Doctors with Refugee or Temporary Protection Status

There are different routes to applying for registration with the Medical Council and this will depend on where you trained and gained your experience.

General Registration 

Doctors trained outside of the EU/EEA 

If you have trained outside of the EU or EEA, you will need to have your medical education credentials verified through the Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) before you can apply for registration with the Medical Council. EPIC is hosted by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). You can learn more about how to use EPIC on the EPIC website.  

There are 3 sub-routes in which you can apply for General registration as a Non-EU qualified applicant:

Higher Qualification 
Doctors who have a higher qualification and have completed an internship for at least 12 months or have completed at least three years in a single accredited training programme. The Document Checklist for Applications through the Higher Qualification Route can be found here.

Certificate of Experience  
Doctors who have been awarded the equivalent of a Certificate of Experience from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, Sudan, Malaysia, the UK or Malta. The Document Checklist for Applications through the Certificate of Experience Route can be found here .   

Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES)  
Doctors who aren’t eligible under the Higher Qualification or Certificate of Experience routes, can apply through the Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES) route. Further details in relation to the PRES is available in the Drop-down menu titled “Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES)”  

Doctors trained in the EU/EEA 
If you have completed basic medical training in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you will be asked to provide the documents listed in Annex V, 5.1.1 of the EU Directive 2005/36/EC. The Document Checklist for applications through the EU /EEA trained route for General registration can be found here.

Supervised Registration
Doctors who pass the PRES Level 2 exam or an accepted equivalent exam, are eligible to apply for registration in the Supervised Division. You must obtain an offer of a supervised post from a hospital before registration in this division can be granted. Please note that the Medical Council does not arrange these posts.

Fees

To support doctors who have been granted refugee or temporary protection status gain registration, the Council is waiving the application assessment fee and has approved a reduced first registration fee of €5.

Specialist Registration 

Doctors who completed specialist training outside of the EU/EEA 

If you have either trained outside of the EU or EEA or have gained part of your training and experience in the EU or EEA, you can apply for specialist registration via the Category E route by requesting an application pack. This is a portfolio based application which will be assessed by the relevant training body in Ireland.

1. Request an application pack via our contact form
2. Review the guidance in the application pack to see if you may be eligible to apply for specialist registration via the Category E route
3. It is recommended that you contact the relevant Postgraduate Training Body (PGTB) here to discuss their requirements for applications via the Category E route
4. When your application for Specialist registration via the Category E route is complete, submit it to the Medical Council along with evidence that you have been granted international protection

Fees:

The Department of Health is providing funding to cover the cost of the PGTB assessment while funding is available. This funding will apply where a complete application is submitted. In cases where an incomplete application is submitted, the full assessment fee may apply.

To support doctors who have been granted refugee or temporary protection status gain registration, the Council is waiving the application assessment fee and has approved a reduced first registration fee of €5.

Doctors who completed specialist training in the EU/EEA

If you have completed specialist training in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you will be asked to provide the documents listed in Annex V, 5.1.2 of the EU Directive 2005/36/EC. The Document Checklist for applications through the EU /EEA trained route for Specialist registration can be found here.

Fees

To support doctors who have been granted refugee or temporary protection status gain registration, the Council is waiving the application assessment fee and has approved a reduced first registration fee of €5.

The following is a step-by-step guide to starting your application for registration using the online account on the Medical Council's website.

1. Your first step is to check what division of the Medical Council register you are eligible for by checking our eligibility chart here.

2. To apply for registration you must create an online account on the Medical Council’s website. Once you do this you will get your Medical Council reference number.

• To create an online account, click here
• Click on “Register Now”
• You will then be asked to enter your personal email address 
• Once you enter your email address click on “Send verification Code” and a verification code will be sent to your inbox via email
• You must then copy it to the input box that is marked “verification code” and then click “Verify code”
• You will then be asked to provide a password and also your first name and your last name
• You will then click the “Create” tab
• You will be asked to fill in all your personal details and click “next step”
• A “Details Summary” will then appear on screen that will allow you to verify that what you have entered is correct, if it is correct then click “Submit”
• Once you click “submit” you will be provided with a registration reference ID, you must retain a record of this number
• If you have not held a registration with the Medical Council before, an application reference number will be assigned to you when processing of your application commences
• A confirmation email will be sent to your inbox to confirm your details 

Important Note - Create your online account following the above steps but do not submit an application form online.

3. Complete the application form

Send in your completed application form along with your documents to Pres@mcirl.ie.

To support doctors who have been granted international gain registration, the Council is waiving the application assessment fee and has approved a reduced first registration fee of €5.

