August 2011 Information for students Information for students July 2015

Contents The role of the Health and Care Professions Council Fitness to practise (FTP) How to apply for registration How to stay registered

The role of the Health and Care Professions Council We are a UK multi-profession regulator. We were created by legislation – Health and Social Work Professions Order We keep a register of health and care professionals who meet our standards for their training, professional skills, behaviour and health. Those registered are called ‘registrants’.

The role of the Health and Care Professions Council The HCPC was created to protect the public. The HCPC is independent of government, professional bodies and trade unions. Registrants must be HCPC registered to use a protected title - for example ‘physiotherapist’ and ‘physical therapist’. Applies to the public and private sector.

The role of the Health and Care Professions Council sets standards holds them to its standards approves courses that meet them HCPC registers those who pass them

The standards In order to remain registered with us, registrants must continue to meet the standards that we set for your profession. These standards are how registrants' ‘fitness to practise’ is determined. There are four sets of standards: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics Standards of proficiency Standards of education and training Standards of continuing professional development

Standards of conduct, performance and ethics Sets out the behaviour and conduct expected of all our registrants. Applies to both registrants and prospective registrants.

Standards of proficiency Every registrant must meet these in order to become registered and to remain on the HCPC Register. Students must be able to meet these standards when they complete an approved programme.

Standards of education and training Must be met by education providers. Ensures that all those completing an approved programme meet the standards of proficiency.

Standards of continuing professional development Must be met by all registrants. We expect registrants to continue to develop their knowledge and skills while they are registered so we can be confident that they are able to practise safely and effectively.

Fitness to practise (FTP) Our FTP process is designed to protect the public from those who are not fit to practise. The HCPC can take action when there are concerns about a registrant’s conduct or competence. To find out more visit

How does this affect you? The HCPC does not register students or trainees. Standards of conduct, performance and ethics apply to those studying to join a profession regulated by the HCPC. This means that your behaviour whilst studying can impact on your ability to register with the HCPC.

How to apply for registration You need to register with the HCPC before you are able to start work using a protected title. Application forms can be downloaded from Do not return the forms until your education provider has notified the HCPC that you have successfully completed your programme.

How to apply for registration Your application must include: -a character reference with your details and those of your referee; -certified copies of two forms of identification, one with your photo and the other with your current address; and -the registration fee.

How to apply for registration Your character reference must be completed by a person of good standing in the community who has known you for at least three years (students often ask personal tutors to complete these).

How to apply for registration Your two forms of identification must be certified - signed as a true copy of the original. Professionals that can certify include registered health professionals, teachers, accountants, solicitors and bank managers.

How to apply for registration Students currently receive a 50% discount on the first two years registration. Full current fees (as of 1 Aug 2015). -Scrutiny fee: £63 -Registration fee: £90 for two years (including discount) To receive the discount you must apply within two years of qualifying.

How to apply for registration To prevent delays in processing please refer to the guidance included and ensure: -forms are complete before returning them; and -you have included your payment. We aim to process applications within 10 working days. If we return your form incomplete it will not be fast tracked on resubmission.

How to apply for registration Once registered your details will appear immediately online at

How to apply for registration You will received a certificate and ID card shortly after registering

How to apply for registration Your authentication card carries a code, which allows you to change your contact details securely online. Please keep your card safe as you will need your code each time you contact the HCPC. It is vitally important that you keep your contact details up to date.

How to stay registered In order to meet the standards for CPD you must undertake and record learning activities. For more information on the CPD standards, visit where you will find a range of resources, including: -CPD video guidance; and -‘Your guide to our standards for continuing professional development’.

How to stay registered Every two years you must renew your registration - we will notify you three months before your registration ends. You can renew: -online; or -by completing a registration renewal form.

How to stay registered It is crucial that you: -check that your contact details are correct; -read and sign the declarations; -check your payment method; and -renew by the specified date. Notify the HCPC immediately if your contact details change.

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