Certificates of Experience or Equivalent

How can I prove that I have been awarded a document which is equivalent to a Certificate of Experience?

For information about the “Level 4” (internship) assessment process for recognition of equivalent internship training please click here

Can I send in the Intern Verification and Hospital Verification forms separately?

Please send all of these documents together, to avoid unnecessary confusion and delays in the verification of your training and processing of your application.  It is best to wait until all your documents are ready before you submit an application for registration as incomplete applications are not assessed until all documentation is received. 

How long does the assessment process take?

This new system involves a substantial, in-depth assessment of your internship training to ensure it meets all of the criteria required by the Medical Council.  The assessment process for these applications is in its infancy and will take some considerable time.  It is by no means a “fast tracking” of applications and remains a robust form of assessment.  In the short run, it may be advisable for applicants who are currently attempting the PRES to continue with the PRES route, which might be quicker and will be needed if you wish to be registered in the Trainee Specialist Division at any time in the future. 

If have a Higher Qualification listed in the Registration Rules for exemption from the PRES.  Do I also need a Certificate of Experience or equivalent?

Yes.  In order to be registered in the Trainee Specialist Division, if you qualified outside the EEA, you must pass or be exempt from the PRES and have a Certificate of Experience (Internship) or equivalent. 

Your Higher Qualification will only exempt you from the PRES if you are being registered in the Trainee Specialist Division and have been awarded a Certificate of Experience (Internship) or equivalent.

What if I cannot have my internship training verified by the hospital or competent authority where I undertook my training?

If you cannot provide satisfactory evidence that your internship training is equivalent to that of an Irish intern, you will be required to pass the PRES.  [You will not be eligible for registration in the Trainee Specialist Division if you pass the PRES but do not have a Certificate of Experience (Internship) or equivalent document.]

I completed internship training in a number of hospitals / States.  Who should verify my training?

Each hospital where you completed all or some of your internship training should complete the intern verification form and the competent authority in each jurisdiction should complete the hospital verification form.  They can only verify the training undertaken in their hospital/jurisdiction. 

I have been exempted from the PRES on the basis of my participation in a recognised higher specialist training programme (e.g. an exchange programme listed in the Guide).  Will I be required to have my internship training assessed?

Yes.  The legislation does not provide for exemption from the Certificate of Experience (Internship) or equivalent document in order to be registered in the Trainee Specialist Division.  Your internship training / residency will be benchmarked against the Medical Council’s new Criteria for Awarding a Certificate of Experience (Internship).  For further information about this assessment process, please click here