Revalidation is a process that health professionals undertake to collect evidence and demonstrate their fitness to practise in order to renew their professional registration.  

• Background
• Medical revalidation
• Revalidation for nurses and midwives
• Revalidation for pharmacists

Background 

In 2007, the government published a white paper which proposed that all healthcare professionals should complete a process of revalidation. To date the General Medical Council (GMC), the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) have formally introduced a model.

Medical revalidation

Medical revalidation was formally launched by the GMC in December 2012. All doctors with a licence to practise in the UK need to satisfy the GMC at regular intervals, that they are fit to practise and should retain their licence. You can find out more about medical revalidation on the GMC website. Specific information for responsible officers and employers can also be found on the website. 

We have published guidance for the appointment and employment of NHS locum doctors which includes advice on how locums should be revalidated.

Revalidation for nurses and midwives

In April 2016, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) introduced revalidation. Find out more, including how employers can support staff in our revalidation for nurses and midwives section of the website.

Revalidation for pharmacists

In spring 2018, the GPhC launched a revalidation process. You can find out more about this, including useful resources, in our revalidation for pharmacists section.