How to Prepare for the HCPC Registration Interview
Complete Guide by Evenhanded Overseas Consultancy
If you’re planning to work as a healthcare or social care professional in the UK, you’ve likely encountered the HCPC – the Health and Care Professions Council. As part of the HCPC registration process, some international applicants are required to attend an interview to assess their qualifications, communication, ethics, and fitness to practice.
But what does this interview involve—and how do you prepare for it?
At Evenhanded Overseas Consultancy, we’ve guided hundreds of professionals across India, UAE, Nigeria, the Philippines, and beyond through successful HCPC and CORU registration. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prepare for your HCPC interview with confidence and clarity.
Who Is Invited for an HCPC Interview?
Not all applicants will face an interview. However, HCPC may require it in the following situations:
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Your qualifications only partially meet UK standards
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Gaps in your clinical practice
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Concerns about language proficiency
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Complex or unclear employment history
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Long career break from clinical work
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HCPC needs clarification on your documentation
Whether or not you’re called for an interview, being prepared is always a smart move.
What Is the Purpose of the Interview?
The HCPC interview evaluates whether you:
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Meet UK standards of proficiency
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Can communicate clearly and professionally in English
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Understand UK-specific clinical and ethical guidelines
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Are safe and competent to practice in the UK
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Have the right professional judgment and decision-making skills
Remember, it’s not an exam—it’s a discussion about your readiness to work in the UK.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare for the HCPC Interview
1. Understand Your Professional Scope
Review the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for your specific profession. Know your clinical roles and how your training aligns with UK expectations.
👉 Download this directly from the HCPC website.
2. Study the HCPC Code of Conduct
Be familiar with the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics. You should be ready to answer:
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How do you handle ethical dilemmas?
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What are your responsibilities around confidentiality?
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How do you obtain informed consent?
3. Review Your Application Thoroughly
Know what you’ve submitted:
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CV/resume
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Academic qualifications
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CPD activities
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Employment gaps
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Reference letters
👉 Be ready to explain any inconsistencies or gaps.
4. Acknowledge Your Limitations Honestly
If there’s something you haven’t covered in your education or work history (e.g., UK-based protocols), acknowledge it and express your willingness to train further.
5. Polish Your English Communication
Since clear communication is essential in UK healthcare:
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Practice speaking slowly and clearly
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Avoid heavy slang or overly technical terms
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Use correct clinical vocabulary
👉 We offer mock interviews and communication coaching at Evenhanded Overseas Consultancy.
6. Prepare for Clinical and Ethical Scenarios
HCPC often asks real-life work situations:
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“How would you respond to a patient refusing treatment?”
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“Describe how you handle a high-pressure emergency.”
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“What steps do you take to ensure patient safety?”
👉 Use the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) or STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) formats for answers.
7. Know the Basics of the UK Healthcare System
Be familiar with:
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NHS structure
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Safeguarding policies
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Consent and patient rights
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Multidisciplinary team roles
8. Organize All Required Documents
You may be asked to present or send:
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ID (passport or national ID)
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Degree/diploma certificates
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English proficiency results (IELTS/OET)
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Police clearance
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Updated CV
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CPD certificates
👉 Organize everything digitally in advance.
Mistakes to Avoid
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Speaking too casually or unprofessionally
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Memorizing answers instead of understanding them
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Being vague or evasive
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Ignoring ethical aspects of care
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Lying or exaggerating your experience
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Not researching HCPC standards
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Ready to Ace Your HCPC Interview?
If you’ve been invited for an HCPC interview, don’t panic—prepare!
Let Evenhanded Overseas Consultancy help you face the panel with confidence.
Evenhanded Overseas Consultancy – Your trusted partner for HCPC and CORU success.
