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About the Professional Competence Scheme

NB: Requirements for the 2023 2024 PCS year are 40 CPD credits and 1 clinical / practice audit.

The ICGP operates a professional competence scheme (PCS) for GPs under arrangement with the Irish Medical Council (IMC).

As of May 2011, all doctors on the Medical Council register are legally obliged to maintain their professional competence by enrolling in professional competence schemes and following requirements set by the Medical Council.

You can contact us at professionalcompetence@icgp.ie or call us on 01 676 3705 and we will be happy to assist you.

Please note that the current professional competence year runs until 30 April 2023.

Do all doctors need to meet the PCS requirement annually?

Yes. The annual PCS requirements apply to all doctors, regardless of working status. If you do have shortfalls in a particular PCS year, you are required to make these up the following year. » read more

How is the ICGP involved in PCS?

The ICGP, under Arrangement with the Irish Medical Council, operates a Professional Competence Scheme (PCS) to support and assist registered medical practitioners with enrolling on a Scheme and meeting the annual Scheme requirements. » read more

What PCS information will the Medical Council ask me for?

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Medical Council has informed us that they will not be including the questions below on their 2020 registration form. » read more

What are the Medical Council Standards for the Maintenance of Professional Competence?

The doctor maintains professional competence to achieve the outcome of good professional practice with contributes to patient safety and quality of patient care. » read more

What does my annual PCS fee cover?

Your annual PCS fee of €240 covers systems and services to support and assist you in maintaining your professional competence. » read more

What is involved in Professional Competence Schemes?

Professional Competence Schemes are designed to promote self-directed and practice-based learning activities rather than supervised training. » read more

What is the ICGP Verification Process?

The ICGP is required by the Medical Council to verify the activity recorded by a random sample of 3% of enrolees on an annual basis. » read more

When should a doctor join a Professional Competence Scheme?

All doctors registered on the general or specialist divisions of the Irish Medical Council must enrol on a professional competence scheme(PCS). » read more