Information on the GP Register

The GP Register (a register of doctors who are eligible to work in general practice in the health service in the UK) was introduced on 31 March 2006. From 1 April 2006, all doctors working in general practice in the health service in the UK, other than doctors in training such as GP Registrars, are required to be on the GP Register.

The information in this guidance was updated in July 2008.

Accessing the GP Register

The GP Register is a register of general practitioners eligible to work in the UK health service. It can be accessed via the List of Registered Medical Practitioners.

Background

On 31 March 2006, we introduced a register of doctors who are eligible to work in general practice in the health service in the UK. All doctors working in general practice in the health service in the UK, other than doctors in training such as GP registrars, are now required to be on the GP Register. This requirement extends to locums.

The GP Register was introduced alongside the changes to the system for postgraduate medical education and training under The General and Specialist Medical Practice (Education, Training and Qualifications) Order 2003. Other changes included the establishment of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB), which formally assumed its functions on 30 September 2005.

Primary care organisations and performers lists

Primary care organisations (PCO means a primary care trust in England, Health and Social Services Boards in Northern Ireland, a local health board in Wales, and primary care divisions within area health boards in Scotland) are responsible for maintaining primary medical performers lists.

GP registration (ie being included on the GP Register) is one requirement for entry to a medical performers list for GPs, although this does not apply to doctors in training, such as GP Registrars. When a doctor applies to join a performers list, the PCO should contact the GMC to check whether that doctor is on the GP Register, and make other pre-employment checks.

The criteria for entry to a medical performers list are set out in Department of Health guidance.

See our guidance on employing a doctor for further information.

PCOs undertake a series of checks, in addition to registration checks, before admitting a doctor to their performers lists. See the NHS Employers' guidance - 'Safer recruitment – a guide for NHS employers'.

Applying for inclusion on the GP Register after 1 April 2006

If you are not yet on the GP Register but wish to be, and meet the prescribed criteria for entry, you will need to apply directly to us.

Please read the frequently asked questions then contact us if you need further information. You can apply for inclusion in the GP Register by completing an application form( pdf).

If you have been awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in General Practice by PMETB, PMETB will inform us automatically and you will be entered on the GP Register within seven working days of us receiving notification.

If you are a GP Registrar

If you are a GP Registrar, you need to be included in a medical performers list if you wish to work in the UK health service. However, you do not need to be on the GP Register to complete your training. You will be eligible for inclusion on the GP Register when you have completed your training and hold a CCT, or are awarded a certificate of equivalence, from PMETB.

Further information

See our frequently asked questions or contact us.