Top 20 Most Commonly Asked Questions About CORU and HCPC Registration
Complete Guide by Evenhanded Overseas Consultancy
If you’re a healthcare or social care professional looking to work in Ireland or the UK, you’ll need to register with either CORU or HCPC, depending on your destination. But the registration process can feel complex — especially if you’re applying from overseas.
At Evenhanded Overseas Consultancy, we specialize in helping professionals like you navigate CORU registration with ease. Below, we’ve answered the top 20 most commonly asked questions about CORU and HCPC registration, clearly and expressively, to help you make the right career move.
1. What is CORU registration?
- CORU is the regulatory body for health and social care professionals in Ireland. Registration with CORU is mandatory for practicing professionals such as physiotherapists, social workers, and radiographers.
- Ensures public safety and professional standards
- Required to legally work in Ireland
- Includes qualification recognition for overseas applicants
2. What is HCPC registration?
- HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) is the UK’s regulator for a range of health and care professions.
- Allows you to legally work in the UK
- Covers 15 regulated professions
- Requires international applicants to demonstrate qualifications and English proficiency
3. Which one should I apply for: CORU or HCPC?
- It depends on where you want to work:
- Ireland → CORU registration
- United Kingdom → HCPC registration
- If you plan to work in both countries, you’ll need to register with both regulatory bodies separately.
4. Who needs CORU registration?
- You need CORU registration if you are:
- A health or social care professional
- Working or planning to work in Ireland
- In a CORU-regulated profession (e.g., physiotherapist, occupational therapist)
5. Who needs HCPC registration?
- You need HCPC registration if you:
- Want to work in the UK
- Belong to a profession regulated by HCPC (e.g., radiographer, dietitian)
- Are trained outside the UK and need your qualifications recognized
6. What are the key differences between CORU and HCPC?
Main differences:
- Location: CORU (Ireland), HCPC (UK)
- Application process: CORU includes recognition of qualifications before registration
- Processing time: CORU takes longer (6–12 months); HCPC is faster (4–6 months)
- Document requirements and fees vary slightly
7. How long does the CORU registration process take?
- For international applicants, it can take 6–12 months:
- 3–6 months for recognition of international qualifications
- 2–3 months for registration after recognition
- Evenhanded Overseas Consultancy can help speed things up by avoiding mistakes and delays.
8. How long does HCPC registration take?
- HCPC typically takes 4–6 months from start to finish.
- Some applications may be processed faster
- Errors or missing documents can cause delays
9. What documents are required for CORU registration?
CORU requires:
- Academic degree certificates
- Detailed course syllabus
- Work experience letters
- English language test results (if applicable)
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport)
- Police clearance
- Certificate of current professional registration
- We provide a comprehensive checklist at Evenhanded Overseas to help you prepare everything correctly.
10. What documents are required for HCPC registration?
HCPC asks for:
- Degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Clinical training details
- Proof of English proficiency
- Current or previous professional registration certificates
- Identification documents
- Character and health references
11. Is English language proficiency required for both CORU and HCPC?
Yes. You must prove your English proficiency unless your degree was taught in English.
Accepted tests:
- IELTS (Academic)
- TOEFL iBT
- OET
- Cambridge Advanced (C1) or Proficiency (C2)
- We assist you in choosing the most suitable test for your profession.
12. What are the application fees for CORU and HCPC?
CORU:
- Qualification recognition: ~€410
- Registration: ~€100–€200 annually
HCPC:
- Scrutiny fee: £495 (includes registration)
- Renewal: £180 every 2 years
13. Can I apply for both CORU and HCPC at the same time?
- Yes, you can. However:
- The processes are different
- You must prepare two separate applications
- You’ll need to pay fees and provide documentation for both
- We can help manage both applications if needed.
14. What happens if my CORU application is rejected?
- If your application is rejected, you will:
- Receive detailed feedback from CORU
- Have an opportunity to submit additional documents or appeal
- Evenhanded Overseas Consultancy helps you respond properly and improve your case for reconsideration.
15. Is CORU recognition valid for life?
- No. Once recognized, you must still apply for registration, and then renew it annually. You must also:
- Maintain CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Abide by CORU’s code of conduct
16. What is the role of Evenhanded Overseas Consultancy in this process?
- We guide you through:
- Checking eligibility
- Preparing and reviewing documents
- Submitting CORU applications
- Meeting English language requirements
- Responding to CORU queries
- Ensuring a successful registration outcome
- We specialize in CORU support for overseas applicants, and our clients enjoy a high approval rate.
17. Can I start working before my CORU or HCPC registration is approved?
- No. You must wait until you receive:
- A registration number from CORU or HCPC
- Confirmation that your name is on the professional register
- Working without registration is illegal in both countries.
18. Do I need to renew my CORU or HCPC registration?
- Yes.
- CORU: Annual renewal with continuing education
- HCPC: Renewal every 2 years (with audit possibilities)
- We can help remind you of deadlines and renewal requirements.
19. Do CORU or HCPC help with job placement?
- No, they are regulatory bodies, not job agencies. However:
- Once registered, you can apply for jobs across hospitals, clinics, and public/private sectors
- We provide job search advice, resume help, and interview prep as an additional service
20. What if my documents are not in English?
- You must submit:
- Official certified translations
- Originals in your native language + translated versions
- We assist in finding reliable translation services to meet CORU and HCPC standards.
Why Trust Evenhanded Overseas Consultancy?
✅ Years of experience in international healthcare recruitment
✅ In-depth knowledge of CORU requirements
✅ Step-by-step support from document preparation to final approval
✅ High success rate and fast communication with CORU
✅ Friendly consultants who care about your career goals
Ready to Start Your CORU Registration?
Let Evenhanded Overseas Consultancy make your CORU journey easy and stress-free.
