Common mistakes to avoid during HCPC registration  

If you are an aspiring healthcare professional in the UK, you have probably heard about the HCPC registration. It can be considered as the primary step towards your international healthcare career. So, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is the governing body that reviews the eligibility of health and care professionals and determines whether their skills are competent in order to work within the UK’s health system.

Many professionals feel the HCPC registration process is very time consuming and challenging. If they encounter any such cases it could be due to the lack of awareness about the process, incomplete applications submitted, lack of proper knowledge about rules and guidelines etc. They face delays in their registration process or even face rejections. This blog aims to dive mainly into common  HCPC registration mistakes, ways to avoid such mistakes and insider tips for effortless HCPC Registration experience.

The Common mistakes during HCPC registration process are as follows:-

1. Incomplete or incorrect application form: Candidates often make tiny mistakes like spelling errors especially in their personal details such as name, dates, contact information etc. Missing a tick box  or even a spelling mistake can cause delays and negatively impact the registration process.
2. Missing or incorrect supporting documents : Candidates often upload incomplete documents like graduation certificate, transcripts, experience certificate etc. Uploading unclear copies can also be considered as one of the major HCPC documentation errors. Submitting expired IDs or unverified translations is also a common mistake candidates do.
3. Not meeting the English language requirements: It has been seen that many candidates used to  provide expired English proficiency test results or upload certificates that do not meet minimum score requirements.
4. Educational qualification mismatch: Another HCPC application error is that the applicants often apply under the wrong profession or qualification where their degree may not fully meet the criteria or guidelines of HCPC.
5. Lack of proof of professional experience: Candidates often fail to give importance to the documentation of experience. Failing to provide proper job description, providing incomplete letters of reference and failing in official verification may delay the Healthcare Professional Registration process or may get rejected.
6. Ignoring HCPC communication or deadlines: After the completion of HCPC process, HCPC would contact the candidate for additional details or for further clarification. So, failing to respond to the official mails at the right time or unable to do the necessary requirements can have negative impacts towards the registration process.
7. Submitting poor-quality translations: It is mandatory to provide certified translations for international candidates which has to be done by a notary authority or like a lawyer, solicitor, etc. Therefore submission of self translated copies may cause  HCPC documentation errors and lead to rejection.
8. Paying incorrect fees or missing payment proof: Payment errors are a common case when it comes to HCPC registration. Making payment with incorrect amounts, making transactions through unsupported payment gateways, forgetting to attach the receipts or proof of the payments can lead to rejection. Due to such payment errors the HCPC processing may not even start. 
9. Not understanding the HCPC standards of proficiency: HCPC has set its own proficiency standards. Applicants who fail to meet the standards would get rejected.  Tests to review English proficiency standards include  IELTS, OET and TOEFL.or submission of expired certificates, documents with less than minimum test results, incomplete details in the form can definitely lead to rejection. 
10. Relying on outdated information or guidance: Since the HCPC registration is more time consuming due to lack of knowledge and guidance, candidates may rely on old check lists or unupdated information that can lead to HCPC application errors.

Ways to avoid these mistakes

• Candidates should make sure the details submitted are error- free, especially the spelling of personal details.
• Candidates should keep the copies of all forms for further reference.

• Ensure all Documents required for HCPC Registration are submitted such as ID proofs, Graduation certificates and official transcripts, experience certificate, certificate of english proficiency, professional references and professional registration certificate.
• Ensure the documents submitted are clear, complete and match to the HCPC guidelines.
• Ensure all the certificates and proofs produced are up to the date and are not older than 6 months.

• Ensure  the candidate has checked the updated HCPC proficiency criterias.
• Ensure the english proficiency test score of the candidate meets the standards of HCPC. Tests include IELTS with an overall score of 7 but no band below 6.5, OET with a minimum score of 350 (grade B) in all sections and TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 out of 120.
• Make sure the English proficiency test is taken at the earliest in order to avoid the HCPC application errors.
• Ensure the candidates qualifications match with criterias given by the HCPC before the application process starts.

• Candidates should submit clear, dated and detailed competency reference letters from their previous employers with signature.
• Ensure the reference letter includes the job title, duration of the work, duties and responsibilities etc.
• Ensure the candidate checks his email regularly including the spam folder and responds to any queries or information from the side of HCPC.

• Make sure the candidate is tracking important dates and deadlines and following only HCPC guided certified translators.

• Ensure the candidate has submitted both translated and original copies of the attestations and the certifiers contacts are mentioned clearly in order to avoid HCPC registration mistakes.

• Candidates should ensure that they are following the exact application and the fees given on the HCPC official site.
• Candidates should make sure that they are using a HCPC verified payment gateway and should keep receipts or any other proof of transaction after the payment.

• Candidates should clearly know the proficiency standards of HCPC. For example, if a candidate applies for HCPC Physiotherapists Registration without reading the proficiency standards, their documents will not show the particular skills they need. Then it may cause HCPC to ask for further evidence and it may cause delays again.
• Always refer to the HCPC official website and be clear with the changes in guidelines and Ignore using outdated documents templates.
• Double check each section carefully before submission.

HCPC registration can be affected by small mistakes like missing documents, submission of expired documents, payment errors etc. But these tiny errors can be avoided by paying a bit extra attention. At beverse, we help professionals like you complete their international registration journey effortlessly and successfully. We’ve international candidates with their HCPC Registration for physiotherapists and numerous healthcare professionals. So, are you willing to start your journey of HCPC registration today? Believe, your dream of getting international registration is closer than you think. Let’s crack it together.