Before you apply guide for physician associates

Before you apply to join our register, there’s some information you need.

This guide expains how to apply for registration as an physician associate (PA). It includes a list of the evidence you’ll need to provide.

We encourage you to join our register as soon as possible if you’re already practising in the UK.

We began registering PAs in December 2024. There is a two-year transition period to allow you to keep working while you complete any steps needed for registration, and so we can process applications. From December 2026 it will be an offence to practise as a PA in the UK without GMC registration.

Once you’ve got an account with us, you’ll get a 7-digit GMC reference number with the prefix ‘A’ for associate. Having a GMC reference number doesn’t mean that you are registered. But if you do hold registration, you and others will be able to find your entry on our registers by searching for your reference number.

Regulation will help assure patients, colleagues, and employers that you can work safely and be held to account if serious concerns are raised.

  1. Summary
  2. Registration guidance
  3. How to register
  4. Evidence you need to provide
  1. Being honest in your application
  2. The checks we make on your application
  3. Ready to apply
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