These FAQs are currently being updated for the FP2014 application process. The revised FAQs, along with the FP/AFP2014 Applicant's Handbook will be available by 21 June 2013. Click here to view the key dates for 2014 application process.
01 general
- What is the Foundation Programme?
- Who is responsible for delivering/overseeing the programme?
- What are postgraduate deaneries?
- What are foundation schools?
- How do I apply for flexible training?
- If I have any pending investigations into my fitness to practice, is there any action I need to take?
- What is the Malta Foundation School?
02 Application Process
- How do I get into the Foundation Programme?
- Where can I find out more about the national application process?
- What is a unit of application (UoA)?
- How is my application scored?
- How do UoA preferences work when it comes to allocating FP applicants to places?
- What happens if there are not enough foundation training jobs for everyone who applies?
- If I have a criminal conviction (which I must declare on my application form), what do I do?
- What happens if there are not enough applicants for the number of vacancies available?
- Is it possible for me to be allocated to my first choice foundation school if I am on the reserve list?
- Can I appeal against the outcome of my application?
- What is the Educational Performance Measure (EPM)?
- What is the process for providing references for the Foundation Programme?
- What if my referee does not complete the reference by the deadline?
- How do I know if a reference has been submitted?
- Can I change my referees?
- I have asked someone to be a referee but they've only known me for one year of medical school. Can they still act as my referee?
- What is the difference between date of qualification and date of graduation?
- The decile score I can see when I log in to my FPAS account is different the one my medical school gave me. What should I do?
- What is the Situational Judgement Test (SJT)?
- When will I have to take the Situational Judgement Test (SJT)?
- What happens if not enough vacancies arise for all applicants on the reserve list?
- What happens if I do wish to accept the post offered to me?
- Due to a change in circumstances, I am not able to take up my post in the foundation school I've been allocated to. What can I do?
- What happens if I do not pass my final exams as expected?
- How do I apply for a F2 post?
- Can I apply to specialty training?
03 Eligibility - General
- I am studying medicine at a non-UK medical school, can I apply to the Foundation Programme?
- How do I apply as a refugee doctor if I can't get documents from my home country?
- Do I have to provide the UKFPO with academic transcripts from my secondary education?
- Do you wish to see academic transcripts of other degrees?
- I graduated some time ago and no-one at my medical school knows me or remembers me anymore. Do I still have to ask them to complete a Dean's Statement and what do I do if they say they can't provide it?
- Is there anything I can do to assist my eligibility application and reduce the chances of it being rejected?
- If I am deemed eligible to apply, does this mean I am guaranteed a job?
- Will it help if I come to the office to personally deliver my documentation?
- How can I check that my documents have reached you?
04 Eligibility - GMC Registration and PLAB
- What type of GMC registration do I need in order to apply for the Foundation Programme?
- What happens if I have full GMC registration?
- How will I know what level of GMC registration I will be awarded based on my internship or clinical experience?
- As an EEA citizen studying in an EEA country I am exempt from undertaking PLAB? What can I provide to the Eligibility Office as evidence of my exemption?
- What format shall I provide PLAB information to the Eligibility Office?
05 Eligibility - English Language Requirements
- What is IELTS?
- I have registered to take the General IELTS examination; is this sufficient for my application?
06 Eligibility - Clinical Assessment
07 Eligibility - Right to work
01 general
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What is the Foundation Programme?
The UK Foundation Programme is an integrated two-year training programme for newly qualified doctors who are eligible only for provisional registration with the GMC in the UK.
The programme was launched in August 2005 and follows a standard Curriculum, the FP Curriculum 2012. The Curriculum identifies the required outcomes for successfully completion of each year of the programme and describes the assessments that foundation doctors will be required to undertake
On successful completion of the first year of the programme, and subject to completion of a Certificate of Experience, doctors are eligible to apply for full GMC registration. Please refer to the GMC website for more information on the Certificate of Experience. -
Who is responsible for delivering/overseeing the programme?
