(UK) account.
You will simply need to create an account and submit evidence of your primary medical qualification, then make a payment online to confirm your application.
Application videos from the Royal College can be found below:
Part 1 & 2
PACES
Please note, the application process is a little different for those looking to sit the exam in Hong Kong. Further information can be found on the Royal College website here.
Fees for 2019:
Exam
UK Test Centres
Overseas Test Centres
Part 1
£419
£594 *
Part 2
£419
£594 *
PACES
£657
£1202 *
*the application process and fees applicable for Hong Kong and Singapore centres are different and applicants are encouraged to submit their application directly to the administration team for this centre.
Venues:
Exam
UK Test Centres
Overseas Test Centres
Part 1
&
Part 2
Edinburgh
Glasgow
London
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Egypt
Ghana
Hong Kong
Iceland
India
Iraq
Jordan
Kenya
Kuwait
Malaysia
Malta
Myanmar
Nepal
Oman
Pakistan
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Sudan
United Arab Emirates
United States of America
West Indies
Zimbabwe
PACES
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
Brunei
Egypt
Hong Kong
India
Kuwait
Malaysia
Myanmar
Malta
Oman
Qatar
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Sudan
United Arab Emirates
* Please note, exact locations change from each diet of PACES.
Dates of Exams:
Upcoming dates for the exams can be found using the following links:
Part 1
Part 2
PACES
Passed? What next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of MRCP(UK) you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
For further information on MRCP exams including structure, content, preparing, procedure, dates, locations and fees, see the following articles:
MRCP(UK) Part 1 – a closer look
MRCP(UK) Part 2 – a closer look
MRCP(UK) PACES – a closer look
IMG Jobs
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IMG Resources
Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
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Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
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