A Guide to Obtaining HCPC Registration
If you’re a healthcare professional that wants to practice in the UK, by law, you need to be registered with your relevant council. In this blog post, we’re sharing everything we know about HCPC registration – a body that regulates fifteen different types of healthcare professionals in the UK. We cover the essentials: from documentation to pesky registration fees!
What is HCPC Registration?
HCPC stands for Health and Care Professionals Council which is an independent body that sets the standards for over fifteen healthcare professionals’ education, training and practice protecting the UK public who receive their healthcare services.
Who does the HCPC Regulate?
- Arts therapists
- Biomedical scientists
- Chiropodists/podiatrists
- Clinical scientists
- Dieticians
- Hearing aid dispensers
- Occupational therapists
- Operating department practitioners
- Orthoptists
- Paramedics
- Physiotherapists
- Practitioner psychologists
- Prosthetists / Orthoptists
- Radiographers
- Speech and language therapists
How to get HCPC registration as a healthcare professional?
Your HCPC Registration route completely depends on whether you completed your training in the UK or overseas.
If you obtained your training in the UK, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
- Read through the HCPC’s standards
- Submit your application form and fee
- Processing
- Check the register
What documents do I need to read through?
- Standards of conduct, performance and ethics
- Standards of proficiency
- Standards for CPD
Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the council’s standards, you’ll need to begin to collate your documentation and fill out your application form.
What documents do I need to submit?
- A completed application form
- Certified copies of two forms of ID
- Certified copies of change in name (if applicable)
- Relevant return to practice forms (if applicable)
If you’re a healthcare professional that obtained your qualification from overseas, there are a few extra steps you need to take:
- Evidencing your English language skills
To meet the HCPC’s standards of proficiency, you must be able to communicate effectively in English. If you’re a citizen of a relevant European State, you’re exempt from providing proof of English language proficiency. However, if you’re not you’ll need to meet the following requirement:
| Language Test | Speech and Language | All other professionals |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Average of 8.0 with no element below 7.5 | 7.0 with no element below 6.5 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based-Test (IBT) | Minimum score of 118/120 | Minimum score of 100/120 |
- Assessment
After you’ve successfully submitted your application to the HCPC and your education body and referees have confirmed your qualification and professional experience, the next stage is for your education and training to be assessed.
Your application will be sent to two assessors and they’ll consider all of the information you’ve submitted before they make their recommendation. First, they’ll compare your regulated education and training against the HCPC’s standards of proficiency. If there are shortfalls, they’ll look to see if you’ve made it up through another section of your education, training or experience.
It’s important to note that the HCPC can only base their decision on the information provided in the application. They don’t contact your referees, training institutions or employers to obtain further information and so, it’s important to put it all into your application to make sure it’s successful!
How much is HCPC Registration?
If your application is accepted for processing, you’ll need to pay a scrutiny payment of £495.
How do I apply for my HCPC Registration?
For healthcare professionals who obtained their qualification in the UK, they can apply online and for those who obtained their qualification overseas they must apply via post.
How will I know if my application has been accepted?
You’ll be notified about the outcome of your application in writing.
The process of applying for your HCPC is a very exciting one, but make sure you read the council’s full guidance before you make your application.
For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact HCPC directly and they can support you on your journey to registration. If you are a healthcare professional with full HCPC Registration and you’re looking for a new NHS opportunity, we’d love to talk to you about your career aspirations and how we can help… please fill in our contact form and we’ll get right back to you.