Applying for registration when you hold EC rights

This page highlights some key issues for applicants with EC rights.

English language skills

You should be aware of your obligations under Article 53 of Directive 2005/36/EC, that:

‘Persons benefiting from the recognition of professional qualifications shall have a knowledge of languages necessary for practising the profession in the host Member State [the UK, in this case]’  

You’ll need to satisfy your employer that you have the necessary English language skills to take up employment in the UK health services. Although language testing isn’t currently part of our registration process, proficiency in English is central to safe and effective medical practice in the UK. Our main objective is to protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public. If we discover that your English language skills are of a poor standard, such that your fitness to practise may be impaired, it might become a matter for our fitness to practise procedures.  

Along with many UK employers, we accept the IELTS test as a measure of competence in English. Passing the IELTS test provides objective evidence of your English language skills and may place you in a better position when it comes to employment.

Breaks in medical practice

If you’ve had a break in medical practice you may be disadvantaged when seeking employment in the UK. We recognise the European primary qualifications listed in Directive 2005/36/EC, but it’s in your interest to ensure your knowledge and skills are up to date before engaging in medical practice, and once you’re a UK-registered doctor it’s your duty to keep them up to date. If we discover that your knowledge and skills are deficient, such that your fitness to practise may be impaired, it might become a matter for our fitness to practise procedures.  

If you’ve had a break in practice and want advice before making an application, please contact us.