Advanced levels of practice FAQs and resources

FAQs Advanced levels of practice

• How do I know if I’m working at an advanced level of practice?

  Each UK country has its own set of resources to describe the different levels of practice, which are enhanced/specialist, advanced, consultant, specific to that country, including the capabilities expected at some of the levels of practice. You can find some of these at the bottom of the page. The work is evolving and efforts continue across the UK to provide clarity for registrants, managers and organisations about the different levels of practice.

  If you’re unsure of your level of practice, or which title(s) you should use for your practice, professional bodies also produce resources to guide members to evidence their level of practice.

  While statutory regulators like the HCPC protect the designated titles for professions, we do not set titles for different levels of practice. There are a range of job titles across advanced levels of practice which are determined by the employing organisation and not the regulators. The job titles, pay, terms and conditions vary across organisations.  You can check local governance and requirements for further guidance on which title(s) you can use.

• The NMC is proposing additional regulation for nurses working at the advanced level of practice. Will the HCPC introduce something similar?

  It’s important to remember that all HCPC registrants working at all career levels, including advanced, are already fully regulated and must meet all HCPC standards that are relevant to their scope of practice. The HCPC makes independent regulatory decisions, and we base our decisions on data and evidence to ensure we act to protect the public. All registrants must also undertake CPD activities and your CPD should reflect your scope of practice (which can be as an advanced practitioner). 

  You can find more information from us about regulation and meeting existing standards at advanced levels of practice, written in conjunction with the General Osteopathic Council.

• Are the four pillars of practice compulsory for all advanced levels of practice?

  The four pillars of practice are not a regulatory requirement, and the level at which you are working across these four pillars will not affect your registration. At the advanced and consultant level, there is a workforce expectation that practitioners demonstrate their ability to work autonomously across all four pillars of practice.  For example, part of the definition of the advanced level of practice, for AHPs, sets out the workforce expectation that: 

  “Advanced Practice in allied health professions involves complex decision-making, underpinned by a post-registration master’s level award or equivalent undertaken by an experienced practitioner that encompasses all four pillars of practice: clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research. It is delivered by skilled and experienced registered health and care professionals who exercise significant autonomy, judgement and responsibility in their roles.”

• I work in independent practice. How can I demonstrate that I work at an advanced level of practice?

  The HCPC does not have additional regulation or recognition for the different levels of practice.

  Regardless of the level you are practising at, you must ensure you are meeting your HCPC standards, which includes working within the limits of your scope of practice and ensuring your CPD and other activities are relevant to meet service user needs.

  Our reflective template on defining and explaining your scope of practice may also assist you.

  If you would like more advice about how to demonstrate and receive recognition for your level of practice, we recommend consulting your professional body as well as your relevant national frameworks.

• If I have completed a master’s degree to join the Register, am I already working at an advanced level when I start practising?

  No. Your pre-registration qualifications and the subsequent experience you build helps to shape your scope of practice. As a newly qualified registrant you are an autonomous practitioner and as you gain experience, and in some cases, additional qualifications, across all the pillars of practice you may move through different levels. It is important to remember that you must work within the limits of your scope of practice at all times, which is shaped by the limits of your knowledge, skills and experience.