Application requirements

The assessment process for every specialty follows the same pattern and has the same basic requirements.

Case log
The case log is at the core of the assessment process. This is where we look at a practitioner's every day work. Our requirements are that:

• there should be a sufficient quantity of cases for our assessors to be able to carry out a fair assessment of competence. We can't assess someone who can only list one or two cases.

• the cases should be recent. We are usually looking for at least one case in the last six months. The courts have a right to expect current competence and not be presented with evidence by a practitioner who hasn't done a case like it for 10 years.

It is from the case log that our assessors choose which cases to examine in detail against the essential elements for the specialty.

Fitness to practise
We ask practitioners whether there are any past issues of conduct, performance or health which they should declare. If there are, we may need to investigate further before we decide whether to register them. We consider each declaration of an adverse nature on an individual basis. If a practitioner hides something which later comes to light, we may have to remove their name from the register. We also ask them to confirm that they have read and agree to adhere to our code of conduct.

Qualifications and training
Qualifications and evidence of professional training can tell us that a practitioner reached a certain level of achievement at a particular time. We ask applicants to provide evidence for their qualifications they claim. Qualifications in themselves though cannot guarantee current competence.

References
Applicants must supply two references. It is important for senior colleagues or other suitable people to support their application in writing.