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Registration and regulationIreland

IMC registration divisions (General, Supervised, Trainee Specialist, Specialist)

Definition

IMC registration divisions are the categories of the register kept by the Medical Council of Ireland. Every doctor practising in Ireland must be registered in the division that fits their role, mainly the General, Supervised, Trainee Specialist or Specialist Division.

Also called: Medical Council divisions, General Division, Supervised Division, Trainee Specialist Division, Specialist Division, Irish Medical Council registration types

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What are the IMC registration divisions?

The Medical Council (often called the IMC) says it is an offence to practise medicine in Ireland while unregistered, apart from first aid and visiting EEA doctors in an emergency. Each doctor must hold registration that is current and appropriate to their circumstances, in one of these categories: Trainee Specialist Division, Internship Registration, Specialist Division, General Division, Supervised Division and Visiting EEA Practitioners Division.

A doctor can hold more than one type of registration in some cases, and the Medical Council expects you to keep your registration up to date as your post changes.

Who each division is for

  • General Division: for doctors who are not in numbered training posts, have not been proposed for a supervised post and have not completed recognised specialist training. You may practise independently but must not present yourself as a specialist. Non-EU graduates reach it through up to four levels, including PRES unless exempt.
  • Supervised Division: only for doctors offered an HSE-approved post with supervisory arrangements, for an aggregate of two years. You must pass or be exempt from PRES and stop practising if you leave the post. See supervised practice.
  • Trainee Specialist Division: for doctors on recognised training programmes in posts allocated by the HSE with the postgraduate training bodies. Since recent amendments, anyone who holds or is eligible for General registration is eligible, and transfer is automatic once the post is recorded on the HSE's DIME database.
  • Specialist Division: for doctors who have completed specialist training recognised by the Council and may practise independently as specialists. Categories cover Irish training (A), EU recognition (B to D) and other specialist training assessed by an Irish training body (E).

How international doctors apply

  1. Have your primary medical qualification source verified through EPIC before applying, a requirement for non-EU/EEA graduates since 1 September 2015.
  2. Choose the division that matches your offer or experience.
  3. Provide English evidence, such as Academic IELTS, and proof of good standing. For the Supervised Division, the Council asks for a CCPS dated within three months, sent directly by every overseas authority you have been registered with.
  4. Pass or show exemption from PRES where it applies.
  5. Pay the fees and enrol in a professional competence scheme once registered.

See our PRES guide for the exam stages.

What it costs

Fees rise by 10% in 2026 and a further 10% in 2027. For 2026 to 2027, the first-time application fee for the General or Trainee Specialist Division is €451, and the Specialist Division application fee for EU/EEA/UK-recognised specialists is €704. The annual registration fee is €665 for doctors with more than three years on the register and €616 for recently registered doctors. PRES Level 2 costs €352 and Level 3 costs €1,500.

Common problems

  • Applying for supervised registration before a supervised post is offered. Fees are non-refundable.
  • Registering in the wrong division for your job.
  • Forgetting professional competence requirements, which apply in the General, Specialist and Supervised Divisions.

Questions

It depends on your job offer and training. Most start in the General Division, or the Supervised Division if the HSE offers a supervised post. Fully trained specialists may apply to the Specialist Division.

Yes. General registration allows independent practice without supervision, but you must not present yourself as a registered specialist or trainee specialist.

For an aggregate of two years in a supervised post. The registration year runs from 1 July to 30 June.

If you hold or are eligible for General registration, transfer is automatic once your clinical site and training body record your training post on the HSE's DIME database. When the post ends, you revert to the General Division.

No. PRES applies to certain applicants for General and Supervised registration who are not exempt. Exemptions depend on qualifications and internship equivalence.

For 2026 to 2027 it is €665 for doctors with more than three years on the register, €616 for recently registered doctors and €560 for newly qualified doctors. A late payment fee of €50 may apply if you do not pay and submit your form by 1 July.

Sources

  1. 1Medical Council: Registration
  2. 2Medical Council: General Registration
  3. 3Medical Council: Supervised Registration
  4. 4Medical Council: Trainee Specialist Registration
  5. 5Medical Council: Specialist Registration
  6. 6Medical Council: Fees
  7. 7Medical Council: Professional competence requirements
  8. 8Medical Council: Guide to the application procedure and rules for registration