The possible outcomes to your application depend on the application route you've taken
ⓘ The process for international applications has recently changed. This page now reflects the current process and outcomes. Read more about the changes >
When our assessors have concluded their assessment of your application, they will recommend an outcome. This is the ‘first decision’.
We’ll email you with this information.
The decision can be:
- Successful - you are accepted for entry to the Register
- Test of competence - you are required to take a test to inform our decision
- Unsuccessful - you are refused entry to the Register
Further information on these outcomes is below.
Successful applications
If we are satisfied that your education, training and experience meet the standards of proficiency for your profession, and that you meet the other requirements for registration, we admit you to the Register. We'll contact you by email let you know.
We will ask you to complete the process by paying the registration fee. To pay the fee, you'll need to set up and activate your online account.
How to activate your online account
Test of competence
If you’re asked to complete a test of competence, we need more information before we can make a decision about your admission to the Register. The test allows us to gather this information.
Read more about the test of competence
Unsuccessful applications
If we decide that, after assessment and any other test that we may require you to take, you are not able to meet the standards of proficiency, we will refuse admission to the Register.
Appeals
If you are an international applicant and your application is unsuccessful, you have the right to appeal the decision.
If you applied based on the Free Trade Agreement, your choices are different.
If you're a national of a relevant European state, or have acquired the rights of that state (for example through marriage), and are entitled to practice in that state, you will be required to complete a period of adaptation or an aptitude test to rectify shortfalls in your knowledge or experience.
Period of adaptation (POA)
These are required if, having looked at your application, we feel that there are significant areas of your skills, knowledge and experience that do not meet our standards. They are periods of supervised practice and/or academic training intended to make up for the shortfalls.
More about periods of adaptation
Appealing a POA decision
You may appeal the POA outcome of your application, but you must do so within 28 days from the date of the decision letter.