1. Information for learners on HCPC-approved programmes
August 2011
Information
for students
Information for learners on HCPC-approved programmes

2. Contents The Health and Care Professions Council Standards
How to apply for registration
How to stay registered
Contact us

3. The Health and Care Professions Council
We are a UK-wide multi-profession regulator
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’

4. The Health and Care Professions Council
The HCPC was created to protect the public
The HCPC is independent of government or any other organisation
Has a separate role to that of professional bodies and trade unions
Registrants must be HCPC registered to use a protected title - for example ‘physiotherapist’ and ‘physical therapist’
We regulate those working in the public and private sectors

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

6. 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 for continuing professional development

7. Standards of conduct, performance and ethics
Set out the behaviour and conduct expected of all registrants
Apply to both registrants and prospective registrants

8. 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

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

10. Standards for continuing professional development
Must be met by all registrants
We expect registrants to continue to develop their knowledge and skills to continue to practise safely and effectively

11. Fitness to practise
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

12. 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

13. 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

14. How to apply for registration
Your application must include:
certified copies of two forms of identification, one with your photo
and the other with your current address; and
the registration fee.

15. 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

16. How to apply for registration
Students currently receive a 50% discount on the first two years of registration
Full registration fee is £90 per year (correct August 2017)
To receive the discount you must apply within two years of qualifying

17. 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

18. How to apply for registration
Once registered your details will appear immediately online at
You will receive a certificate and card in the post

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

20. How to stay registered
Every two years you must renew your registration
We will notify you three months before your registration ends
Easiest and quickest way to renew is using the secure online system

21. Are there any questions?
Finding out more and getting in touch
Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
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So if you have any queries about registration that I can’t answer today, or you think of later, here are the contact details for the registration department.
Are there any questions?