The General Medical Council (GMC) is responsible for setting the standards required of foundation training, quality assurance against the standards and approval of training programmes. Postgraduate deaneries are responsible for delivery and quality management of foundation programmes, which they manage through foundation schools.
The national coordinating body for the Foundation Programme is the UK Foundation Programme Office, which has been commissioned by the four UK Health Departments.
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What are postgraduate deaneries?
There are thirteen postgraduate deaneries in England, one in Wales, one in Northern Ireland and five in Scotland, each headed by a postgraduate dean. They have responsibility for ensuring that the Foundation Programme is delivered to national standards set by the GMC. They are responsible for ensuring there is an effective educational infrastructure for foundation training through the foundation schools.
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What are foundation schools?
Foundation schools bring together medical schools and local education providers (e.g. hospitals, GP practices, hospices) to offer foundation doctors training in a range clinical settings in order that they can attain all outcomes required in the Curriculum. The schools are administered by a local staff which is supported by the deanery.
In particular, foundation schools are responsible for ensuring the Foundation Programme is managed operationally in line with the FP Reference Guide 2012.
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How do I apply for flexible training?
Applicants needing to train flexibly as a foundation doctor must compete with all other applicants for entry into Foundation Programme. If successful, applicants should contact their allocated foundation school to discuss their training needs and how to access flexible training opportunities.
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If I have any pending investigations into my fitness to practice, is there any action I need to take?
You must contact the GMC as soon as possible to discuss the investigation with them. As with investigating criminal convictions, this may take some time, so it is advisable to do this sooner rather than later in order that your employment contract is not held up.
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What is the Malta Foundation School?
By special agreement between the Department of Health (England) and the Health Care Services Division of the Maltese Ministry for Social Policy, the UKFPO provided technical support to establish a foundation school in Malta in July 2009. The UKFPO recognises the Malta Foundation School as an affiliated school as its curriculum, operational processes and quality assurance are based on those used in the UK. However, the Malta Foundation Programme is regulated by the Medical Council of Malta and not by the UK General Medical Council. A UK graduate who wishes to apply to the Malta Foundation Programme should seek the advice of their medical school. Under exceptional circumstances, the medical school in partnership with the local postgraduate deanery may prospectively approve training as a provisionally registered doctor outside the UK and, upon satisfactory completion, support their application for full registration with the GMC. If prospective approval is not given to a UK medical graduate, an application for full GMC registration will not be possible.
The Malta Foundation School has its own recruitment process and does not participate in the national recruitment process for the UK Foundation Programme managed by the UKFPO.
Any doctor who successfully completes the Malta Foundation Programme will be awarded a Malta Foundation Achievement of Competence Document which is recognised by specialty training recruitment bodies in the UK.
More details are available from the Malta Foundation School website.
02 Application Process
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How do I get into the Foundation Programme?
Entry to the Foundation Programme is via a competitive application process.
Before you can participate in the application process, you must ensure that you are eligible to apply. Information regarding the eligibility process for FP 2014 will be available under the ''How to Apply/Eligibility'' section of the website by the end of May 2013.
All applicants must complete an online application in the autumn for the foundation programme commencing the following year.
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Where can I find out more about the national application process?
The Applicant’s Handbook, and overview presentation will be available to download via the How to Apply section of this website by 21 June 2013. They provide useful information on the application process for the Foundation Programme and the Academic Foundation Programme along with advice on the selection methods, i.e. the Educational Performance Measure (EPM) and the Situational Judgement Test (SJT).
They will include the application timeline for the Foundation Programme commencing in August 2014 and other useful information. To view the key dates for the 2014 application process please click here.
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What is a unit of application (UoA)?
A unit of application (UoA) is a group of one or more foundation schools that have joined together for the purposes of processing applications. The groupings for processing applications to the Academic Foundation Programme (AFP) are different and these are referred to as academic units of application (AUoA).
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How is my application scored?
