Trainee Specialist or General to Specialist Division

Categories of Entry into Specialist Division

Specialist registration is specifically for medical practitioners who have completed specialist training recognised by the Medical Council and can practise independently as a specialist. A number of categories are presently available for entry into the Specialist Division of the Register. While external agencies of the Council may advise the Medical Council on individual applications, the final decision on eligibility for entry into the Specialist Division of the Register lies with the Council.

Medical practitioners who do not meet the requirements for recognition of their specialist qualifications under the Directive must submit structured evidence of completion of their specialist training and experience, which will be referred to the relevant approved postgraduate training body in Ireland for assessment of the equivalence or otherwise of their specialist training and experience to that of a medical practitioner who completes an approved, structured training programme within the State, leading to the award of a CSCST or equivalent certificate. Please click on a link below to explore the different categories of entry.

Category A
Completed a structured higher specialist training programme in Ireland with an approved postgraduate training body

Category B, C & D
EU/EEA citizen who completed a structured higher specialist training programme; or holds 'Acquired Rights'; or trained in a Third Country and is formally recognised as a specialist, in another EU Member State

Category E
Completed specialist training but not eligible under Categories A-D and applying to have their application assessed by a recognised postgraduate training body in Ireland