Category E
When an applicant is not eligible to apply under the other Categories for Specialist Registration they may instead apply to have their application assessed by a recognised Training Body. The Training Body will then advise the Medical Council on the applicant's eligibility for specialist registration.
Making an application
As there is a different application pack for each specialty we are asking applicants to e-mail registration@mcirl.ie with the subject heading “Request for Application Pack” stating the specialty that you wish to be assessed. Please note that you can only apply for assessment in one specialty at a time, unless dual training is already facilitated by the postgraduate training body in question.
This sample document pack (PDF, 1.5MB) demonstrates what is typically included in an application pack for an individual specialty.
Assessment Fees
The fee for assessment is €4037.00. The fee is apportioned as follows: €470 Medical Council administration fee; €2,900 Postgraduate Training Body assessment fee; €667 VAT on the assessment. Once an assessment has commenced, the fee is not refundable. If an application is withdrawn prior to transfer by the Medical Council to the postgraduate training body for assessment, the fee will be refunded less the Medical Council administration fee.
Assessment Process
Please see the following process map (PDF, 240KB) which explains the process in visual form.
How will the Postgraduate Training Body make its Recommendation?
The Postgraduate Training Body will return a report and recommendation to the Medical Council.
How Long will the Assessment Take?
The two most common potential delays in assessing an application are
- Non-response of referees to the request for completion of structured references
- Submission of an incomplete application. Applicants are advised to put their referees on notice when they submit an application and are advised to make every reasonable effort to submit a complete application.
How will Recommendations be Processed?
A recommendation to grant registration will typically lead to registration immediately. If the recommendation is to refuse registration, the applicant will be offered a Written Review. If the recommendation following a written review is that gaps in existing training and/or experience continue to be identified, then the applicant will be offered an Oral Review.
Will I get a copy of the Recommendation Report?
Yes, the report will be sent directly to you for information and to offer the opportunity to seek a written review.
Are there Fees attached to Written and Oral Reviews?
The fee for a written review is €200. The fee for an oral Review Hearing is €3,075.
Who Makes the Final Decision?
Where a recommendation to refuse registration is concerned, in all circumstances, the Medical Council makes the final decision. The Council is answerable to the Ombudsman and to the High Court in matters where applications for registration are concerned.
Can I expect to be successful in being granted registration?
Based on a figure of > 1000 applications across all specialties, 65% of applicants have been successful in obtaining specialist registration and 35% have been refused specialist registration.
Can I Contact a Postgraduate Training Body Directly?
The Postgraduate Training Body is providing a third party service to the Medical Council. The applicant should at all times liaise with the Medical Council only and should not seek to contact a Postgraduate Training Body directly.