Your overall Foundation Programme application score will consist of your Educational Performance Measure (EPM) score and the score you achieve for the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). More information will be available in the FP/AFP 2014 Applicant's Handbook which will be published by 21 June 2013.
If you are applying for an Academic Foundation Programme (AFP), the score that is used to determine whether or not you receive an offer comprises your EPM score plus a score determined by the local AUoA. However, all AFP offers are subject to a satisfactory SJT score.
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How do UoA preferences work when it comes to allocating FP applicants to places?
All applicants are required to rank all units of application (UoAs) in order of preference. Applicants will be allocated to units of application (UoAs) in score order of their total score (Educational Performance Measure score (EPM) plus score for the Situational Judgement Test (SJT)), starting with the highest scoring applicant. Each applicant will be allocated to their highest preference UoA with a place available when it is their turn to be allocated. If their first choice is not available, the system will look at their second choice, and so on down their list of preferences until it finds their highest preference which still has a space available. Where applicants have the same score, the system will randomly select the order for allocation of applicants with that score.
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What happens if there are not enough foundation training jobs for everyone who applies?
If there are more fully eligible applicants than vacancies across the UK, applications from individuals who cannot provide evidence of their right to work in the UK by the given deadline will not be considered.
If, at the end of the AFP offers process, there are more applicants than FP places, allocation to a UoA becomes a three stage process:
1. The ‘n’ top scoring applicants will be placed on the primary list, where ‘n’ is the total number of vacancies available across the UK.
2. These applicants will be allocated to a UoA in score order March 2014 (date to be confirmed).
3. The remaining applicants are placed on a reserve list, to be allocated in batches on predetermined dates. -
If I have a criminal conviction (which I must declare on my application form), what do I do?
The GMC must investigate all criminal convictions to ascertain whether you are fit to practise as a doctor. This can take several months. Therefore, it would be best for you to contact the GMC as soon as possible so they can start their investigations. If you are successful in obtaining a post and do not give the GMC sufficient notice, it may hold up your employment contract and therefore the start of your training programme.
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What happens if there are not enough applicants for the number of vacancies available?
If there are significantly fewer applicants than vacancies, some posts will be suspended in each foundation school in England using a pre-determined percentage. Posts will not be suspended in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. This ensures a consistent fill rate across the country so that patient care can be delivered in all areas.
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Is it possible for me to be allocated to my first choice foundation school if I am on the reserve list?
Yes, there is a possibility that you could be allocated to your first choice UoA but this will only happen if there are spaces available in that UoA when it is your turn to be allocated.
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Can I appeal against the outcome of my application?
There is a robust appeals process in place where an applicant can appeal against the outcome of the application process on the following grounds :-
- a service interruption through the UKFPO's application website (FPAS) may have disadvantaged you; or
- the process was not applied with appropriate diligence or due care; or
- there is evidence of prejudice, bias or conflict of interest during the recruitment process.You cannot appeal against your score and no feedback is provided on individual applications. The application appeals process will be published on the UKFPO website later in the year.
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What is the Educational Performance Measure (EPM)?
The EPM is a measure of clinical and non clinical skills, knowledge and performance up to the point of application. The EPM comprises three elements: medical school performance to date in deciles for which 34-43 points are available; additional degrees worth up to 5 points; and academic achievements for which 2 points are available. A maximum of 50 points is available.
Click here to read the EPM frequently asked questions.
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What is the process for providing references for the Foundation Programme?
Applicants are required to provide names and contact details of two referees as part of their online application. The applicant must ensure that the referees are happy to provide a reference before nominating them. The applicant is also required to ensure that the email address provided for each referee is accessed regularly and the referee is aware of which email address has been used.
The dates for the reference period will be available in the FP/AFP 2014 Applicant’s Handbook, which will be published by 21 June 2013.
References are not used in the scoring or allocation process. They will have no bearing on your application and are used only by your employer as part of pre-employment checks.
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What if my referee does not complete the reference by the deadline?
