GMC registration
In the UK, the main employer for doctors is the National Health Service (NHS), run by the UK government. The regulatory body for doctors is the General Medical Council (GMC).
To work as a doctor in the UK, whether for the NHS or a Private Healthcare Organisation, you will need a GMC registration with a license to practise.
There are various routes to GMC registration, depending on what primary medical and post-graduate qualifications you currently hold. The most common routes are:
Passing the PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 examinations
If you graduated from a medical school outside of the UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you’ll probably need to take the PLAB test.
The Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test it is made up of 2 parts, both of which you must pass.
The first part is a three-hour exam which can be completed before you come to the UK. The second part is done in-person in the UK. To do this you may have to come over on a travel visa. If you are at this stage, Holt Doctors can help you organise your visa.
Holding an accepted Post-Graduate Qualification
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Accepted UK Qualifications
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Accepted Overseas Qualifications
Automatic recognition of EEA Qualifications
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Requirements for each of the EEA Countries
For more information on the various routes available, check out the GMC's Find Your Route guide.
EPIC Verifications
As part of the GMC registration process, you will need to have your primary medical qualification and any relevant post-graduate qualifications verified by the Electronic Portfolio of International Credential (EPIC).
Once you set up your account and upload the required qualification, EPIC will liaise with the awarding bodies to confirm their authenticity.
You will be given an EPIC ID which you will need to provide to the GMC when you complete your application.
The EPIC process can take up to 90 days to complete, so should be started as early in the process as possible.
English Language Testing
When you register with the GMC, you will need to demonstrate your English Language knowledge.
This can be achieved in one of the following ways:
Achieving at least 7.5 overall (with no lower than a 7 in any individual module) in the IELTS.
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Check the test dates & locations, and register here
Achieving no lower than a B in each section of an OET exam.
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Check the test dates & locations, and register here
Having completed your Primary Medical Qualification less than 2 years ago, being taught and examined solely in English.
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Guidance on whether you can use your primary medical qualification
You may be able to gain GMC registration without a licence to practice if you are unable to show evidence of your knowledge of English at the time of application – you cannot practice as a doctor in the UK with this type of registration.
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