Types of GMC Registration
- November 07, 2023
The General Medical Council’s medical register is a full list of all the doctors qualified to work in the UK. Within this, there are different types of registration which doctors must hold to work in different posts in the UK.
All practicing physicians must hold one of these types of registration with a license to practice.
In this article we will discuss the following:
1. Provisional Registration
The purpose of provisional registration is to allow medical graduates to complete an approved internship (FY1). After this, trainees will receive a certificate of experience with which they can apply for full registration.
Provisional registration can be held for a maximum of three years and 30 days (1,125 days) only, which would be enough time within which to complete a 12-month internship. This registration will expire after the allotted time, and you will be removed from the register, however, more time can be provided, and you can find out whether you will be eligible here.
What roles can I take with provisional registration?
With provisional registration, the only service post you are able to take is an FY1 service post, other than an approved UK FY1 programme.
Who can apply for provisional registration?
If you are eligible for full registration, you cannot apply for provisional registration.
Applications for provisional registration will be considered from:
- UK medical graduate who completed their medical degree at a UK university
- Doctors who graduated from outside the UK with an acceptable primary medical qualification (PMQ) and have passed the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB), but have not completed an internship
- Doctors who qualified within certain European countries but do not hold the accompanying certificate required to complete their relevant European qualification – you can see a full list of these countries here.
2. Full Registration
Doctors require full registration to work in unsupervised medical practice in the NHS, UK private practice, or to move onto the second year of their internship (FY2) in an approved training programme require a full license to practice.
What roles can I take with full registration?
With full registration, doctors can take up any post aside from GP posts and substantive consultant posts.
Who can apply for full registration?
There are certain criteria you must meet before you are eligible for full registration:
1. Completed the first year (FY1) of the Foundation Programme in the UK
2. Be a Swiss or UK national (or benefit from enforceable community rights) and have either:
- A formal qualification listed in The Directive on Recognition of Professional Qualifications; OR
- An acceptable primary medical qualification from outside the EEA (which has been recognised in Switzerland) with evidence of an acceptable pattern of experience
3. Be an international medical graduate (IMG) with an acceptable PMQ, and enough clinical experience to practice medicine in the UK – you can do this in one of 5 ways:
- A pass in the PLAB test
- Sponsorship by a GMC approved sponsor
- An acceptable postgraduate qualification or overseas licensing exam
- Relevant European Qualification (REQ)
- Eligibility for entry onto the Specialist or GP register
Full registration does not have a time limit, but doctors should note that they are required to go through a revalidation process every five years to avoid the license to practice being withdrawn.
You can read more about the routes to GMC Registration through our IMG Resources library.
3. Specialist Registration
The specialist register is an online list of doctors who are eligible to work as fixed term, honorary or substantive consultants in the NHS, excluding foundation trusts.
If a doctor is on the Specialist Register, it will say so as part of their status on the register, and you will be able to see the specialties (and sub-specialties) they are qualified in, as well as the date they joined the specialist register in each specialty.
Types of Specialist Registration
There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC, and the type of certificate you will receive at the end of your training defines which training route you are on.
You can read more about Specialist Registration for IMGs here.
What roles can I take with Specialist registration?
Doctors who are on the Specialist Register can take up permanent or substantive consultant positions.
Who can apply for Specialist registration?
Eligibility for Specialist Registration depends on your nationality, qualifications and experience. To meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply you must have either:
- A specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in
OR
You’ll need to provide evidence of how you’re eligible as part of your application. This could be a copy of your qualification or evidence of your employment. In your application you must show that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.
4. GP Registration
GP Registration is a requirement for any doctor who wishes to be eligible for appointment to a general practitioner (GP) position in the UK.
Please note that unlike in many countries, GPs in the UK are family and community medicine specialists and if you are an IMG general physician, you would need to apply for full registration, not GP registration.
What roles can I take with GP registration?
Doctors who are on the GP Register can take up posts as General Practitioners in the UK. As well as being on the GP Register, you’ll need to complete a number of other processes before you can start work as a GP in the UK. You'll need to join a Performers List and an Induction or Returner Scheme. You can read more about this here.
Who can apply for GP registration?
Doctors may be eligible for entry onto the GP Register if you have a relevant European GP qualification. You can check which GP qualifications are accepted on the GMC’s evidence of qualifications page. You must also check your qualification is on the list of relevant European qualifications, and that:
AND
- The qualification was issued on or after the reference date listed.
#IMG Tips
- Use the GMC website – there are many useful resources on the GMC website, including a very helpful registration route finder to help you determine which registration you should apply for.
- Research/ think about the types of evidence you will need and make a plan for your application, particularly if you will have to sit any exams.
- If you want to contact our specialists use our Candidate Portal today!
So there it is, the different types of GMC registration in a nutshell. This is important to understand, particularly for IMGs looking to relocate to the UK and find work in the NHS. If you have any further questions about GMC registration or your route to the UK, please get in touch with us here.
Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:
Relevant Jobs
This is a unique opportunity to work in a developing initiative that will bring immense social good to the local the people of Wales.
