Information for Doctors
- You are legally obliged to maintain your professional competence.
- You should be enrolled in a professional competence scheme (unless you are in a recognised training post or do not practice for more than 30 days a year in Ireland).
- Schemes will be run by postgraduate training bodies. These bodies have been recognised by the Medical Council for this purpose.
- Special arrangements have been made for doctors practising overseas.
- Doctors should follow the Medical Council’s "Standards for Maintenance of Professional Competence” which define the process to be followed as well as the framework for the types and quantities of activities to be pursued annually.
- It is expected that, each doctor will complete a minimum of 50 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity per year spread across Planning, Practice Review, Work-based Learning and Accredited CPD. Doctors will plan activities in accordance with their needs based on their own day-to-day practice.
- At the end of each year of professional competence activity doctors will receive a Statement of Participation from your professional competence scheme which will set out your CPD activity in that year, and the previous four years. . Please be mindful and take save your Statement of Participation. The Medical Council can request to see this document to validate your professional competence activity.
- When you apply to retain your registration with the Medical Council, you will be required to declare that you are maintaining your professional competence.
- The Medical Council validates that doctors are enrolled in professional competence schemes and engaged in activities. This validation is based on the Statement of Participation, Postgraduate training bodies also may request doctors provide evidence of completed CPD activities.
- Information regarding your maintenance of professional competence is confidential and the Freedom of Information Acts do not apply.
Maintenance of Professional Competence (MPC) Framework
| Type of activity |
Minimum credits per year * |
| Planning |
Maximum of 5 CPD hours |
| Practice Review |
Minimum of 10 CPD hours |
| Work-based Learning |
Minimum of 15 CPD hours |
| Accredited CPD Activity |
Minimum of 20 CPD hours |
| * In general, 1 hour of activity accrues 1 credit |
The activities involved in maintaining professional competence allow doctors to continuously update and enhance their knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Doctors are encouraged to reflect on these activities and take proactive steps to achieve their goals.
Postgraduate Training Bodies
For a list of Postgraduate Training Bodies and professional competence schemes, click here.
Additional Information