Are you a professional physiotherapist who wants to build your career in the UK? Then you are in the right room. Here, we’ll help you understand everything you need to know to make your dream career a reality, from HCPC registration and eligibility criteria to required documents, fees, processing time and the step by step application process.
Every aspirant should hold a HCPC registration to work as a physiotherapist in the UK. The Health and Care Professions Council is the regulating body for nearly 15 healthcare professions in the UK to assure quality treatment and the safety of the patients. It makes sure that only qualified professionals are allowed to deliver care within the UK healthcare sector.
Physiotherapy is a regulated profession which can’t be practiced legally in the UK without HCPC registration. Unregistered practice is strictly illegal, and employers hire primarily on Healthcare professional registration. It assures that a physiotherapist is competent according to the ethical, clinical, and communication standards expected in the UK. It ensures patients will be treated in the best way possible and they are in the safe hands. HCPC registration also strengthens professional growth and an access to a wider range of new career opportunities. It always shows an international credibility which helps the professional even if you choose to work in other countries later.
To meet eligibility criteria for HCPC physiotherapy registration, applicants must meet a number of requirements related to educational qualification, work experience, language standard, and personal excellence. The requirements for HCPC physiotherapy registration are given:-
Educational qualification
Applicants must have at least a bachelor degree in Physiotherapy or an equivalent qualification that meets the HCPC standards. If an applicant’s education is from outside the UK, it will be examined to determine the comparability. If any gaps are found, it is advised to pursue an additional study or training in order to bridge the gaps.
Professional experience
The candidate must have at least one or two years of professional experience in physiotherapy. It is mandatory to show clinical skills as well as the proof of employment history, internship, or supervised clinical practice for HCPC international registration.
Language proficiency
Applicants outside the English-speaking country must prove their English language proficiency. IELTS, OET and TOEFL are the tests included.
Character and health requirements
HCPC registration eligibility for physiotherapists strictly considers the evaluation of a candidate’s character and health. A declaration of good health and a character certificate or a letter of good standing may be requested.
Documents required for HCPC Registration
- HCPC Course Information Form
This is one of the most important documents to be prepared in the format given by HCPC. This is the reflection of your academic data.
- Graduation/Degree certificate and official transcript
- Identification Proof (Eg: Passport, Driving License etc.)
It should clearly show the full name and photograph of the applicant. It is also important to make sure the name shown in the ID must match with the candidate’s HCPC application.
- Address Proof (Eg: Bank statement, Utility bill etc.)
It should clearly show the full name and residential address of the candidate. It is also important to make sure the address shown in the ID must match with the candidate’s HCPC application. It should not be older than 6 months.
- Professional Experience certificate/reference certificate
It is essential to provide competency reference letters from your supervisor to assure the candidate is competent. This should be in the official letter-head of the employer with the certifier’s name, designation, contact details and signature.
- Proof of English Proficiency
The candidate is required to produce the certificate of English proficiency test.
- IELTS with an overall score of 7 with no element below 6.5
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 out of 120
- OET with a minimum score of 350 (grade B) in all four sections.
- Professional registration/membership certificates, if any
- Certificate of name change, if applicable
It is important that all copies are certified as a true copy by an authorised certifier (Eg: Notary public, Solicitor, Lawyer etc.) with the name, signature, title, and contact information of the certifying party along with the words “ I certify that this is a true copy of the original document that I have seen”.
Application Fee:
Once the application is prepared it is to be submitted for Scrutiny assessment by HCPC. This is the step in which HCPC evaluates whether the qualification of the candidate is comparable to the UK standards in order to practice as a Physiotherapist.
If your application is successful in the scrutiny assessment, the board will request a registration fee in order to include your name in the public register as a registered professional. The registration fee is for a full two year cycle. Both scrutiny and registration fee are non-refundable.
Fees as on October 2025
- Scrutiny Fee: £678.38
- Registration Fee: £246.68
For international candidates, the process may take three to six months, depending on document verification. Being an early candidate can probably avoid this issue.
Often a huge number of professionals face delays in their registration due to tiny mistakes such as missing or unfinished documents, false information, or failed language skills. Late submission of applications or forgetting to renew the registration on time can also be considered as a drawback. So, it is very important to double check all details, keep scanned copies of every document, prepare early for English language tests and make sure to follow up politely if there is any lag for an easy and successful registration, But now, with Beverse by your side, you can start confidently. We make your HCPC Physiotherapists registration journey effortless.
HCPC registration is an inevitable step for physiotherapists who seek to start a career in the UK. HCPC registration eligibility for physiotherapists, documents required, fees, processing time is not that complex with proper preparations and follow ups. Through structured guidance and continuous help we help you transform your dream into a reality.