This course explains the difference between appraisal and revalidation, and sets out what the GMC, NMC, HCPC and GPhC each expect from the professionals they regulate. It shows you how to prepare for an appraisal meeting, what good supporting evidence looks like, and how to avoid the common problems that delay revalidation.
What you will learn
- Explain the difference between appraisal, revalidation and registration renewal in the UK.
- Describe the main revalidation or renewal requirements of the GMC, NMC, HCPC and GPhC.
- Identify the types of supporting evidence each regulator expects and how to collect them during the year.
- Prepare effectively for an appraisal meeting, including a personal development plan with specific objectives.
- Recognise common reasons for problems at revalidation and take steps to avoid them.
Course content
- Appraisal, revalidation and renewal: what is the difference? (2 min)
- Doctors: GMC revalidation (2 min)
- Nurses and midwives: NMC revalidation (2 min)
- AHPs and pharmacists: HCPC and GPhC (2 min)
- Preparing for an appraisal meeting (2 min)
- Case study: two professionals approaching revalidation (2 min)
- Writing reflections that appraisers value (3 min)
- Common problems and how to avoid them (1 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024) and Guidance on supporting information for appraisal and revalidation
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018) and Revalidation: How to revalidate with the NMC
- HCPC: Standards of continuing professional development and Standards of conduct, performance and ethics (2024)
- GPhC: Standards for pharmacy professionals (2017) and the GPhC revalidation framework
- The Medical Profession (Responsible Officers) Regulations 2010
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Related guides
How Doctors Should Write a Reflection for Appraisal and Revalidation
How doctors should write a reflection for appraisal and GMC revalidation: what to reflect on, a simple structure, a worked example, and what to leave out.
CPD Requirements in the UK: Nurses, Doctors, Pharmacists and HCPC Professions
UK CPD requirements compared for nurses, doctors, pharmacists and HCPC professions: NMC 35 hours, GMC appraisal, GPhC annual records and HCPC CPD audits.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.