Short / mid / long-term ambitions for this role.
Short-term, there is the opportunity to work a close group of four international doctors, with specialist qualifications in histopathology including FRCPath. You\'ll have the opportunity to shape the careers of hungry pathologists ready to absorb all the knowledge and experience from an experienced NHS colleague like yourself.
Mid-term you\'ll be jointly responsible for the successful portfolio submissions for these individuals, helping the laboratory at Glangwili General Hospital to establish a newly qualified consultant team to provide stability and excellent pathological services for the patients of Wales, UK.
Long-term, the potential is enormous. As part of ‘A Regional Collaborative for Health’ or ARCH a regional hub for South and West Wales is being built in Swansea, to house a 30-35 consultant lead service for histopathology alone. Fully digitalised regional services for half the Welsh landmass would be provided via one central and digitalised hub.
Life in the area
It\'s a beautiful life with Wales offering beaches, beautiful forest, lakes and mountains all available to you in your free-time. It\'s a low cost of living and a a bit of a dream for the right person. We can chat more about that over our call.
The UK Lab is based in Surrey, and the facility is ISO 15189 accredited and ISO 27001 certified.
The department provides the latest technology and several years of extensive research offering highly effective treatment solutions to cancer patients for whom, multiple lines of treatment have failed.
The UK lab receives samples that are received from private practices around the UK, Europe and USA.
Responsibilities:
With roughly two hours of work needed per day, mostly remote, with twice weekly attendance onsite likely required, the pathologists responsibilities will be along the lines of the below.
- Authorisation of reports (molecular and tissue)
- Sectioning slides / assessing tumour content - to help identify which sections can be used for processing samples.
- Approving & signing reports.
- Signing out molecular reports - training will be given.
- Signing out solid organ cancer reports
- Turnaround time is required within 24-hours.
Eligibility:
- GMC registration
- Right to work in the UK
- Ability to travel twice per week to Surrey, UK.
- FRCPath or Specialist Registration is not required for this post
An excellent opportunity to join the dynamic team at an esteemed organization recognized for its excellence by the CQC. This is an opportune moment to become part of the Acute Medicine and Medicine Specialties Teams. With a strong history of achievements, they are committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care. They seek a passionate and driven Acute and General Physicians to contribute to their mission of providing top-tier medical care across various clinical settings. This is a high performing and supportive department for overseas doctors new to the NHS, or UK-based doctors looking to further careers in the UK.
This is a great opportunity for overseas Consultants who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their consultant career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.
What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?
The NHS Foundation Trust stands as one of the nation\'s largest integrated healthcare organizations, delivering both hospital and community services to a populace exceeding 650,000 individuals. Renowned for their ambition and innovation, they boast a skilled workforce comprising over 7,000 dedicated colleagues. Operating across two acute sites for hospital services and encompassing centers and community hospitals in six towns for planned care, they extend their services even to patients\' residences.
Recognized as a high-performing entity with a history of accomplishments, the Trust has functioned as an integrated acute and community services provider since 2011 and achieved foundation trust status in 2007. Guided by their strategic framework \"Our Patients Matter,\" they articulate their short- and long-term objectives and delineate the path to their realization. This framework underscores their commitment to providing the safest, most compassionate, and seamlessly coordinated care to the communities they serve.
Within this NHS Foundation Trust, medical professionals are presented with a plethora of career prospects and exposure to diverse care settings rarely encountered elsewhere. Additionally, they have the opportunity to reside and practice in some of the most culturally rich and picturesque locations across the country!
What is the Department & Team like?
Within the Trust, there are 5 Care Groups: Urgent & Emergency Care, Integrated Medical Specialties, Surgery, Family Health, and Clinical Specialist Services. The Acute Care Team is housed under the Urgent & Emergency Care division. The Acute & General Medicine Department prides itself on delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to patients across a wide spectrum of medical conditions. Staffed by a dedicated team of consultants and junior doctors, the department ensures round-the-clock coverage to meet the needs of their patients. Their department handles a diverse range of cases, including but not limited to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and infectious diseases. With access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities, including advanced imaging technologies and specialist clinics, they are equipped to provide timely and effective care to their patients.
The Acute & General Medicine Department boasts modern and well-equipped facilities, designed to optimize patient care and comfort. They have a 30-bedded Acute Medical Assessment Unit. On average, their department handles a significant number of acute and general medicine cases each year, reflecting the trust and confidence placed in their services by the community they serve. They prioritize patient safety, quality of care, and efficient service delivery, ensuring that each patient receives personalized attention and tailored treatment plans to facilitate their recovery and well-being.
The unit is adequately staffed and the working shifts are designed to ensure more doctors are present during the busy period of the day i.e. late evenings. They address the busy winter months by arranging extra locum cover during this busy period. In addition to the acute medicine registrar(s), there is a middle grade doctor, 1 IMT doctor and 4 FY1 doctors with staggered shifts throughout the day. In addition, there will be an on call registrar and 2 on call IMT doctors with staggered shifts. The night team comprises of one registrar, two FY2/IMT and one FY1 supported by an outreach nurse on most nights.
