Professional Competence Scheme

All doctors are legally obliged to maintain their professional competence by enrolling in professional competence schemes and following requirements set by the Irish Medical Council.

RCSI is responsible for operating the scheme for surgeons and doctors working in surgery and emergency medicine.

The 2023–2024 Professional Competence Scheme year is open for enrolment from 1 May 2023.

If you are registered on the Specialist, General or Supervised Divisions of the Medical Council Register in Ireland, you are required to enrol in a Professional Competence Scheme.

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Maintaining Professional Competence PDF | 1657.2 KB

If you are on the Irish Medical Council register and practising for more than 30 days a year in Ireland, you are required to enrol in a PCS, engage in CPD activity, and record/retain documentation relating to CPD activities. Learn more by downloading our guide.

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PCS ePortfolio

Based on consultation with clinicians in practice, we have developed an ePortfolio which aims to support you in meeting the PCS requirements.

Your PCS requirements

Participation in a PCS will help you to demonstrate that you are fulfilling your statutory duty. Learn more about your requirements.

Guidelines and resources

Advice and support on using the PCS ePortfolio.

Retired doctors

Retired doctors are subject to the same professional competence requirements as all other practising doctors, according to the Irish Medical Council. Learn more.

CPD recognition and approval

RCSI approves CPD activities provided by the College and other bodies for the PCS. Learn more about the educational criteria.

Calendar of activities

A list of external events which are approved for CPD credits by RCSI.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about PCS, enrolment in the scheme and CPD approval.