A Guide for International Physiotherapists Seeking Registration with the HCPC

The process for applying for HCPC registration as an overseas physiotherapist typically can be problematic, but the actual process and form is not particularly difficult. However, we made a guide to help your process become smoother. Get the process right first time, otherwise you will delay your registration.

 

Before you apply for HCPC registration as a physio:

1. You must have training (usually a Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree, or Doctorate Degree) in Physiotherapy.
2. Have read standards of proficiency and standards of conduct, performance and ethics (which can be found at https://www.hcpc-uk.org/resources/standards/standards-of-proficiency-physiotherapists/

The International Application Process

1. Read the Guidance document here: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/globalassets/registration/application-forms/interactive-forms/guidance-for-international-applicants---2021.pdf
2. Read the information on this page: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/registration/getting-on-the-register/international-applications/international-application-forms
3. Download the International Application for Registration Form (unless you are from Switzerland or the UK) https://www.hcpc-uk.org/globalassets/registration/application-forms/interactive-forms/application-for-registration---international.pdf

Section 1: Your Details:

• Complete Title, First Name, Last Name, Nationality, Date of Birth, Country of Birth, Sex, National Insurance number, Current Address, Telephone number, Mobile number, Email address (mandatory).
• Get a Photograph ready - either stick it onto the paper version, or better upload it later in the application process.
• For verifying your identity you must provide copy of current passport or national identification card and one of the following documents:
  • a household utility bill (the utility bill cannot be more than six months old; mobile telephone bills from outside of the UK are not acceptable);
  • a current full driving license issued in the UK, another EEA State or Switzerland;
  • a bank, building society, credit card or mortgage statement which is no more than six months old (PDF/online statements are not acceptable);
  • a local government tax bill (e.g. council tax) valid for the current year;

Section 2: Qualification

• You must provide a copy of your professional qualification (degree, diploma, or other qualification which enables you to practice your profession in elsewhere than in the United Kingdom) and, where appropriate, a copy of an official English translation
• You should provide details on the Course Information Form.
  • Theoretical and practical hours certificates for each module & course content booklet/syllabus.

Section 3: Professional experience

• Provide details of your employer (or if newly qualified, your placement/internships).
• Provide the contact details for your supervisor or work manager (only professional or business address or email address).
• Provide details of the professional regulatory registration you had.
• Explain any significant gaps (of six months or more) in your career history.
• Provide details of your job role that you currently have. Make reference to key competencies as per the Standards of Proficiency https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/physiotherapists/
• Describe your work setting(s) (e.g. hospital, private clinic etc.).
• Provide a summary of the range of service users (patient groups, injury types).
• Provide details of the services provided (e.g. MSK physiotherapy, rehabilitation, etc.).
• Explain the type of assessment (examination), treatment and rehabilitation programs used.
• Provide references in support of your application from your supervisor, or somebody otherwise responsible for you in a professional capacity.

Section 4: Professional registration and memberships

• Registration or membership with any regulatory, professional or similar organization in respect of the country in which you lived or worked. List all of them. Provide all of the details for each field.

Section 5: Language proficiency

• Each registrant must ensure that they can communicate effectively in English in order to meet our standards of proficiency.
• If you are a citizen of a relevant European State / a citizen of Switzerland you are exempt from providing proof of English language proficiency.
• You must declare whether English is your first language or not (e.g. is English the first language you ever started speaking, or now use the majority of the time daily).
• If no, you must take a formal English language test and provide the scores.

*The HCPC cannot accept any TOEFL test score undertaken in the United Kingdom & certificates must be no more than two years old when HCPC receive your application.

Section 6: Paying your Fee for your application to be checked

Add your email address, and when you receive the link, pay it as soon as possible.

Section 7: Declarations

Tick the required questions as part of declaring you are safe and of good character.

General Guidelines

1. Form can be completed electronically using a computer or by hand (in black ink and block capitals & mark boxes with a cross) & sign Section 6 and Section 7 with a handwritten signature
2. Attach a current passport-style photograph to the first page of the application form.
3. Documents which are not in English should be provided with a certified copy of an official translation.
4. Do not send original documents unless HCPC ask for them
5. Provide as much relevant information as possible to support your application.
6. Read every section of the application form carefully before filling any information.
7. Provide the details of previous applications in the form.
8. You will be required to submit certified copies of each document with your application form. Documents should be certified by a lawyer or notary, judicial or consular officer or a person of standing in the community. The person certifying any document should endorse a copy with the statement “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document seen by me” and sign and date it. They should also include their name, profession and contact details.
9. Checklist of documents is available in the form.
10. HCPC may ask further information over email for verification but will advise each applicant accordingly.
11. The scrutiny fee is a one-off non-refundable payment.
12. Registration cycle is biennial (two-yearly).
13. If application is incomplete and cannot be assessed, they will return it and ask you to complete and resubmit it (do not send missing documents or information separately from your application).
14. For help or enquiries you can email the Registration Department: international@hcpc-uk.org

Note: This is a general guideline document for international applicants and Chichester Physio  are here to help support your application, but cannot be responsible for your application. You must follow HCPC website for any information