EU digital ‘professional card’ to cost £25

The new card could represent a saving for physios in other EU countries who intend to practise in the UK

The EPC, which came into use for a small number of professions on 18 January, is now available for physios through the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

‘For any of our members who are thinking of working elsewhere in the EU, applying for a card through the HCPC should help them to get registered,’ said CSP international adviser Birgit Mueller-Winkler.

The new card could represent a saving for physios in other EU countries who intend to practise in the UK. They can apply for the EPC in their own country, and then register with the HCPC at a cost of £220, instead of the usual £495 registration fee.

The card was introduced under an EU directive on the recognition of professional qualifications. And rather than a piece of plastic, it is actually an electronic certificate.

Although it is initially limited to physios, general care nurses, pharmacists, estate agents and mountain guides, it could be extended to other professions.