Please keep in mind that you are responsible for ensuring that two referees submit references for you before you start the Foundation Programme. A contract of employment will not be issued until these references are in place. If either or both of your referees is unable to submit an online structured reference by the deadline then your employing healthcare organisation will work with you to ensure appropriate references are submitted. This will not affect the way that your application is processed.
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How do I know if a reference has been submitted?
In order to check whether online references have been received, log in to your FPAS account and select “Submitted References” from the right hand menu. This section will show you whether or not your references have been submitted. If a reference has been submitted, you will be able to view the content.
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Can I change my referees?
You can change your referee details online at any point up until the deadline for submission of references, or until a reference is submitted – whichever comes first. Once a reference is submitted, it cannot be changed and you cannot request a different reference.
If you change the details of a nominated referee after they have received an email asking them to provide a reference for you, this amendment will generate an automated email to the new email address asking them to complete the reference. This will occur each time a referee’s email address is changed (the system effectively believes that a new referee has been nominated).
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I have asked someone to be a referee but they've only known me for one year of medical school. Can they still act as my referee?
Yes, you can still ask them to provide a reference for you, but you must ensure that you make them aware of any relevant concerns that have been raised during your time at medical school.
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What is the difference between date of qualification and date of graduation?
The date of qualification is the date on which a University Board agrees the results and issues a pass list, then notifies students of the result. The date of graduation is the date of the award ceremony.
Some medical schools have a period of many months between the date of qualification and the date of graduation, so the date of graduation is not a reliable indicator of when the applicant passed their degree and how up to date their clinical knowledge and skills may be.The relevant date for our application process is when an applicant passed their qualification, not when they graduated. If you are still unsure, we recommend that you speak with your medical school for further guidance.
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The decile score I can see when I log in to my FPAS account is different the one my medical school gave me. What should I do?
If your EPM decile score is different to the one you were told by your medical school then you need to contact your medical school as soon as possible to clarify this. If you applied through the UKFPO Eligibility Office, you should contact the Eligibility Office.
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What is the Situational Judgement Test (SJT)?
The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is an invigilated test designed to test the aptitudes expected of you as a foundation doctor and is used as a measure of meeting the national FP person specification. The SJT is taken in exam conditions and consists of 70 questions in 2 hours 20 minutes. It contains two question formats: rank five possible responses in order and select the three most appropriate responses. A maximum of 50 points is available.
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When will I have to take the Situational Judgement Test (SJT)?
All applicants to the Foundation Programme and the Academic Foundation Programme commencing in 2014 are required to take the SJT in the UK on either:
• Friday 6 December 2013
• Monday 6 January 2014Your UK medical school or the UKFPO Eligibility Office will inform you of the date/s available to you. More information on the SJT is available on the UKFPO and ISFP websites.
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What happens if not enough vacancies arise for all applicants on the reserve list?
The number of vacancies that arise after the primary list allocation will depend on the number of applicants who withdraw from the process after they have been allocated. Applicants withdraw for a variety of reasons such as failing their final exams, failing PLAB or other personal reasons. Any applicants who have not been allocated after the final reserve list batch allocation will be referred back to their medical school. Medical schools will then explore local opportunities for graduates to complete a year’s training at F1 level.
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What happens if I do wish to accept the post offered to me?
Successful applicants will be allocated to one unit of application (UoA) only, and then matched to one programme only. Declining your allocated UoA or matched programme will mean you are withdrawing from the application process. There is no system for swaps between UoAs or individual foundation schools. If you withdraw from the process, you will be unable to apply to the two year Foundation Programme until the following year. Vacancies that arise after the end of the national application process are normally service posts, for which doctors must have full GMC registration.
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Due to a change in circumstances, I am not able to take up my post in the foundation school I've been allocated to. What can I do?