Application assessment fee- €0

First Registration fee - €5

The Department of Health is providing funding to cover the cost of sitting the PRES 2 and PRES 3 exams to a maximum of 2 attempts at each exam while funding is available.

It is the Medical Council’s intention that, whenever possible, an eligible applicant will be granted registration as soon as is feasible.

It is important you note that regardless of whatever the Division of the Register the online system or the eligibility chart suggests you should apply for, the final determination rests with the Medical Council.

As part of the registration process the evidence/documents that we ask from you will depend on your particular circumstances, such as work history and qualifications.

We know that some doctors may have difficulty providing original documents as these may have been lost or destroyed. In these cases, we try to directly verify documents where possible or look for alternative ways to confirm them. We will always ask your permission before attempting to verify any documentation.

We are also aware that due to individual circumstances, some doctors may not be able to provide the standard evidence we require. In these cases, we will look at every application to see if we can accept alternative evidence in its place. Each application for registration is unique.

If you have trained outside of the EU or EEA and you are intending to pursue registration in the general division then you may be required to sit the Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES). It is comprised of two elements – the PRES Level 2 and the PRES Level 3. 

PRES Level 2 

The PRES Level 2 is a written exam held in Ireland. The exam is made up of multiple-choice questions which you must answer within three hours. Each starts with a short scenario followed by a question. You need to choose the right answer out of the possible answers given.  

For more information on what is examined in the PRES Level 2, please download the PRES Level 2 Blueprint. The blueprint sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours candidates are expected to demonstrate in the exam. It is regularly updated to make sure it reflects real life day-to-day medical practice.

The PRES 2 exam is accepted by the Medical Council only and not any other international regulator.

PRES Level 2 Alternative Exams:

If you have completed any of the below alternative exams, you are not required to sit the PRES Level 2.

1. Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) Part 1
   Further information is available here.
2. United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 1 and 2 CK   
   Further information is available here.
   
3.  Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE or MCCQE Part 1)    
   Further information is available here.
4. Australian Medical Council (AMC) MCQ    
   Further information is available here.

Doctors who pass the PRES Level 2 or have passed one of the Alternative Exams will be eligible to apply for the PRES Level 3 Exam.

PRES Level 3

The PRES Level 3 examination is primarily a test of knowledge and clinical skills in the main clinical disciplines of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery, and Medicine/General Practice.

It is a clinical based assessment of Communication, Interpretation and Practical Skills and is based on the Eight Domains of Good Professional Practice as devised by the Medical Council. 

Doctors who pass the PRES Level 2 or have passed one of the Alternative Exams will be eligible to apply for the PRES Level 3 Exam.

Candidates must be deemed 'eligible' before being permitted to sit the PRES Level 3. Your eligibility will be determined on completion of your application for registration. 

Please refer to the PRES Handbook for further details regarding the PRES Level 3. Applicants are typically permitted two years or three attempts in which to pass the exam.  

1. Create an account through our secure online facility. On the Login page, click on “Register Now”. Verify your email address and enter your personal details. Once your account is created you will be assigned a 6 digit reference number.

Please note: do not complete a registration application online. Applications for the PRES must be submitted by email. 

2. Download and complete the application form. Please ensure you include your 6 digit reference number on the application form. 

3. The checklist at the end of the application form sets out the documents you need to send in.

4. Send your completed application form and supporting documents by email to pres@mcirl.ie  

Once your application and documents are received and approved, you will be emailed by your assessor with details on how to apply for the PRES Level 2 exam.  

Upcoming PRES Level 2 Exams: 
The dates of the upcoming PRES Level 2 exams are listed here.

Doctors who have passed the PRES Level 2 exam are eligible to apply for registration on the Supervised Division. Supervised registration is granted to doctors who have been offered a post that has been approved by the national Health Service Executive (HSE), which has specific supervisory arrangements. 

Please note that supervised posts are not arranged by the Medical Council. More information on applying for Supervised Registration can be found here. 

Pres Level 3

Once you have passed the PRES Level 2 exam you will be eligible to apply for the PRES Level 3 Exam. All eligible candidates will be contacted by email with details of upcoming exam dates and how to apply.  

You can apply directly for registration in one of three divisions of the medical register in Ireland

1. Specialist registration

Doctors with specialist registration may practise independently, without supervision and may represent themselves as specialists.

2. General registration
Doctors with general registration may practise independently without supervision but may not represent themselves as being specialists.

3. Supervised registration
Is granted to doctors who have been offered a post that has been approved by the national Health Service Executive (HSE), which has specific supervisory arrangements. Registration is limited to 2 years.

You can check which division you are eligible for by checking our eligibility chart.

The Medical Council has produced a number of publications that you may find useful.

