The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) regulates various healthcare professions in the United Kingdom. For those seeking to practise within these fields, HCPC registration is a mandatory step. This article provides a step by step guide successful HCPC registration in 2024, including the professions requiring it and the associated fees.
We have seen a big increase in the HCPC processing times in 2024, with applications taking over 3 months for some of our candidates. We recommend that you obtain your HCPC before applying for any jobs on our website.
Is HCPC Registration Necessary for You?
Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to confirm if HCPC registration applies to your chosen profession. Here’s a list of the HCPC regulated professions in 2024:
Profession | Description | Protected Titles |
Arts Therapists | Psychological therapists using drama, music, or art as primary modes of communication. | Art psychotherapist, Art therapist, Drama therapist, Music therapist |
Biomedical Scientists | Analyse specimens to help doctors diagnose and treat diseases. | Biomedical scientist |
Chiropodists/Podiatrists | Diagnose and treat disorders, diseases, and deformities of the feet. | Chiropodist, Podiatrist |
Clinical Scientists | Oversee specialist tests for diagnosing and managing disease, advise on tests and data interpretation. | Clinical scientist |
Dietitians | Create eating plans to treat medical conditions and promote good health. | Dietitian, Dietician |
Hearing Aid Dispensers | Assess, fit, and provide aftercare for hearing aids in private practice. | Hearing aid dispenser |
Occupational Therapists | Use specific activities to promote independence and limit disability effects in daily life. | Occupational therapist |
Operating Department Practitioners | Provide care and support during anaesthetic, surgical, and recovery phases of surgery. | Operating department practitioner |
Orthoptists | Diagnose and treat visual problems involving eye movement and alignment. | Orthoptist |
Paramedics | Provide specialist care and treatment to acutely ill or injured patients, administer drugs, and perform surgeries. | Paramedic |
Physiotherapists | Help people achieve their physical potential through physical approaches. | Physiotherapist, Physical therapist |
Practitioner Psychologists | Study the mind and behaviour, attempting to understand mental functions in individual and social behaviour. | Practitioner psychologist, Registered psychologist, Clinical psychologist, Forensic psychologist, Counselling psychologist, Health psychologist, Educational psychologist, Occupational psychologist, Sport and exercise psychologist |
Prosthetists/Orthotists | Supply prostheses (devices replacing missing body parts) and orthoses (fitted to existing body parts). | Prosthetist, Orthotist |
Radiographers | Plan and deliver treatment using radiation, produce and interpret body images to diagnose injuries and diseases. | Radiographer, Diagnostic radiographer, Therapeutic radiographer |
Speech and Language Therapists | Assess, treat, and help prevent speech, language, and swallowing difficulties. | Speech and language therapist, Speech therapist |
Starting your HCPC Application
For international applicants who have completed training and practised outside the UK, the HCPC offers a dedicated application route. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
1. Choosing the Right Route for Your HCPC Registration Application
Before making an application for HCPC registration, ensure you apply using the correct route and application type.
For UK-Educated Professionals
If you trained and attained a qualification in the UK, apply via the UK route.
For Former HCPC Registrants
If you have previously been on the HCPC Register, apply for readmission and meet our returning to practice requirements.
For International Professionals
If you trained and attained a qualification outside of the UK, which will apply to most of our candidates, then the process is as follows:
1. Eligibility Check
To be eligible to apply for registration via the international route:
You must have undergone training outside the UK and attained a qualification delivered outside the UK.
Your training and qualification must be relevant to one of the professions regulated by the HCPC.
You must not have been registered with the HCPC previously.
If you are applying from Switzerland under the Swiss Citizens' Rights Agreement or you are applying based on the UK-Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein Free Trade Agreement; or you have been granted refugee status, please refer to the specific eligibility requirements.
2. Gather The Documents For Your HCPC application
Prepare certified copies of crucial documents, including:
Proof of identity such as your passport.
Proof of address such as a household utility bill or bank statement
Proof of name change if you name differs from the name on your passport or qualifications such as your marriage certificate
A completed Course Information Form with proof of your qualifications such as as a university transcript.
Certificate of English Language proficiency. Please note that the requirements for Speech and Language therapists differ from other professions.
Refer to the documents you need and how to certify these documents on the HCPC website.
3. Start your HCPC application online
Apply online on the HCPC’s website and create your application, meticulously filling out each section.
4. Pay the HCPC Scrutiny Fee
The HCPC application process incurs fees. As of the 9th November 2023, the fees have been updated. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Fee Type | Old Fee | Fee from 9 Nov 2023 |
Approved Programme (UK) Scrutiny Fee | £68.68 | £81.45 |
International Scrutiny Fee | £539.65 | £639.98 |
HCPC processing times
The HCPC advises applicants to expect delays in the processing times due to a large increase in the number of international applicants. The process can take between 3 to 6 months for approval.
Additional Resources for a Smooth Journey
The HCPC website offers a wealth of resources to support your registration journey. Here are some particularly helpful sections:
Conquering HCPC Registration with Confidence
By following these steps, gathering the necessary documents, and familiarising yourself with the HCPC’s resources, you can confidently navigate the HCPC registration process in 2024. Remember, for the most up-to-date information on fees and timelines, it’s recommended to consult the official HCPC website.
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