How to Apply for UK GMC Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are a doctor looking to practice in the United Kingdom, obtaining registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) is a crucial step.

The GMC is a regulatory body that ensures that UK and international doctors meet the necessary standards to provide safe and effective care to patients. Without GMC registration, you cannot practice in the UK and it’s an effective route for international medical graduates wanting to work for the NHS.

If you’re interested in working for the NHS as a doctor, it’s important you understand the GMC registration application process and that you meet the required criteria and standards to practice medicine.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for GMC registration that covers the documentation you’ll need, the required qualifications and how to successfully complete the application process.

 

1. Determine Your Eligibility

The first step is to determine whether you are eligible to join the GMC register.

As an international medical graduate, you must live outside of the UK, EEA and Switzerland and hold a primary medical qualification from a medical school outside the UK, the EEA, and Switzerland.

The type of GMC registration you need depends on your qualifications and experience. The main types include:

• Full Registration – For doctors who have completed an acceptable internship or foundation training.
• Provisional Registration – For medical graduates who need to complete their Foundation Year 1 in the UK.
• Specialist Registration – For those who wish to work as consultants in the UK.
• GP Registration – For those intending to work as general practitioners.

 

2. Check the Required Exams and Evidence

Depending on your medical qualifications, you may need to pass additional exams such as:

• PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) – For international medical graduates (IMGs) without UK, EEA, or Swiss qualifications.
• Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification (PGQ) – Some recognised postgraduate qualifications can exempt you from PLAB.
• Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) – Expected to be introduced for all doctors in the future.

 

3. Gather Your Documents

To apply, you’ll need:

• Primary medical qualification (PMQ) certificate
• Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or OET)
• Evidence of internship or clinical experience
• Certificate of Good Standing from medical regulatory bodies
• Passport or other identity documents

 

4. Submit Your Application Online

Once you have all the qualifications and documents needed for GMC registration, it’s time to start the application. Note, you are given three months to complete it, so you should only start the process once you have all your documents and qualifications.

Applications are made through the GMC Online portal.

When you first apply to join the register, the General Medical Council will provide you with a seven-digit reference number. Make sure to keep a note of this number as it will be the same number you keep throughout your career and serves as your unique identifier. Your number, along with your email, will allow you to set up and activate your account.

Create an account and follow the step-by-step instructions, ensuring all the information is inputted correctly before you go to submit your application. Make sure you upload all required documents in the correct format.

 

5. Pay the Registration Fee

GMC charges a fee for registration, which varies based on the type of application and your level of experience.

As of April 2023, the full GMC registration fee will cost £433 for. If you are a newly qualified doctor, you can pay the discounted price of £166. The fee can be paid through your online General Medical Council account.

These fees can be subject to change, so please ensure you check the latest fees on the GMC website.

 

6. Attend an Identity Check

Once your application is processed, you may be required to attend an identity check at a GMC office in the UK before your registration is confirmed. You can do this both online and in person. Details of how to complete digital checks can be found on your GMC online account (‘My ID Checks’ section) and in-person checks will take place in the UK.

The GMC will inform you of the time and location and the appointments should typically take around 15-30 minutes. You'll need to take along your proof of address and passport at this ID check.

 

7. Receive Your GMC Registration

After successful verification and approval, you will receive confirmation of your GMC registration, allowing you to practice medicine in the UK legally.

It’s important to note that being on the GMC register doesn't last forever; to stay on it, you'll need to pay the retention fee each year. The retention fee is currently £433, but that may increase over time.

 

Applying for GMC registration can be a detailed process, but with careful preparation, it is achievable.

If you would like to speak to the Kaizen Recruitment team about your application, or about securing a role within the NHS once you are registered, then please get in touch with us to discuss.