Types of registration
There are four types of registration which allow doctors to work in different posts in the UK. All doctors practising medicine in the UK must hold one of these types of registration along with a licence to practise. Physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) have one type of registration.
Provisional registration
Provisional registration with a licence to practise allows doctors to work in an approved UK Foundation Year 1 post. It cannot be used for any other purpose.
Our guide to provisional registration
Full registration
Doctors need full registration with a licence to practise to work in unsupervised medical practice or in an approved Foundation Year 2 programme.
Specialist registration
Most doctors taking up consultant posts in a medical or surgical specialty in any of the UK health services (other than as locum consultants) should hold full with specialist registration and a licence to practise.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons may also need to be registered with the General Dental Council. You can find out more information about their dual registration requirements on their website.
GP registration
Since 1 April 2006, all doctors working as a GP in the UK health service must be on the GP Register, other than doctors in training, such as GP registrars. This requirement extends to locums. They also need to be on a GP performers' list. Our General practice in the UK page explains more about processes GPs need to follow before they can work in the UK.
PA and AA registration
PAs and AAs working in the UK must register with the GMC before 13 December 2026. PAs and AAs only have one type of registration. They don’t have provisional registration or a licence to practise.
