If you have successfully passed the USMLE Step 2 CS on or before March 13th, 2020, in addition to passing Step 1 and Step 2 CK at any time, you may consider applying for General Medical Council (GMC) registration to practice as a doctor in the UK. It’s important to note that you should not have graduated from a medical college in the UK or Switzerland.
After receiving a confirmation email from the GMC indicating that other necessary steps can be completed at your convenience, you can embark on this journey.
To obtain full GMC registration, you must meet the criteria established by the GMC. This includes completing an acceptable pattern of internship. For details on what qualifies as an acceptable internship pattern, please refer to our article on internship criteria.
The GMC also requires proof of English language proficiency, either through the IELTS or OET exams. This proof should be submitted when applying for GMC registration, and the score requirements are the same for applicants from other registration pathways.
For IELTS, you must achieve a minimum score of 7.5, with at least 7.0 in each of the four modules (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). If, for example, you score an 8 overall but receive a 6.5 in writing, you would not be eligible.
For OET, you must attain a ‘B’ grade in each module of the exam (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) to meet the GMC’s eligibility requirements.
If you’ve successfully completed the Canadian MCCQE 2 in English on or before October 27, 2020, you can explore the option of applying for GMC registration to practice as a doctor in the UK. As with other routes, graduating from a UK or Swiss medical college is not allowed.
Similar to the USMLE route, you will need to meet the GMC’s criteria and complete an acceptable pattern of internship.
The GMC’s English language proficiency requirements, validated by IELTS or OET, are the same for applicants through the MCCQE route.
For IELTS, a minimum score of 7.5 is necessary, with at least 7.0 in each module. For OET, a ‘B’ grade is required in each module.
If you’ve passed the AMC Clinical Examination on or before March 5th, 2020, you can explore the option of GMC registration to practice as a doctor in the UK, provided you haven’t graduated from a UK or Swiss medical college.
Like the other routes, you will need to meet the GMC’s criteria and complete an acceptable internship pattern.
The GMC’s English language proficiency requirements, verified through IELTS or OET, are consistent for applicants through the AMC route.
For IELTS, you must attain a minimum score of 7.5, with at least 7.0 in each module. For OET, a ‘B’ grade is needed in each module.
When completing the application form, which can be obtained by emailing img@gmc-uk.org, you’ll need to submit copies of the following documents:
After submitting the application and required documents to img@gmc-uk.org, await their response. They may request additional information if necessary, so be prepared to provide it promptly. If your circumstances change, inform the GMC as soon as possible.
Important Note:
If you passed the clinical skills exam more than two years ago, you must have been engaged in medical work for at least three out of the last five years. Additionally, you must have been working for the six months preceding your application. Failing to meet these criteria will render you ineligible for GMC registration.
 If your college is not listed, there is a process to get it added.
No, if you’ve taken USMLE, MCCQE, or AMC and then failed PLAB, you cannot apply via this route.
You will be eligible for full GMC registration if you’ve completed an acceptable internship pattern. Otherwise, you may receive provisional registration.
Provisional registration restricts you to the UK Foundation Program only, preventing you from undertaking other roles in the UK.Â
The salary varies depending on your hours and level of work.
UK doctors are protected by the European Working Time Directive.
Understand the process of specialty training, including non-training and training roles, through our overview of specialty training.
The UK has removed all restrictions on foreign/international medical graduates, meaning you can apply alongside UK graduates based on your merit rather than your nationality. However, it’s advisable to confirm with the GMC for the most up-to-date information.
Good luck in your GMC registration journey! Thanks for reading.
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Darwin Reifer February 6, 2024
Outstanding feature
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