Recognition of Prior Training and Recognition of Prior Clinical Experience
Who can apply?
Please click here for the Recognition of Prior Training policy to review your eligibility prior to application
There are two groups of doctors covered by our Policy.
1. Doctors who have completed a structured training programme in full in another country
The candidate must have completed a structured training programme in full in another country and must submit evidence of same to RCPI. This is reviewed by a panel of clinicians using set criteria to determine if it meets the standard for RPT. If that training is deemed equivalent to a RCPI BST, this allows a candidate eligibility to apply for HST. A candidate must also meet all other criteria for their HST application - e.g. Membership (MRCPI).
Applications to this pathway can be submitted at any point in the academic year and will be subject to an 8-week assessment window. Applicants must ensure timely, complete, submission to allow for review in advance of annual recruitment onto HST programmes.
2. Some doctors based and who commenced working in Ireland prior to 2020
Prior to the 2020 amendment to the Irish Medical Practitioners Act, there were a number of doctors in Ireland who were unable to apply for the BST programmes as their internship was not recognised by the Medical Council. In this cohort, some NCHDs have already completed several years of clinical experience in Ireland and importantly, post 2020, would have been able to apply for BST training.
As a one off in 2024 (addressing a legacy issue), the College is providing a process to recognise clinical experience as equivalent to BST training for the group of doctors who started work in Ireland prior to 1 January 2021. If the prior experience is deemed equivalent to BST, they will be eligible to apply for HST training. All other HST application criteria must be met - e.g. Membership (MRCPI).
How do I apply?
For both groups of doctors named above, there is a formal application process.
Please click here to apply for Recognition of Prior Training.
Please click here to apply for Recognition of Prior Clinical Experience:
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
General Internal Medicine
Paediatrics
Pre-assessment of eligibility for Recognition of Training or Recognition of Prior Experience is not possible. You will be assessed on final submission of your application.