Important information about provisional registration
This page contains important information on the role and limitations of doctors who hold provisional registration
The purpose of provisional registration is to enable you to participate in and complete an acceptable programme for provisionally registered doctors.
The only acceptable programme for provisionally registered doctors that we recognise is the first year of the Foundation Programme (Foundation year one, or F1), a 12 month programme which must meet the requirements set out in our guidance, The Trainee Doctor.
As a provisionally registered doctor, you are only permitted to take up F1 posts in the Foundation Programme. To do so you must also hold a licence to practise.
It is important to note that the law does not allow provisionally registered doctors to undertake any other type of post. That exclusion applies to service posts at F1 level and regardless of whether the post is substantive or locum.
Provisionally registered doctors may only undertake Locum Appointments for Training (LAT) posts with the approval of their medical school and where the Foundation School has been involved in the recruitment of the doctor to that post, the post is part of a programme and leads to the award of a Certificate of Experience.
Most doctors complete F1 within 12 months.
Upon successful completion of F1, you will receive a Certificate of Experience. This certificate provides evidence that you meet the requirements for full registration. It must be signed by the University or their designated representative in the postgraduate deaneries or foundation schools.
Once you are registered you have an obligation under Good Medical Practice to keep up to date with and adhere to the laws and codes of practice relevant to your work – see paragraph 13. This includes working within the scope of your registration and only undertaking posts that your registration allows. Serious or persistent failure to follow Good Medical Practice will put your registration at risk.