If your circumstances have changed since the time you applied to the Foundation Programme but you are still able to undertake foundation training, you could consider whether or not you meet the criteria for an inter-foundation school transfer (IFST). Any IFST has to initially be considered and approved by the foundation school you have been allocated to before it can be considered by the foundation school you wish to transfer to. Any IFST would also be dependent on a vacancy being available in the school you wish to transfer to. Refer to the IFST guidance for full information on this process.
If you are no longer able to undertake foundation training, you should contact your allocated UoA and withdraw from the process. You will be able to apply again next year if you are then in a position to start foundation training. -
What happens if I do not pass my final exams as expected?
You will be withdrawn from the application process and will have to re-apply the following year. The post you were allocated to you will not be held; you will have to re-apply in open competition.
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How do I apply for a F2 post?
If you successfully apply for the two-year integrated Foundation Programme, then you will be allocated to an F2 post in one of two ways. Some foundation schools match applicants to a two year rotation at the outset, while others allow you to express your preference for an F2 rotation during your F1 year.
If you have full GMC registration or wish to change foundation schools on completion of your F1 year, you can apply for a one-year F2 post. Each foundation school recruits for one-year F2 posts at a local level and the UK Foundation Programme Office is not involved in this. Each foundation school will have their own timetable and their own deadline for receiving applications. Please visit the foundation school websites for details of any vacancies and further information about their F2 recruitment processes. There are links to all of the foundation school websites via our website: www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk -
Can I apply to specialty training?
To be eligible to apply for specialty training you must meet all essential criteria of the relevant person specification, including full GMC registration with a licence to practise and evidence of having achieved foundation competence (as defined by the outcomes of the FP Curriculum).
Each of the devolved nations has slightly differing procedures for recruitment into specialty training.• England: Applicants for specialty training in England can find more information on the MMC website. Go to www.mmc.nhs.uk for further information.
• Scotland: Applicants for specialty training in Scotland will be able to register and enroll via www.scotmt.scot.nhs.uk. The site contains comprehensive information on opportunities for hospital and GP specialty training in Scotland and life as a doctor including case studies and video clips.
• Wales: Full details on specialty training in Wales can be found on the dedicated website: www.mmcwales.org
• Northern Ireland: Applying for specialty posts in Northern Ireland is done via the HPSS Jobs site www.hpssjobs.com. Full details on the process can be found on the NIMDTA website at www.nimdta.gov.uk/human-resources/hr-recruitment/568
03 Eligibility - General
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I am studying medicine at a non-UK medical school, can I apply to the Foundation Programme?
Yes, graduates from non-UK medical schools can apply but first you need to a submit an eligibility application to the UKFPO's Eligibility Office in order to determine whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria. The FP2014 Eligibilty documents and guidance will be available shortly.
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How do I apply as a refugee doctor if I can't get documents from my home country?
We are aware that refugees may not be able to produce all of the evidence required by the Eligibility Office. Applicants with refugee status who believe they meet the eligibility criteria and wish to apply for a place on the Foundation Programme should contact the UKFPO’s Eligibility Office (eligibility@foundationprogramme.nhs.uk) prior to applying to discuss their personal circumstances.
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Do I have to provide the UKFPO with academic transcripts from my secondary education?
No, please provide an academic transcript that relates to your medical degree only.
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Do you wish to see academic transcripts of other degrees?
No, please provide an academic transcript that relates to your medical degree only.
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I graduated some time ago and no-one at my medical school knows me or remembers me anymore. Do I still have to ask them to complete a Dean's Statement and what do I do if they say they can't provide it?
The General Medical Council has regulated that F1 doctors must have written approval from their university to enter a programme that completes their basic medical education. This can be evidenced either through participation in the Foundation Programme national application process, or, if appointed locally to a training post in the Foundation Programme, by a letter from the medical school confirming approval to take up the post or programme, and the arrangements for signing the Certificate of Experience.
In order to take part in the national application process, you must provide a fully completed Dean’s Statement that gives you approval to apply, and confirms you are of good standing and fit to practise medicine safely in accordance with the GMC’s Good Medical Practice (2006).
