Apply to the GP Register through acquired rights

Am I eligible to apply?

To apply you must meet one of the following: 

• I am exempt from the need to have acquired the prescribed experience because I was included on a medical list as a principal in NHS general practice on 15 February 1981, or after that date as a result of an application having been made by, but not finally determined, on 15 February 1981.
• I am exempt from the need to have acquired the prescribed experience because I was a principal in NHS general practice before 15 February 1981 and either re-entered a health authority medical list before 15 February 1990 or lodged a successful application to re-enter a health authority medical list before 15 February 1990.
• I am exempt from the need to have acquired the prescribed experience because I provided limited medical services and was included in the medical list of a health authority or health board as providing such limited services (as a restricted services principal) on 31 December 1994.
• I am exempt from the need to have acquired the prescribed experience because I have a recognised primary medical qualification awarded in an EEA country other than the United Kingdom and was established in the United Kingdom on 31 December 1994 as a fully registered medical practitioner by virtue of that qualification.
• I have an acquired right by virtue of the fact that I practised as restricted services principal in general practice in the National Health Service on 31 December 1994.
• I have an acquired right by virtue of the fact that I practised as a principal in general practice in the National Health Service on 31 December 1994.
• I have an acquired right by virtue of the fact that I was a principal in general practice on or after 15 February 1981 or, if employed in the Armed Services, was in possession of a Statement of Exemption from the Director General of Medical Services confirming employment on 15 February 1981.
• I have an acquired right by virtue of the fact that I hold a recognised primary medical qualification awarded in an EEA country other than the United Kingdom and was established in the United Kingdom on 31 December 1994 as a fully registered medical practitioner by virtue of that qualification.
• I have an acquired right by virtue of the fact that I worked as an assistant (including on the retainer scheme) or deputy (including locum) in NHS general practice on either ten separate days in the four years or 40 separate days in the ten years ending 31 December 1994, hold an acquired right to work in either of those capacities, but not as a principal.   

What evidence do I need?

The evidence you need send us depends on which of the criteria you meet above.

To find out if you have the required evidence use the Acquired rights checklist.

If you do not have the required evidence you will not be eligible for this application.

How do I apply?

To apply, email us at verl@gmc-uk.org with your completed Acquired rights checklist. You don’t need to provide your evidence with your checklist. We will request your evidence at a later stage. 

Processing your application

• We’ll review your checklist to confirm if you are eligible, we may need to ask you for further information.
• If you’re eligible we’ll send you an application form to complete.
• You’ll need to submit your evidence with your application form.