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Recognition of Prior Learning
 

Recognition of Prior Learning

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Recognition of Prior Training and Recognition of Prior Clinical Experience

In June 2023, RCPI introduced its first Cross-College Recognition of Prior Training Policy (RPT).  With six Faculties / Institutes and thirty-one Specialties at HST, the College has a common position as it relates to its Training programmes. The RPT process assesses applications from doctors who have completed a structured training programme overseas for equivalence to Basic Specialist Training (BST).

This calendar year, we have an additional opportunity – Recognition of Prior Experience (RPE) – for NCHDs who were working in Ireland prior to 2020, but who could not apply for Training with RCPI because their Intern Year was not recognised by the Irish Medical Council. Post 2020, it was possible for these doctors to apply for a BST programme. Many did not avail of this as they already had several years clinical experience in Ireland and may have felt overqualified to apply for BST. To address this, doctors working in the Irish Medical system since before 2020 may be eligible to apply RPE during the period of 1 July to 6th September 2024.

RCPI training is prospectively approved to ensure it is educationally robust and meets Irish Medical Council standards.

Pre-assessment of eligibility for Recognition of Training or Recognition of Prior Experience is not possible. Please review the selection criteria and FAQs in each section below to determine if you are eligible to apply for either pathway. You will be assessed on final submission of your application.

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Recognition of Prior Training

The RPL process is the formal recognition of a structured medical training programme leading to the award of final training certification overseas.

Applications for RPT are open annually for each HST recruitment cycle.

If you can provide evidence that you have completed a structured training programme in full in another country, you can apply for RPL. Your application is reviewed by a panel of clinicians, and if deemed equivalent to BST, the applicant will be eligible to apply for HST. 

Applicants must meet all requirements for BST which includes having Membership of RCPI (MRCPI).  Membership from other Colleges will not be accepted. 

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Recognition of Prior Experience – 2024/2025 Process

The RPE process is the formal recognition of clinical experience completed in Ireland commencing prior to 2020.

Doctors who have been working in the Irish Medical system since before 2020 and have clinical experience which could be deemed equivalent to BST, may apply for RPE during the period of 1 July to 6 September 2024.

To be eligible for RPE, you must be:

  • Living in Ireland and working in the Irish healthcare system since before 2020 and have been in continuous employment in Ireland up to the point of application.
  • You were unable to apply for a BST programme before 2020 because your internship was not recognised by the Medical Council.
    *NOTE: The following countries are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply:
    • Australia
    • Malaysia
    • New Zealand
    • Pakistan where the internship was commenced after 31 December 2008 (note: the rotations must meet the standards of an Irish internship)
    • Sudan
    • South Africa where the internship was commenced after 1 July 2006
    • UK
    • Malta
  • Demonstrate that you have completed several years of clinical experience in Ireland that could be deemed equivalent to BST

If prior experience is deemed equivalent to BST, applicants will be eligible to apply for HST.

Applicants must meet all requirements for BST which includes having Membership of RCPI (MRCPI). Membership from other Colleges will not be accepted.