The General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK is a government regulatory body that ensures doctors and other medical professionals follow strict professional and ethical standards.
Its primary responsibility is to protect patients and uphold the quality of healthcare services.

The GMC gives doctors licenses, maintains a register of qualified practitioners, and monitors their professional behavior and competence.
It also investigates complaints, handles disciplinary actions when required, and regulates medical education and training across the UK.

The council ensures that doctors receive proper training, maintain their skills, and follow safe medical practices throughout their careers.
In simple terms, the GMC upholds the integrity of the UK medical profession by promoting accountability, competence, and patient safety.

A Short History of GMC (with 21st Century Updates)

The GMC was established in 1858 to address concerns about the competence and conduct of doctors.
Over time, it grew into one of the most important healthcare regulators in the world.

In 2005, the GMC founded the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) to monitor medical training quality.
In 2010, the GMC took over PMETB’s responsibilities, becoming the central authority for supervising postgraduate medical education.

The 21st century brought major technological changes.
The GMC adopted digital systems for registration, licensing, and documentation, making processes faster and more accessible.

The GMC also improved its complaint-handling system to make healthcare safer and more transparent.

Why Is the GMC Important? What Happens If You Don’t Register?

The GMC plays a vital role for society, UK doctors, overseas doctors, and aspiring medical professionals.

Importance for Society

The GMC protects the public by ensuring that only qualified and trustworthy doctors are allowed to practice.
Because of strict regulation, patients feel safer when receiving healthcare.

Importance for UK Doctors

For UK doctors, GMC registration is a legal requirement.
It confirms that the doctor is competent, ethical, and continuously improving their medical knowledge.

Importance for Overseas Doctors

Foreign medical graduates must register with the GMC to work in the UK.
Registration ensures that international doctors meet the same high standards as UK-trained doctors.

If You Don’t Register

A doctor practising in the UK without GMC registration can face legal action, fines, and a permanent ban from practising.
It also affects job opportunities, immigration status, and future career growth.

How to Register with GMC UK (for Overseas, UK & Swiss Applicants)

To register with the GMC, applicants must complete several steps, beginning with an online account on the GMC website.

After verifying eligibility, candidates must fill out the registration form, submit their medical qualifications, and pay the required fees.
Applicants also need to complete primary source verification through ECFMG/EPIC, which confirms that their medical degree is genuine.

International graduates must also demonstrate English proficiency through OET or IELTS Academic.

After all documents are submitted and verified, applicants undergo an identity check.
Finally, the GMC reviews the application and confirms the registration.

The MLA Requirement (Starting 2024–25)

From the 2024–25 academic year, all UK medical graduates must pass the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) before applying for registration.
For foreign doctors, the PLAB exam will continue to serve as the MLA equivalent.

The MLA ensures that all doctors meet the same safety and clinical standards before entering the UK workforce.

Steps to Register with GMC UK

1. Check eligibility.

2. Complete the online application.

3. Pay the required fees.

4. Provide all documents and evidence.

5. Complete ID and background checks.

6. Wait for GMC approval.

GMC Registration Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• English proficiency (IELTS Academic 7.5 overall, minimum 7.0 in each section OR OET Medicine with a minimum B in all modules).

• Fitness to practice (health, character, conduct).

• Verified medical qualifications (EPIC verification for overseas graduates).

• Completion of PLAB or equivalent qualifications.

• Creation of a GMC Online account and EPIC account for verification.

UK graduates and provisionally registered doctors do not need primary source verification.

How GMC Checks Eligibility

Eligibility depends on nationality, medical qualifications, internship experience, and relevant proof of competence.

The applicant’s qualifications must come from:

• The UK

• Switzerland or EEA countries

• Approved international institutions listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools

• Accepted exams such as USMLE, MCCQE, or AMC exams

Internships may be completed in the UK or overseas, as long as they meet the required clinical training standards.

Special Requirements for International Graduates

International applicants must follow additional rules:

• Only four attempts are allowed for overseas registration exams.

• If the PLAB exam is over two years old, the applicant should have worked for 3 of the last 5 years, including 6 months in the past year.

• A consultant report is required as proof of recent clinical experience.

• Applicants who fail PLAB Part 1 or Part 2 must retake it before applying.

Types of GMC Registration

There are multiple types of GMC registration:

1. Provisional Registration

For graduates entering Foundation Year 1.

2. Full Registration

For those who completed FY1 or have equivalent overseas experience.
Allows independent medical practice.

3. Specialist Registration

For doctors seeking consultant posts in the NHS.

4. GP Registration

Mandatory for practising as a General Practitioner, GP registrar, or locum.

What Is the PLAB Test?

PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) is a licensing exam for international doctors.
It ensures they have the clinical knowledge and skills to work safely in the UK.

PLAB consists of two parts:

• Part 1: 180 MCQs in 3 hours

• Part 2: 16-station OSCE exam with real clinical scenarios

Applicants must have an acceptable medical degree, listed in the WMS, and completed required clinical training.

Passing PLAB is essential before applying for GMC registration.

Benefits of GMC Registration

Registering with the GMC provides:

• Legal permission to work in the UK

• Trust and credibility among patients and employers

• Access to NHS jobs and postgraduate training

• International recognition

• Higher ethical and professional standards

• Patient confidence and safety

• Continuous learning and professional development

• Networking and collaboration opportunities within the medical community

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the OET score required for GMC?
At least a B in all four OET Medicine modules.

Q2. What OET score is needed to register with GMC?
A minimum B in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Q3. Is there a separate OET test for MBBS doctors?
No. MBBS graduates take the standard OET Medicine exam.

Q4. What percentage is needed to pass OET?
You must achieve a B grade (equivalent to 350/500).

Q5. What are the OET requirements for GMC UK?
A minimum B in all modules (or IELTS Academic 7.5 overall, 7.0 minimum in each section).

Q6. Do I need OET for PLAB 2?
You need to prove English proficiency, but not necessarily through OET.
You may also use IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI.