Stage A - initial application

Timescale: One week, if everything is in order

Stage A is the initial part of the application process. Only once you have provided all the information needed in Stage A can your application move on to Stage B.

In each application pack there is a guide called How to Apply to help you complete the application form. Here is an overview of what the application form requires.

To avoid unnecessary delays , we recommend that you make sure you have everything ready before you submit your application. You may find it best to ask your referees to write their references before you complete the rest of the form.

Personal details
There are two sections here: one for your private details, and one for the public details in your online register entry. The private details are compulsory; we need them to manage your application. The public details are largely optional.

Specialty
Many specialties have their own applicationform, but some share one. Other specialties are divided further into subspecialties. You need to tell us exactly which specialty/ies and subspecialty/ies you want to apply for. Please contact us if you need help using the right forms.

Professional details
Here you can tell us about your qualifications, training and memberships. You should provide evidence for everything you list. This could be in the form of:

• original certificates,
• copies of certificates verified by a line manager or referee's signature,
• a training record verified by a line manager or referee,
• a letter of authority from the issuer.

Referees
You will need two references from people who can provide information about your professional performance. If you are self-employed, you could approach a solicitor, coroner or another practitioner who knows your work well.

Fitness to practise
There is a series of questions to which you must answer 'yes' or 'no'. The first of these is whether you agree to abide by our code of conduct Good Practice for Forensic Practitioners . If you have not read it, we suggest you do so now.

Professional experience
We ask you to provide a log of your most recent casework. This varies between specialties in the number of cases and in how recent they should be. This case log will form the basis of the assessment in Stage B.

Declarations
These are statements about the information you have provided. They also make sure you understand that registration is based on your continued fitness to practise. We also say what we do with your personal data.