HCPC publishes timeline for English language requirements
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) has set out a timeline for when changes to English language requirements for international applicants will come into effect.
In May 2024, the HCPC approved the principle of changing their English language proficiency requirements for new applicants to the register.
The new system will come into effect on Wednesday 29 January 2025. From then:
- international applicants will no longer be able to self-declare English as their first language in order to meet requirements
- a qualifying countries list will be in effect, meaning those who gained their primary qualification in a country on the list will be able to use this to evidence their proficiency
- all other international applicants will have to evidence their language ability via an approved test.
Applications to join the register that are submitted via the HCPC international route from the launch date will be subject to the changed requirements.
The HCPC is expected to publish the list of qualifying countries and approved test providers, as well as the criteria for prospective test providers, by December 2024.
Further detailed information will be shared in advance of the launch.
