How do I select the correct professional regulatory authority ?

Each country has its own regulations and regulatory authorities with responsibility for the professional registration of medical, dental and healthcare professions. Some countries such as the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have single national authorities which are responsible for the registration of all professionals within the country. However some countries have federal regulatory authorites which regulate professions only within the boundaries of a state or province. Canada, USA and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are examples of the latter. The selection of the proposed work location will determine the appropriate regulatory authority. Here are some examples: If you wish to work as a doctor in New Zealand, you must register with the Medical Council of New Zealand. If you wish to work as a doctor in Ontario Canada, you must register with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Our recruitment experts will advise you of the appropriate regulatory authority and pathway.

How long does the process of professional registration take?

This depends upon the category of registration, with registration for the more senior and specialist positions taking longer. A thoroughly prepared application can be completed in 6-12 weeks in most jurisdictions. Delays will inevitably occur with incomplete or poorly prepared applications.

What are the requirements?

The requirements of each regulatory authority vary but in general fall into the following categories: Qualifications: defined accepted qualifications Experience: a minimum experience requirement Current valid active professional registration in jurisdiction of place of work Language: tests of English or French language proficiency IELTS, OET Examinations: PLAB, USMLE, MCCQE1, AHPRA, NZREX, Prometric exams Primary Source Verifications of qualifications - Data Flow or EPIC Professional References

What is a Report of Primary Source Verification of Credentials?

This is a report produced by an organisation recognised by professional regulatory authorities which verifies your qualifications and often professional registration and recent practice experience at primary source. Its purpose is to eliminate fraudulent applications. Reports are produced by: ECFMG - EPIC Report DataFlow LLC - DataFlow Report (Middle East only)

How do I obtain a DataFlow Report?

Candidates applying for jobs in the Middle East require a DataFlow Report which can be obtained by application made on line. For instructions on how to obtain this, please read A Guide to the DataFlow Report for Doctors Aiming to Practise in the Middle East Gulf States

How to I obtain an EPIC Report?

The EPIC report is the most widely accepted primary source verification report, required for professional registration of physicians in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, UK and Ireland. Applications for this report are made on line and guidance is available in this article EPIC Primary Source Verifications for International Physicians

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PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

Professional Registration and Practice Licences for Medicine, Dentistry and Healthcare Professions

Doctors, dentists and most healthcare professionals must register with a professional regulatory authority and obtain a licence to practice in the proposed jurisdiction of practice. Requirements for registration vary and all candidates should verify requirements with the appropriate authority or contact us for clarification. You should estimate the length of time you will need to satisfy the requirements for your application to be successfully submitted to the regulator, as well as the time the application process itself will take. Excellent and thorough preparation saves time! Thorough preparation gives your application the best chance of success and minimises the chance that the regulatory organisation will throw up sudden, unanticipated demands.

You may need to pass tests of language proficiency or at least ensure that your verbal fluency is sufficient to satisfy the regulator. You may need to obtain or update certificates of procedural competency in resuscitation or other fields and you will almost always have to secure a report of primary source verification of qualifications, and sometimes experience and professional registration too. You should allow plenty of time to collect the credentials and documents you need to meet all conceivable requirements.

Do not forget that you will need professional referees who will earnestly support your application for registration, so make sure that you select good referees who are credible and knowledgeable about your work. Ensure that they are well briefed about the essential criteria for successful applications! Give them plenty of time to write your references and discuss any potential issues. Anticipate and resolve problems in advance! This too saves time later on.

Once you have secured eligibility for professional registration, you are all set to apply for jobs and a licence or certificate to practise your profession.

FAQs about International Professional Registration in Medicine, Dentistry and Healthcare

How do I select the correct professional regulatory authority ?
Each country has its own regulations and regulatory authorities with responsibility for the professional registration of medical, dental and healthcare professions. Some countries such as the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have single national authorities which are responsible for the registration of all professionals within the country. However some countries have federal regulatory authorites which regulate professions only within the boundaries of a state or province. Canada, USA and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are examples of the latter.

The selection of the proposed work location will determine the appropriate regulatory authority.
Here are some examples:
- If you wish to work as a doctor in New Zealand, you must register with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
- If you wish to work as a doctor in Ontario Canada, you must register with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Our recruitment experts will advise you of the appropriate regulatory authority and pathway.
How long does the process of professional registration take?

This depends upon the category of registration, with registration for the more senior and specialist positions taking longer. A thoroughly prepared application can be completed in 6-12 weeks in most jurisdictions. Delays will inevitably occur with incomplete or poorly prepared applications.
What are the requirements?
The requirements of each regulatory authority vary but in general fall into the following categories:
1. Qualifications: defined accepted qualifications
2. Experience: a minimum experience requirement
3. Current valid active professional registration in jurisdiction of place of work
4. Language: tests of English or French language proficiency IELTS, OET
5. Examinations: PLAB, USMLE, MCCQE1, AHPRA, NZREX, Prometric exams
6. Primary Source Verifications of qualifications - Data Flow or EPIC
7. Professional References
What is a Report of Primary Source Verification of Credentials?

This is a report produced by an organisation recognised by professional regulatory authorities which verifies your qualifications and often professional registration and recent practice experience at primary source. Its purpose is to eliminate fraudulent applications.

Reports are produced by:

ECFMG - EPIC Report
DataFlow LLC - DataFlow Report (Middle East only)
How do I obtain a DataFlow Report?

Candidates applying for jobs in the Middle East require a DataFlow Report which can be obtained by application made on line. For instructions on how to obtain this, please read
A Guide to the DataFlow Report for Doctors Aiming to Practise in the Middle East Gulf States
How to I obtain an EPIC Report?

The EPIC report is the most widely accepted primary source verification report, required for professional registration of physicians in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, UK and Ireland.

Applications for this report are made on line and guidance is available in this article
EPIC Primary Source Verifications for International Physicians