If you graduated some time ago and are no longer known to the medical school, the Dean understandably may be reluctant to confirm that you are of good standing and fit to practise.
We suggest in these circumstances that you contact the Dean, explain your circumstances and ask them what evidence you could provide that would satisfy them that you are of good standing and fit to practise.
By way of guidance, we would suggest that the following constitute reasonable evidence for you to provide to the Dean:
a) A curriculum vitae that outlines what you have been doing during the time since you graduated. An accompanying letter should include a declaration of whether you have any criminal convictions and whether you have been investigated by any professional body.b) Identification of three referees who can vouch for this account of your history and your suitability to take up a post that carries professional responsibilities. Your references should be from professional persons or persons of good standing in the community. Your referees should not be related to you by birth or marriage, or be in a personal relationship with you or live at the same address as you. Suitable referees would include employers and members of professional bodies. Where your referees are licensed or registered professionals (including registered medical practitioners) they should provide details of the relevant regulatory body and include details of their registration or reference number. You should provide copies of these references to the Dean but it must be possible to verify them independently, so do ensure that your referees provide details of a business address or telephone number where they can be contacted.
You should also be willing to attend a face-to-face interview with the Dean if they request this.
This process may take some time so contact the Dean at the earliest opportunity and well before the deadline for submitting the statement to the Eligibility Office to confirm what requirements they have before they will consider signing the Dean’s statement. Depending on your circumstances, the Dean may also need time to contact the GMC for advice about your request.
Please note that you will be considered ineligible to apply for the Foundation Programme 2014 if you fail to provide a fully completed Dean’s statement that confirms all required statements. If, after following the steps above, your Dean is still unable to complete a Dean’s Statement, you can contact the Eligibility Office for further advice before the closing date for submitting eligibility documentation. Please note though that it may not be possible for the Eligibility Office to resolve the issue.
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Is there anything I can do to assist my eligibility application and reduce the chances of it being rejected?
Yes. Taking extra care in completing your eligibility form may mean the difference between being assessed as eligible to apply or ineligible.
• Ensure that you read the Eligibility Form Notes and Medical School Dean’s Statement Notes carefully – they both contain explicit guidance which you should read and digest.
• Ensure you have completed all sections of the form with the information requested. Adhere to ALL deadlines – in the past several doctors have had to put their career plans on hold for an entire year simply by submitting paperwork late – deadlines are there for a reason and exceptions cannot be made, regardless of the circumstances. -
If I am deemed eligible to apply, does this mean I am guaranteed a job?
Being assessed as eligible to apply gives applicants the opportunity to apply to the Foundation Programme/Academic Foundation Programme 2014 through the national application process. It does not guarantee appointment to a job.
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Will it help if I come to the office to personally deliver my documentation?
No. The Eligibility Office does not have the resources to deal with applicants on a face-to-face basis. Submissions of eligibility documentation is strictly by post only.
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How can I check that my documents have reached you?
You will be sent an acknowledgement email within five working days of receipt of your completed eligibility form. If you do not hear anything from us within this timescale it means that we have not received your documentation. It is advisable to send your documents to the Eligibility Office as early as possible to ensure receipt by the deadline. Late eligibility applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. It is your responsibility to ensure your documentation arrives at the Eligibility Office safely – you may wish to consider using a guaranteed delivery service, but again, please be reminded that if delays in this service occur, we will not be able to accept late applications.
The address to send your eligibility application to is:
UKFPO Eligibility Office
Regus House
Falcon Drive
Cardiff Bay
CF10 4RU
04 Eligibility - GMC Registration and PLAB
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What type of GMC registration do I need in order to apply for the Foundation Programme?
All applicants must ensure that they are eligible to obtain (or already hold) provisional GMC registration and a licence to practise* before submitting an eligibility application. You do not need to have provisional registration before you apply but you must have it before the start of the Foundation Programme
* Please refer to the General Medical Council website for details.
