UK GMC Registration Explained
If you're an international medical graduate (IMG) hoping to practise medicine in the UK, the first essential step is getting registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). This registration gives you the legal right to work as a doctor, and understanding how it works is vital to planning your move.
In the UK, there are four types of GMC registration. The type you’ll need depends on your qualifications, experience, and training background.
Provisional Registration
This type of registration is for doctors who haven’t yet completed an internship that meets UK standards. It’s typically granted to new medical graduates, or IMGs who have passed the PLAB exams but whose internship experience doesn't fulfil the GMC’s specific requirements.
With provisional registration, your options are very limited — you can only work in a formal Foundation Year 1 (FY1) training post. This is part of the UK’s structured two-year Foundation Programme and is the only route forward if your internship is not accepted.
Full Registration
Full registration is what most IMGs aim for. If you’ve completed an acceptable internship, either after graduation or in your final year of medical school, you’re eligible to apply. This internship must be at least 12 months long, supervised, and include clinical rotations in both medicine and surgery.
Once you have full registration, you can apply for a wide range of jobs in the NHS — both training and non-training roles — although you won’t yet be eligible for GP or Consultant posts.
GP and Specialist Registration
To work as a General Practitioner (GP) or Consultant in the UK, you need to be on either the GP Register or the Specialist Register. These are reserved for doctors who have completed formal postgraduate training, either in the UK or in an equivalent overseas programme.
If you’ve completed recognised training in General Practice or a medical specialty outside the UK, you may be eligible to apply through the CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) or CEGPR (Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration) pathways. However, this can be a long and documentation-heavy process, and many IMGs choose to first enter the UK system through full registration and gain experience before attempting this.
It’s important to note that passing exams like MRCP or MRCS does not automatically qualify you for specialist or GP registration. You must also prove that your overall training and experience is equivalent to UK standards.
So, Which Type Should You Apply For?
The majority of IMGs go through the PLAB route and apply for full registration after their internship. If your internship doesn’t meet the criteria, you’ll need to start with provisional registration.
Those who have completed specialist or GP training abroad can explore the CESR/CEGPR options, but this usually works best once you’ve gained some UK experience.
Three Key Tips for a Smooth GMC Registration Journey
1. Choose the right pathway early on
There’s more than one way to register with the GMC: PLAB, postgraduate exams, sponsorship, or CESR. Knowing your best option will save you time, money, and frustration.
2. Get your documents in order
The GMC requires proof of your qualifications, English proficiency, clinical knowledge, and internship. Gathering and verifying these documents — especially through services like EPIC — can take time. Start early.
3. Understand the internship rules
For full registration, your internship must meet strict standards: it must be at least 12 months, supervised, and include rotations in both medicine and surgery. If your experience falls short, be prepared to apply for provisional registration or seek advice on alternative routes.
Final Thoughts
GMC registration is a critical step in your journey to becoming a UK doctor. With the right preparation and a clear plan, the process can be straightforward and rewarding. Whether you're early in your career or further along, taking the time to understand your options will set you up for success in the NHS.
Need help deciding on the best registration route for you? Let us know — we’re here to guide you through every step.
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