We're introducing a new standards of proficiency mapping document to our international application process
What is changing?
Applicants who apply through our international route now need to map their qualifications, experience and training against our standards in a standards of proficiency mapping document, and will no longer be able to provide further information after their application is submitted.
If there are any gaps in an applicant’s qualifications, experience and training – meaning that they are unable to show that they can meet our standards – they will be referred for a test of competence. If we believe the gaps to our standards of proficiency are significant, we may decide to refuse that application.
Applicants will no longer be asked to submit further information to us to address any gaps identified in qualifications, experience and training.
If we refuse an application, we will always provide clear reasons for the decision, based on the evidence provided through the application process. The applicant also has the right to appeal this decision.
Why we're making the changes
These changes are designed to streamline and strengthen the international applications process – by signposting all the documentary evidence into one easy to use document. This makes it quicker and easier for our assessors to assess whether an applicant meets our standards and it also makes it easier to identify where there may be any gaps.
The new process will also help us to apply more scrutiny to applications, through limiting the documentary assessment to one round. By cutting out the option to provide further information to help address any gaps – we will be increasing the number of applicants that are tested as part of the application process.
The mapping document also provides applicants with a focused space to actively consider all of the standards of proficiency when demonstrating how they are able to address each standard, and be confident that their application includes all relevant information and documentary evidence needed.
These changes follow improvements made over the last 18 months, such as introducing new plagiarism software and revising the types of evidence we accept as proof of an applicant’s English language proficiency.
The second phase of this work will include developing our tests of competence.
This package of improvements is part of our work to update and refine our international applications processes within the boundaries of our existing legislation – helping us to further reduce the risk of fraud, improve consistency in our decision-making and, ultimately, to better protect the public.
We work to continually update and improve our processes to ensure they remain robust, proportionate and aligned to expectations from both patients/service users and across the health sector.
When will the changes come into effect?
The new process is now live.
Any international applications submitted from today, 20 November will require a standards of proficiency mapping document.
We will no longer ask for further information if we identify any gaps in an applicant’s qualifications, experience, and training, Instead, we refer applicants for a test of competence to assess whether they are able to meet the standards of proficiency for their profession. 'If we believe the gaps to our standards of proficiency are significant, we may decide to refuse that application.
Guidance
We’ve produced guidance, templates and examples to help support applicants at each stage of the process.
