GMC revalidation – all you need to know
All doctors who are licensed to practise in the UK must revalidate with the General Medical Council (GMC). Here’s our handy guide to the revalidation process.
What is revalidation?
Medical revalidation is the process by which doctors confirm to the GMC that they’re fit to practice in the UK. Revalidation supports doctors with professional development, drives improvements in clinical governance and gives patients confidence that your knowledge and skills are up to date. The NHS sees revalidation as a key measure in improving the quality of care for patients.
Do all doctors need to revalidate?
Yes, all doctors who are licenced to practise in the UK must revalidate. That includes doctors in all specialties in the NHS and in private sector healthcare roles, whether you’re employed, self-employed or working in healthcare locum jobs.
How does revalidation work?
Most doctors revalidate via connection to a ‘designated body’, determined usually by employment or contracting arrangements. You’ll be partnered with a ‘responsible officer’, who’s usually a senior colleague. The responsible officer makes a recommendation to the GMC about your fitness to practice, based on annual appraisals over five years, combined with information drawn from the designated body’s clinical governance systems.
It's the duty of the responsible officer to make sure that appraisals are carried out effectively and to a high standard, and to assure the quality of clinical governance systems in their organisation. As well as supporting doctors in developing their practice, this also enables early identification and intervention where doctors need additional support.
What if you don’t have a designated body?
The GMC’s website has guidance on how to revalidate if you aren’t connected to a designated body. Essentially, you have two options. You can identify a ‘suitable person’ who can appraise your performance. Alternatively, you can revalidate directly with the GMC through a series of annual appraisals, annual returns and an assessment of your knowledge and skills in the year you’re due to revalidate.
What if you’re a doctor in training?
Doctors in training revalidate by engaging in the requirements of their UK training programme. The GMC makes a revalidation decision based on a recommendation from the responsible officer of your training body.
Is there a cost involved in revalidation?
The GMC doesn’t usually charge doctors to revalidate. In some circumstances, there may be an administration fee payable, for example where you have no connection to a designated body or an eligible suitable person.
Getting ready for revalidation
There are several steps you need to take to be prepared for revalidation:
Register on GMC Online.
Identify and confirm your responsible officer via your GMC Online account.
Keep your annual appraisals up to date.
Collect supporting information.
The GMC website has guidance on requirements for licensed doctors to provide supporting information for appraisal and revalidation.
What happens next?
The GMC will make its revalidation decision based on the information supplied by your responsible officer, suitable person or direct evidence and appraisals. If you’re recommended for revalidation, your next revalidation date will be set for five years thereafter.
