Recognised postgraduate qualifications are essential to work in the NHS with full GMC registration.
The GMC must be satisfied you have sufficient knowledge and skills before it grants you a license to practice, and for international doctors there are various routes to be considered. Your experience and desired role in the NHS should help shape the route you take option for you. The following postgraduate routes are available to you:
The first and most popular route for more junior doctors is the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board or PLAB as its commonly known. It is a two-part exam, with Part 1 taken all over the world and the second part taken in the UK only. It is a quick and relatively simple set of examinations for overseas doctors to work in the NHS.
Have a read through our detailed and helpful blog series on the PLAB for more information.
One of the most popular routes for overseas doctors is to attain a UK Postgraduate Qualification through one of the UK's Royal Colleges.
There are twenty-four Royal Colleges in existence in the UK, and they are the professional bodies responsible for the individual medical specialties they cover. Among their many duties, their role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter their respective professions.
UK trainees will sit a series of examinations set by their Royal College depending on what medical specialty they have chosen and these generally are set to a higher level of specialism and training when compared to the PLAB examinations.
Attaining a Royal College Qualification will of course satisfy GMC postgraduate criteria for full registration and are often the route for more senior international candidates looking to work in the UK. Certainly, if you want to
Have a read through our Postgraduate Qualification section to find the qualification set against your specialty. The entire list of Royal College examinations can be found below.
Alternatively, have a look through our blog on PLAB v Royal College to help you decide.
Awarding Body |
Qualification |
Membership of the College of Emergency Medicine |
|
Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists |
|
Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health |
|
Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists |
|
Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow |
|
Royal College of Physicians London |
|
Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh |
|
Royal College of Surgeons of England |
Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons - MRCS Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons - (MRCS (ENT)) Collegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons - (MRCS) Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons - (following examination) (FRCS) |
Another option is to attain a GMC recognised overseas qualification. These overseas qualifications are recognised by the GMC as equivalent and will be accepted as evidence that you have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to apply for full registration with a licence to practise.
Have a read through our blog on GMC Recognised Postgraduate Qualifications to find out if your qualification is on the list and recognised by the GMC.
Please note, you must be granted full registration with a license to practice within three years of passing your postgraduate qualification.
Recognised Equivalent Qualifications
Country |
Awarding Body |
Qualification |
America |
American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) |
Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics - General Pediatrics |
American Board of Anaesthesiology |
Certificate of the American Board of Anaesthesiology |
|
The American Board of Radiology |
The American Board of Radiology diagnostic radiology examination |
|
Australia/New Zealand |
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists |
Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists |
Royal Australasian College of Physicians |
FRACP Adult medicine or evidence of three years of basic training (PREP) + achievement of RACP written and clinical examinations OR FRACP Paediatrics or evidence of three years basic training (PREP) + achievement of RACP written and clinical examinations |
|
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists |
Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) awarded since January 2012 |
|
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists |
Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) (Clinical Radiology) Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) (Radiation Oncology) |
|
Bangladesh |
Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons |
Fellowship in Anaesthesia or Anaesthesiology awarded since July 1999 |
Canada |
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada |
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - diagnostic radiology examination |
Europe |
European Academy of Anaesthesiology or European Society of Anaesthesiology |
European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care |
Hong Kong |
Hong Kong College of Physicians |
Membership of the Hong Kong College of Physicians |
Ireland |
College of Anaesthetists of Ireland |
Fellowship of the Faculty or the College of Anaesthetists |
Royal College of Physicians in Ireland |
MRCP Medicine (Medicine of Childhood) |
|
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
MRCS (collegiate examination) MRSCI (intercollegiate examination) Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland Fellowship of the Faculty or the College of Anaesthetists of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
|
Malaysia |
Ministry of Health |
Master of Medicine (MMED) Malaysia with MRCP (UK) awarded since 1 July 2010 This must include four years of clinical experience (required to complete MMED) plus two years of training |
Pakistan |
College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan |
FCPS Paediatrics Pakistan Fellowship in Anaesthesiology awarded since1998 |
Singapore |
National University of Singapore |
Master of Medicine (Paediatrics) Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine) including MRCP (UK) |
Joint Committee on Specialist Training Singapore |
Master of Medicine (MMED) Singapore, plus MRCP (UK) awarded since 1 July 2010 |
|
South Africa |
College of Anaesthetists of South Africa |
Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of South Africa FCA (SA) |
Colleges of Medicine of South Africa |
Fellowship of the College of Radiologists of SA FC Rad Diag (SA) - Diag Rad awarded after 1 October 2013 |
|
Sri Lanka |
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka |
Doctor of Medicine or MD (Anaesthesiology) Doctor of Medicine or MD, (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) Doctor of Medicine or MD, (Paediatrics) Doctor of Medicine or MD (medicine) awarded after January 2017 Doctor of Medicine or MD (surgery) awarded after July 2017 |
West Africa |
West African College of Physicians |
Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (Paediatrics) |
West Indies |
University of the West Indies |
Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia) awarded since September 2003 (Course title has since changed to Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia and Intensive care) |
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An NHS district general hospital in the North of Scotland is looking for a Consultant Clinical Oncologist with an interest in Lung, Head & Neck, or Breast cancer. The oncology department comprises a team of 7 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Clinical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or FRCR (or equivalent) are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
FRCR, full GMC registration with specialist registration or within 6 months of CCT, along with broad experience in prescribing radiotherapy and SACT, are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in Lung, Head & Neck, or Breast radiotherapy should apply. The salary will be between £107,144 and £142,369 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
Manage a subspecialty caseload in Lung, H&N or Breast radiotherapy, delivering high-quality care and treatment planning.
