Registration Applications

Important notice regarding applications for registration through the PRES

The Medical Council has made its Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES) easier for applicants from outside of Europe to apply for registration. Previously, many applicants from outside the European Union/ European Economic Area are required to pass the Medical Council’s computer based examination (PRES Level 2) prior to completing a clinical based examination (PRES Level 3) in order to be registered in the general division or trainee specialist division of the medical register.

From 1st January 2016, the Medical Council will no longer be requesting that new applicants complete the PRES Level 2 examination; instead applicants will be required to provide documentary evidence, as part of their application, that they have completed an alternative exam which the Medical Council has deemed to be an acceptable equivalent.

Accepted Alternative to PRES Level 2 Evidence Required
Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB)  Part 1 A pass will be accepted as valid for the same period considered by the awarding body.  Copy of results email
United States Medical Licencing Exam (USMLE) Step 1 and 2 A pass will be accepted as valid for the same period considered by the awarding body.  Official examination transcript
Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE)  A pass will be accepted as valid for the same period considered by the awarding body.  Certified copy of statement of results
Australian Medical Council MCQ (AMC) A pass will be accepted as valid for the same period considered by the awarding body.  Copy of AMC results letter and candidate feedback sheet

Applicants who provide this evidence when making an application for registration will then be made eligible for the PRES Level 3, and will have two years or three attempts from the date they were declared eligible to complete the Level 3 examination.

The new rules will provide applicants with a greater number of test centres across the world where they can complete the computer based examination. To find out where you can sit these examinations, click on the relevant bodies’ website above.

Doctors applying for registration are asked to note and consider these dates when making their application.

PRES level 2 dates

Please note: This will not affect applicants who are currently in the PRES process. Applicants who have already submitted an application for registration via the PRES will still be offered 2 year eligibility for the PRES Level 2 exam. These applicants can also choose to have their application examined under the new rules from the 1st of January 2016.

Any candidate currently in the PRES process whose two year eligibility expires, or fails their examination three times will be required to re-apply under the new rules should they wish to continue pursuing registration via the PRES.