GMC Registration
Step-by-Step Guide
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for international nurses and midwives to work, but before they can start practising, they must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Every nurse, midwife, and specialist community public health nurse and nursing associate eligible to practise in the UK is included in the NMC registration database. Let us outline the 10 crucial steps an overseas nurse or midwife has to take in order to successfully apply for NMC registration and find employment in the UK.
Step 1:
Primary medical qualification
To verify eligibility for GMC registration, international medical graduates must ensure their primary medical qualification is recognized by the GMC. This requires confirmation that your medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and meets GMC's criteria. The qualification must be independently verified. Provide a scanned copy of your original medical degree, showing the date of your final exam. If the date isn't on the certificate, a letter from your university is needed. For more details, see GMC's criteria for acceptable qualifications.
Step 2:
Evidence of your internship or experience
You must have completed at least 12 months of medical practice in an approved training post, ideally connected to your graduation timeline. Your internship should include significant periods in both medicine and surgery, with specific duration requirements based on the total length of the internship. Documentation from your institution confirming the details of your rotations is required. If you lack an internship, continuous medical practice for two years post-graduation may suffice, with verification from the hospital necessary to confirm the experience meets GMC standards. For detailed guidance, visit the GMC's official registration and licensing page.
Step 3:
Prove English Language Proficiency
International medical graduates need to pass either the IELTS or OET with specific scores. IELTS requires a minimum score of 7.0 in each component and an overall score of 7.5, all achieved in one sitting. OET candidates must score at least Grade B in each component, also in a single sitting. Test results must be from an in-person exam at an authorized center and are valid for two years. For more detailed requirements, please visit the knowledge of English
Step 4:
Certificate of good standing
You must submit a certificate of good standing from each medical authority where you've been registered or licensed in the last five years, regardless of whether you worked in that country. It's preferable for the certificate to be sent directly to the GMC by the issuing authority. Remember, each certificate is valid for only three months from its date of issue and must be valid at the time your application is approved. For more details, please visit here
Step 5:
Activities for the last five years
You must detail all your activities over the last five years, medical or otherwise, including employment, studies, or breaks. For non-medical work, medical work without registration, or attachments over two months without registration, provide references using the GMC's form, directly emailed from employers' official addresses or attached to your application. References should verify your employment dates, good standing, work nature, and registration status. Current position references are valid for three months.
Step 6:
Translating documents that aren’t in English
For documents not in English required by the GMC, you must submit both a photocopy of the original document and its English translation, each duly stamped and signed by a certified translation service. This ensures the accuracy and reliability of the translated documents. It's recommended to use translators with professional accreditation or membership in relevant associations to guarantee the quality of the translation. This meticulous process is crucial for the GMC to verify the authenticity and completeness of the information provided in your application. For more detailed guidance, visit here.
Step 7:
Cost to apply
For newly qualified doctors within five years of obtaining their primary medical qualification, the GMC registration fee is £174. Those who graduated more than five years ago must pay the standard fee of £455. For more details on registration fees, visit the GMC fees and funding page
Step 8:
Identity check
Once your application is approved by the GMC, you'll need to undergo an identity check within three months using Digidentity's secure app. This identity check is mandatory for the completion of your registration process. Unfortunately, the time limit for completing the identity check cannot be extended for any reason. Therefore, it's essential to complete this step promptly to avoid delays in your registration process. For comprehensive guidance on how to complete the identity check and what to expect, please see the guidance on identity checks.
Step 9:
Ready to apply
Once you've met all the requirements outlined above and have gathered all necessary documentation, you're ready to apply for your GMC registration. Please visit the GMC Registration Application page to begin your application process. Before applying, it's crucial to review the GMC's website to ensure you have all the required documentation, including any specific details such as evidence types and date stamps. Failure to provide any required documentation may result in delays or denial of your application. If you find that you're missing any necessary documentation, the GMC will give you the opportunity to provide it, rather than automatically rejecting your application. This ensures that you have the chance to complete your application successfully.
Step 10:
Receive Registration
Upon completing all previous steps, including the identity check, the GMC will conduct a final assessment of your application. If your application is successful, you will receive your registration, officially granting you the ability to practice medicine in the UK. This registration confirms that you meet the necessary qualifications and standards set by the GMC to work as a doctor in the UK. It represents a significant milestone in your medical career, enabling you to contribute to healthcare in the UK. Once your application is approved and registration is granted, you will officially be registered with the GMC, allowing you to commence practicing medicine in the UK.