Programme routes

The International Induction Programme (IIP) has different programme routes available for applicants, depending on which country you are from.

The first route is for doctors who qualified as a GP within the European Economic Area (EEA) but who have never previously worked in the NHS as a GP.

• European Economic Area (EEA) qualified doctors continue to have automatic recognition of qualifications by the General Medical Council

You are required to undertake assessments, which include:

• an MCQ assessment, which consists of two papers, a Clinical Problem Solving MCQ and a Professional Dilemma’s MCQ (also known as the Situational Judgement Test)
• a tailored clinical placement of up to 6 months (full time equivalent)

Overseas doctors with non-EEA qualifications must apply to the GMC for a Certificate of Eligibility for recognition as a GP first before applying for the IIP programme. For further information, visit the GMC webpage.

General Medical Council (GMC) Recognised Specialist Qualification (RSQ) and Portfolio Pathways

The second route is for overseas doctors with non-EEA GP qualifications.

These doctors must apply to the General Medical Council (GMC) for recognition as a GP first before applying for the IIP.

GPs holding certain qualifications from the following countries may be eligible to obtain GMC recognition via the Recognised Specialist Qualification (RSQ) Pathway:

• Australia 
• New Zealand
• Cananda

GPs holding qualifications from other non-EEA countries must complete the Portfolio Pathway to obtain recognition from the GMC.

To apply for the RSQ Pathway, please visit the GMC website.

To apply for the Portfolio Pathway, please visit the GMC website.

Once your application for either Pathway has been submitted, you must then apply to join the International Induction Programme.

You can find further information on the IIP process for non-EEA trained GPs on the Recognised Specialist Qualification (RSQ) and Portfolio Pathways process page.

Next steps

Once you have decided which pathway is appropriate to you, download and complete the registration form.