Professional Competence Schemes

Professional Competence at a glance

A quick overview of Professional Competence and what it means for doctors

• All registered medical practitioners must participate in Professional Competence Schemes.
• From 1 May 2011, doctors should be enrolled in a Professional Competence Scheme and engaging in professional competence activities.
• The Medical Council will develop a number of Professional Competence Schemes which doctors can participate. Initially, these schemes will consist of two main elements: Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and Clinical Audit
• These schemes will be run through the Postgraduate Training Bodies (PGTB)
• Proposed minimum credits are: 50 credits per year and 250 credits per five year cycle
• It is proposed that all doctors should engage in clinical audit and at a minimum participate in one audit exercise annually. It is recommended that doctors spend at a minimum one hour per month in audit activity
• CPD activities may include regional and national scientific meetings, conferences, workshops, personal learning and international conferences organised by equivalent bodies in other countries. For more information on recording CPD/CME for your specialty please contact your Postgraduate Training Body.