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What happens if I have full GMC registration?
If you hold, or are eligible to obtain, full GMC registration then you are not eligible to apply for the integrated two-year Foundation Programme.
However you may apply directly for a one year F2 post. Each foundation school recruits for F2 posts at a local level and the UKFPO is not involved. Each school will have their own timetable and deadline for receiving applications. Please visit the individual foundation school websites for more information. Please click here for a list of addresses. You may also find it useful to refer to the medical press and NHS Jobs website.
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How will I know what level of GMC registration I will be awarded based on my internship or clinical experience?
The General Medical Council (GMC) is the body responsible for determining the level of registration that will be awarded to individuals. The UKFPO are unable to offer any advice on this matter. The information below, taken from the GMC website 23 May 2012, explains the requirements for full registration. You should always refer to the GMC website for up to date information.
To be eligible for full registration you must have satisfactorily completed either Foundation Year 1 (F1) in the UK, or a period of pre-graduate or postgraduate clinical experience that provides an acceptable foundation for future practice as a fully registered and licensed medical practitioner. In the UK this postgraduate clinical experience used to be known as Pre-Registration House Officer (PRHO) training but, in most other countries, it is usually referred to as an internship.
You will be asked to provide details of your pre-graduate or postgraduate internship. To be eligible for full registration you must have satisfactorily completed either Foundation Year 1 (F1) in the UK, or a period of pre-graduate or postgraduate clinical experience that provides an acceptable foundation for future practice as a fully registered and licensed medical practitioner. This will usually be referred to as an internship.
To be acceptable your internship must be either:
• a 12 month programme that includes a minimum of three months in surgery and three months in medicine or
• a programme of at least 10 months duration that includes a minimum of three months in surgery and three months in medicine which also includes an additional period of study of up to two months in order to prepare for an exit exam, together with successful completion of all exit examinations or
• The equivalent of two years full time post qualification experience at a publicly funded hospital in at least two branches of medicine and/or surgery.If you have completed a pattern of experience as outlined above it is unlikely that you would be eligible for provisional registration
For current and further information please see the relevant section on the GMC website:Providing evidence of your qualifications
Postgraduate standards and guidance -
As an EEA citizen studying in an EEA country I am exempt from undertaking PLAB? What can I provide to the Eligibility Office as evidence of my exemption?
Please tick the relevant box on your eligibility application form and provide proof of your nationality (passport) and proof of your country of study (medical degree certificate). There is no additional document to submit.
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What format shall I provide PLAB information to the Eligibility Office?
If you have the required PLAB documentation at the time of submitting your eligibility application please send hard copies with your supporting documents.
If you are submitting PLAB documentation after the eligibility application submission period please send it via email to the following email address eligibility@foundationprogramme.nhs.uk.
05 Eligibility - English Language Requirements
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What is IELTS?
The academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) provides employers with evidence that your language and communication skills comply with the person specification.
For more information on how to undertake an IELTS exam, please visit the IELTS website.
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I have registered to take the General IELTS examination; is this sufficient for my application?
No, you must achieve the necessary level in the Academic IELTS to be eligible to apply for the programme.
06 Eligibility - Clinical Assessment
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I qualified prior to 6 August 2011 and therefore must undertake a clinical assessment. What does this involve?
The national clinical assessment is designed to ensure that a doctor has maintained their clinical and professional skills since qualification. The clinical assessment will be undertaken by the University Hospital of South Manchester and will take place on 5, 6 and 7 December 2012.
07 Eligibility - Right to work
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What can I provide as acceptable proof that I have the right to work in the UK as part of my eligibilty application?
Specific documents that are accepted by the Eligibility Office will be available in the Eligibility Notes and Form. These will be published on the UKFPO website shortly.
The Eligibility Office is not an immigration authority and cannot advise you on how to obtain the right to work in the UK. For general queries regarding visa and right to work issues, we recommend that you refer to the UK Border Agency.
