GMC Registration through USMLE, MCCQE, and AMC Pathways

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.

What’s Required for GMC Registration?

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.

English Language Requirements

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.

How to Apply for GMC Registration through USMLE

1. Verify that your medical college is listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), which is likely if you’ve already completed the USMLE.
2. Gather proof of passing the USMLE to submit to the GMC.
3. Email img@gmc-uk.org to express your interest in applying through the USMLE route and complete the application form they provide.
4. Provide evidence of your English language proficiency through IELTS or OET.
5. Obtain a certificate of good standing if applicable.
6. Create a GMC online account.
7. Ensure you’ve completed the EPIC verification process.
8. Pay the required application fee.
9. Travel to the UK for an identity check.

GMC Registration via MCCQE

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.

English Language Requirements

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.

How to Apply for GMC Registration through MCCQE

1. Confirm that your medical college is listed on WDOMS.
2. Gather proof of passing the MCCQE to submit to the GMC.
3. Email img@gmc-uk.org to express your interest in applying through the MCCQE route and complete the provided application form.
4. Demonstrate your English language proficiency through IELTS or OET.
5. Obtain a certificate of good standing if required.
6. Establish a GMC online account.
7. Ensure completion of the EPIC verification process.
8. Pay the application fee.
9. Travel to the UK for an identity check.

GMC Registration via AMC

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.

English Language Requirements

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.

How to Apply for GMC Registration through AMC

1. Confirm that your medical college is listed on WDOMS.
2. Gather proof of passing the AMC Clinical Examination to submit to the GMC.
3. Email img@gmc-uk.org to express your interest in applying through the AMC route and complete the provided application form.
4. Demonstrate your English language proficiency through IELTS or OET.
5. Obtain a certificate of good standing if required.
6. Establish a GMC online account.
7. Ensure completion of the EPIC verification process.
8. Pay the application fee.
9. Travel to the UK for an identity check.

Application Form for GMC Registration

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:

1. Your passport.
2. Your primary medical qualification.
3. Evidence of passing an acceptable overseas registration exam.
4. Proof of English language capability (IELTS or OET scores).
5. Certificates of Good Standing from every medical regulatory authority where you have held registration in the last five years.
6. Translations of any documents that are not in English (only official translator translations are accepted).

Details Required for the Application Form

• The application form will request the following information:
• Your personal details, including your GMC Reference Number (if available).
• Your contact details, including your full address and email.
• Your nationality and passport details (submit a copy of your passport).
• Refugee status, if applicable, along with supporting documents.
• Your route to registration (exam pass date).
• Employment status, including any job offers (if applicable).
• English language declaration, with accompanying test report forms.
• Details about your primary medical qualification, including EPIC verification.
• Information about your internship.
• Your experience over the last five years, including periods of medical practice and any gaps.
• Registration or licensing history, if applicable.
• Additional details about diversity, religion and belief, and fitness to practice.
• Final declaration.
  

What Happens Next?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What if my college is not listed on GMC?

 If your college is not listed, there is a process to get it added.

Q2: Can I apply for this route if I have taken PLAB?

No, if you’ve taken USMLE, MCCQE, or AMC and then failed PLAB, you cannot apply via this route.

Q3: Will I get a full GMC registration?

You will be eligible for full GMC registration if you’ve completed an acceptable internship pattern. Otherwise, you may receive provisional registration.

Q4: What is provisional registration?

Provisional registration restricts you to the UK Foundation Program only, preventing you from undertaking other roles in the UK. 

Q5: What is the salary of a UK doctor?

The salary varies depending on your hours and level of work.

Q6: What are the working hours for UK doctors?

UK doctors are protected by the European Working Time Directive.

Q7: How can I enter specialty training in the UK?

Understand the process of specialty training, including non-training and training roles, through our overview of specialty training.

Q8: Will I face any restrictions as a foreign graduate?

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.