Participate in MDT meetings, clinical governance, research and teaching activities.
Contribute to acute oncology on-call cover and peripheral clinics across the region.
Lead or support the development of new services or innovations in clinical delivery within the department.
LIFE IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
This job is based in the Scottish Highlands, a region known for both its bustling city of Inverness and rural escapes like Beauly or Fort Augustus.
The Highlands offer excellent schools, strong transport links including rail and air connections, and year-round recreational options from hiking to arts festivals. The city also has a vibrant cultural and social scene for families and professionals alike.
Rich in heritage, the Highlands are home to some of Scotland’s most renowned history—from clan culture to castles—making this region both a scenic and significant place to live and work.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
Travel Arrangements Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
An NHS teaching hospital in the West Midlands is looking for a Locum Consultant in Microbiology with an interest in clinical microbiology, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship. The Microbiology department comprises a team of 5 consultant microbiologists and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Microbiology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or FRCPath qualifications are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
FRCPath (or equivalent) and significant experience in microbiology and infectious diseases are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in antimicrobial stewardship and infection control should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
Provide clinical microbiology advice for inpatients and outpatients, including infection control and antimicrobial therapy recommendations.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings such as OPAT, diabetic foot, and spinal infection MDTs.
Be part of a 1:7 on-call rota, providing microbiology advice out-of-hours to hospital and community services.
Contribute to laboratory report validation, audit activities, and CPD, including teaching junior doctors and medical students.
LIFE IN STOKE
This role is based in Stoke-on-Trent. Many staff choose to live in Stoke itself for urban convenience, or in nearby towns like Stone or rural Cheshire for a quieter lifestyle. The area is well-served by excellent transport links, schools, and local amenities, with plenty of leisure activities including country parks, theatres, and restaurants. Stoke-on-Trent has a rich industrial heritage and is famously known as the heart of the UK’s pottery industry, offering cultural and historical interest alongside modern healthcare innovation.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
Travel Arrangements Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
An NHS teaching hospital in the North of England is looking for a Consultant in Medical Oncology with all interests considered. The oncology department comprises a team of consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Medical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist Registration or MRCP (UK) are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Full GMC registration with a licence to practise and inclusion (or eligibility within 6 months) on the Specialist Register in Medical Oncology are required for this role. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
Manage and treat patients with cancers as part of the site-specific MDTs.
Provide on-call and acute cover for oncology inpatients and new inpatient referrals on a rotational basis (1 week out of 8).
Attend weekly multi-disciplinary meetings.
Hold an honorary lecturer position at a local medical school and participate in undergraduate teaching.
Participate in clinical research as appropriate.
Train and teach specialty trainees in medical oncology.
LIFE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND
This role is based in the North of England, a region that offers the perfect balance of urban convenience and rural charm. Residents can enjoy city living in York or find quieter settings in the nearby countryside and villages. The area boasts outstanding schools, excellent transport links, and a wide variety of cultural, sporting, and outdoor activities. With its strong ties to Britain’s industrial heritage and the beautiful countryside on its doorstep, the North of England is a popular choice for healthcare professionals relocating to the UK.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
Document gathering and checking
COS and Visa Application support if applicable
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
Travel Arrangements
Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
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An NHS teaching hospital in the East Midlands of England is looking for a Consultant Clinical Oncologist with an interest in Upper Gi, HPB, and Breast cancers. The Oncology department comprises of a large team of Medical Oncology Consultants and Clinical Oncology Consultants, supported by prescribing Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) and rotational specialist registrars (SPRs).
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
This Clinical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist registration or FRCR qualifications are most encouraged to apply.
Full GMC registration and FRCR (or equivalent) are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in Upper Gi, HPB, and Breast cancers should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 per annum, dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
LIFE IN THE EAST MIDLANDS
The hospital is based in a vibrant city offering both urban living in the city center and rural living in surrounding villages like West Bridgford. The area boasts excellent schools, efficient public transport links, and a variety of leisure activities, including theaters, sports venues, and parks. Nottingham holds historical significance as the legendary home of Robin Hood and played a pivotal role in the UK\'s industrial history.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you all the way to starting your new role, including: