Find out more about the process of registering with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which is a legal requirement for all physiotherapists working in the UK.
An HCPC international registration manager talks about the registration process.
To practise as a physiotherapist in the UK you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The HCPC is the regulatory body for physiotherapists and some other allied health professions (AHPs).
'Physiotherapist' and 'physical therapist' are legally protected titles in the UK.
This means you can only use the title to describe yourself or your profession if you are registered as a physiotherapist with the HCPC.
HCPC standards
You will need to complete an application to join the HCPC register. The HCPC assess applications on an individual basis. This ensures that you meet their standards to practice in the UK.
There are three sets of standards, and it is important you read and understand these, and demonstrate how you meet them in your application:
- Standards of conduct, performance and ethics
- Standards of proficiency for physiotherapists
- Standards of continuing professional development
There are also English language proficiency requirements for joining the register. You need to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in English, which can mean providing a certificate from an English language proficiency test.
- The HCPC provides detailed guidance and advice to support international applications. If you need any further guidance you can contact them at international@hcpc-uk.org
Full information on the process for international applicants can be found on the HCPC website.
What’s the difference between the HCPC and the CSP?
The HCPC is the UK's regulatory body for physiotherapists.
You cannot practice as a physiotherapist or call yourself a physiotherapist in the UK unless you are registered with the HCPC.
The CSP is the professional body and trade union for physiotherapists in the UK.