Getting ready for revalidation

Revalidation started on 3 December 2012.

Based on plans developed by each of the four UK countries, we expect to revalidate medical leaders and the majority of responsible officers first, by the end of March 2013. We will follow this by revalidating the majority of licensed doctors by the end of March 2016. Read more about our approach for starting revalidation.

We have started to tell doctors when they will revalidate for the first time. You should receive your revalidation date by the end of January 2013.

Now that revalidation has started, there are several things that you, as a licensed doctor, should be doing to get ready:

Have a regular appraisal

Your appraisal must be based on our core guidance for doctors, Good Medical Practice. You won’t be able to revalidate without having a regular appraisal. If you’re not receiving one, please speak to your responsible officer. Our appraisal framework, which is guidance that applies to every licensed doctor, tells you the professional values that you need to demonstrate you are meeting in your appraisal.

Collect your supporting information for appraisal

Our supporting information guidance tells you the six types of information you need to collect for your appraisal. You're responsible for taking reasonable steps to collect this information yourself. However, your organisation should help you by giving you access to the information you need (such as complaints and compliments).

The medical royal colleges and faculties can also give you advice and guidance about how you can meet our requirements in particular specialties or general practice.

Set up your GMC Online account

GMC Online is a secure area of our website that helps you manage your registration with us. Your GMC Online account is where you can see all your revalidation details. If you don’t already have one, you can set up your account here.

Know your designated body and responsible officer

Your responsible officer is the person who will make a recommendation to us that we should revalidate you. They will be acting on behalf of your ‘designated body’ – the organisation that has a duty to provide you with a regular appraisal and support you with revalidation. For more information, please visit our 'My designated body' page.

You can find the name of your responsible officer and your designated body in your GMC Online account, if you have one.