What is life like in the area?
The North East of the UK offers a diverse mix of rural and urban settings, providing doctors with a range of living options. Residents can explore stunning coastal areas like Northumberland\'s beaches or venture inland to scenic national parks such as the North Pennines. The region is home to respected schools and universities, including Newcastle University. Transportation links are robust, with efficient road and rail networks connecting residents to major cities like Newcastle, Durham, and Sunderland, as well as international airports. Housing options range from quaint cottages in picturesque villages to modern apartments in vibrant city centers, catering to various lifestyles.
Career Development & Opportunities Available
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Acute & General Medicine
Non-EEA Candidates:
- MRCP
- Experience of working in Acute & General Medicine
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Acute & General Medicine
Seeking a dynamic and motivated Dermatologist to join a Dermatology service in an NHS Foundation Trust rated \"good\" overall by the CQC. The NHS Trust provides a supportive environment for Specialty Doctors in Dermatology, including CESR support for IMGs seeking to establish their careers in the UK. Ideal for EEA-specialized candidates or experienced overseas dermatologists aiming to complete CESR.
What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?
The NHS Foundation Trust operates as a district general hospital. It oversees the management of two hospitals. This NHS Foundation Trust offers an exceptional work environment characterized by numerous dedicated teams committed to delivering top-notch patient care. They have embraced significant changes to their operational approach to effectively address the evolving landscape of the NHS, earning a Good rating from the Care Quality Commission in June 2018.
At this NHS Foundation Trust, they are pioneering the digital health revolution. Since implementing a comprehensive Electronic Patient Record system in 2017, they have embarked on a journey to establish ourselves as the safest, most efficient, and patient-centered trust within the NHS. The Electronic Patient Record system is just one component of their ongoing initiative to cultivate a digital ecosystem within the trust, ultimately striving to become a completely paper-free organization. This modernization endeavor opens up exciting avenues for future research and development in the rapidly evolving field of medicine. By joining the team, you have the opportunity to contribute to this innovative domain dedicated to enhancing patient care through advancements in technology.
Dermatology Team & Department
The Dermatology service sees 16,500 appointments yearly for diagnosing and treating various skin conditions, including skin cancers, lesions, eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, and Vulval conditions. The Dermatology Department is offering outpatient clinics and a comprehensive array of treatments, including minor operations. Additionally, a limited number of clinics and treatments are available at the newly established outpatient facility located in one of their sites.
The Dermatology service currently has over 5000 2ww Outpatient attendances per annum for the diagnosis and treatment of potential skin cancer. Outpatient clinics are run from both sites with an inpatient in-reach service run across their two sites. Facilities within the dermatology department include modern outpatient clinics, diagnostic services, and treatment rooms, ensuring a comfortable and efficient environment for patients and staff alike. They also collaborate closely with other specialties within the trust to provide multidisciplinary care when required, ensuring holistic management of complex cases.
Life in Yorkshire & Humberside
Yorkshire & Humberside offers a diverse mix of rural and urban settings, providing a range of living environments for doctors. Residents can enjoy scenic landscapes, including the Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Moors, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. The region boasts top-quality schools and universities, such as the University of Leeds and the University of Sheffield. Transportation links are excellent, with easy access to major cities like Leeds, Sheffield, and Manchester via road and rail networks. Housing options vary from quaint villages to bustling city centers, catering to different preferences and lifestyles.
Career Development and Opportunities Available
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, RCPsych exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD.
Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
All candidates must be GMC registered to be suitable for consideration.
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Dermatology
- Relevant primary medical qualification
Non-EEA Candidates:
- MRCP UK or PLAB
- SCE dermatology desirable
- Experience of working in Dermatology
UK based applicants:
- Experience of working in Dermatology
We are currently looking for an experienced Clinical Oncologist, who works with both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments for a large acute hospital in the Midlands, England.
You\'d be joining a team of 8 clinical and 2 medical oncology consultants at the modern Oncology Centre (opened in mid 2010\'s), to help support and develop site-specific services in outpatient and chemotherapy as part of the development of the centre.
There are 3 Elekta LINACS with VMAT and IGRT, using Mosaiq and Raystation for RT planning on site, along with 35 chemo day chairs used across 3 hospitals under this NHS trust.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- FRCR Clinical Oncology or equivalent
- Excellent english language skills
- Extensive experience as a consultant oncologist (UK or overseas experience)
LENGTH OF CONTRACT:
12 - 24 months fixed term (subject to be renewed)
Benefits:
- Attractive salary and relocation package
- Training and development opportunities
- CESR support for those eligible
- Tier 2 Health and Care Visa (sponsorship for the whole family)
- Guidance regarding the CV and full interview preparation
- Assistance regarding the GMC registration, visa, accommodation and transportation by an experienced onboarding specialist
- Complete IMG Relocation service from start to finish of process
GRADE:
Locum Consultant
Specialty & Special Interests:
Clinical Oncology with primary interest in Gynaecological and Upper GI cancers