Revalidation made simple: 10 expert tips to make it go smoothly

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By Erin Dean

Every five years doctors need to confirm their fitness to practise. Here’s how to streamline the process and avoid last-minute paperwork panic.

Revalidation is a non-negotiable for all UK doctors. Every five years, doctors in all specialties have to complete the process to confirm to the General Medical Council (GMC) that they remain up-to-date and fit to practise.

The requirement of revalidation began in 2012, after a number of major medical scandals, including the public inquiry into the killings carried out by GP Harold Shipman.

While all except the newest doctors are likely to know the basics of navigating the system, even for those who have been through it before, there may be ways to make the process smoother.

Doctors.net.uk spoke to experts for their top advice about how to make revalidation as valuable and streamlined as possible – and avoid it instead feeling like a last-minute burden to complete.