The Medical Council’s Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Medical Practitioners 9th Edition (2024) provides principles-based guidance to doctors. It is not a legal code however it does clarify standards of care that patients should expect in their dealings with doctors. It is often referred to when questions are raised about a doctor’s clinical practice.

Our Safe Start Guide (Safe Start) is a resource for doctors who are new to the practise of medicine. Safe Start will help you understand the general requirements when practising medicine in Ireland and equip you with the relevant information to help you navigate key professional responsibilities. The guide includes essential information on consent, prescribing, End of Life care, record keeping, and general conduct and communication skills.

The Safe Prescribing and Dispensing of Controlled Drugs provides a useful resource to facilitate safer prescribing and dispensing of controlled drugs. It also serves to encourage best practice and raise and promote high levels of professional standards in the treatment of patients.

Doctor wellbeing is an important topic for the Medical Council as outlined in our Statement of Strategy and business plan. The health and well-being of doctors is key to supporting the quality and safety of patient care. A comprehensive list of supports and resources are available in the Doctor wellbeing resource section of the Medical Council website.

There are 13 Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies (PGTBs) that provide postgraduate medical education and training in Ireland. The Medical Council of Ireland, as their accrediting body, assures the quality of the training that is provided.

The contact details for the training bodies are detailed below.

College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland

The College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland exists to promote high quality practice in the fields of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine through its training, examinations and educational programmes.

Contact
Web: www.anaesthesia.ie

College of Psychiatrists of Ireland

The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland is the professional body for psychiatrists in the Republic of Ireland.

Contact
Web: www.irishpsychiatry.ie

Faculty of Occupational Medicine, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI)

The Faculty of Occupational Medicine is the national professional and training body for Occupational Medicine in Ireland, working to ensure the highest standards in health at work.

Contact
Web: www.rcpi.ie

Faculty of Paediatrics, RCPI

The Faculty of Paediatrics is the national professional and training body for Paediatrics in Ireland, working to ensure the highest standards in child health.

Contact
Web: www.rcpi.ie

Faculty of Pathology, RCPI

The Faculty of Pathology is the national professional and training body for Pathology in Ireland, working to ensure the highest standards in laboratory medicine.

Contact
Web: www.rcpi.ie

Faculty of Public Health Medicine, RCPI

The Faculty of Public Health Medicine is the national professional and training body for Public Health Medicine in Ireland

Contact
Web: www.rcpi.ie

Faculty of Radiologists, RCSI

The Faculty of Radiologists, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, is the Professional and Academic Body for Radiologists in Ireland. It offers specialist training and post graduate examinations in Radiology.

Contact
Web: www.radiology.ie

Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine (joint collaboration between RCPI and RCSI)

The Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine, RCPI & RCSI, is a joint faculty between the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. It offers specialist training and post graduate examinations in Sports and Exercise Medicine.

Contact
Web: www.fsem.ie

Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, RCPI

The Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is the national professional and training body for Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Ireland, working to ensure the highest standards in women’s health.

Contact
Web: www.rcpi.ie

Irish College of General Practitioners

The Irish College General Practitioners (ICGP) is the professional body for general practice in Ireland. It is the representative organisation on education, training and standards in general practice.

Contact
Web: www.icgp.ie

Irish College of Ophthalmologists

The Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO) is the recognised training and professional body for medical and surgical eye doctors in Ireland.

Contact details
Web: www.eyedoctors.ie

Institute of Medicine, RCPI

The Institute of Medicine is the national professional and training body for Clinical Medicine in Ireland. It delivers deliver postgraduate specialist training in the following specialties:

Cardiology Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Clinical Genetics Dermatology Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus Gastroenterology General Internal Medicine Genitourinary Medicine Geriatric Medicine

Infectious Diseases Medical Oncology Nephrology Neurology Palliative Medicine Pharmaceutical Medicine Rehabilitation Medicine Respiratory Medicine Rheumatology

Contact
Web: www.rcpi.ie

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is the national training body for surgery in Ireland.

Contact

Web: www.rcsi.ie

The National Doctors Training Planning (NDTP) unit in the Health Service Executive (HSE) is asking doctors from Ukraine arriving into Ireland to complete a survey. This will help inform the various organisations supporting doctors from Ukraine who have arrived in Ireland.

It also allows us to gather your direct contact details so we can contact you with information about working as a doctor in Ireland, the role of the HSE, how to register as a doctor in Ireland and about training and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities.

If you have not completed this survey yet please email ukraine@mcirl.ie for further details.

By completing this survey, you are consenting to allow the HSE share the information gathered with the Medical Council of Ireland, which is the regulatory body for doctors in Ireland, and with Postgraduate medical training bodies in Ireland. Completing this survey is not an application for registration to the Medical Council nor is it an application for any employment opportunities.