Applications
Find out how to apply to join the register
Before you apply
This section includes information that is relevant for all applicants wishing to apply to the GCC register. You should read this page before moving forward to the route of registration page that is relevant to you.
International qualified applicants
Transfer from non-practising to practising registration
Have you read our Graduate Guide containing answers to 14 of the most commonly asked questions about the GCC and registration?
Ensuring the information you provide is true and your evidence is genuine
Because our primary role is to protect the public, we need to carry out a number of checks on your application and the evidence and information you send to us.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the information you provide to us as part of the registration process is true and the evidence you submit is genuine, whether you submit it yourself or through a third party.
In particular:
- Your evidence must be objective. This means it is issued by a third party, based on facts and not influenced by a relationship to you, other than professional or educational relationships. This is why we ask that your reference and medical report is not written by a patient, relative or employee
- The evidence you send to us must be verifiable so we can check it is genuine. For this reason documents, other than the copy of your passport and evidence of insurance, must either:
- be completed online by the referee, GP etc
- be emailed to registrations@gcc-uk.org from the originators verifiable business email account, i.e., not hotmail, yahoo, msn etc; or, if that isn't possible
- pass the original paper document to someone of professional standing and ask them to send a copy to registrations@gcc-uk.org from their verifiable business email account, i.e., not hotmail, yahoo, msn etc, and confirming it to be a true and accurate copy of the originally sighted document.
- Evidence you provide in isolation or in combination with other evidence and information must clearly demonstrate that you meet the requirements for registration
- We may refuse your application for registration if:
- you cannot provide evidence
- your evidence does not clearly show you are of good character
- your evidence does not clearly show you are physically and mentally fit
- you do not meet the requirements for registration
- you do not provide complete and truthful information
- If you have special or unusual circumstances we may ask you to provide some additional information or documents to support your application
- The application form includes a declaration that you must sign, to confirm you have answered the application form correctly. If it later comes to light that you have not been truthful with your application, the General Council may instruct the Registrar to remove your name from the register.
Your health
The GCC has a legal duty to ensure applicants are both physically and mentally fit before registration can be granted. Anyone wishing to register as a chiropractor must be in good physical and mental health. To ensure that this is the case, the GCC asks all applicants to provide a medical report from their General Practitioner (GP) or Medical Director (MD) along with their application.
The GCC recommends you provide this medical report form for your GP or MD to complete. The form contains information and guidance for your GP or MD as well as a consent form. The consent form can also be downloaded here.
Frequently asked questions
Who can provide a medical report?
Your medical report can only be provided by a GP or MD who is registered with the General Medical Council or an equivalent overseas regulatory body. The report cannot be provided by anyone who is related to you by either birth or marriage.
What is the medical report based on?
The medical practitioner must base the report on a review of the last four years’ of your medical records. If they do not have access to records covering that time period, they must conduct an examination. Our rules do not specify what examination they must perform, but their report must confirm you are both physically and mentally fit.
What does the report have to contain?
The report must include the following:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- The date the medical records that are used to prepare the report began
- Confirm you are physically and mentally fit
- If you have any physical or mental health problems and, if so, how these are being managed
- If you have had any physical or mental problems in the past that may recur
- Any other past medical history that the doctor feels is significant or appropriate for us to know about
- The date the report was written
- The GP’s signature (medical reports with signatories other than a GP/ MD will be rejected).
Who pays for the report?
Any costs incurred in providing the report must be met by you.
I have existing or past health conditions – will they prevent me from becoming a chiropractor?
Having a health condition is not in itself a reason for refusal of registration.
If we are satisfied that you are successfully managing a health condition by taking steps which will avoid any risk to patients and will ensure that you have the ability to perform your job safely, your application is unlikely to be turned down on medical grounds.
Therefore, if you have existing or pre-existing medical conditions, it is in your interests to provide us with as much information about your condition and how you are managing it as possible to allow us to make an accurate decision on your application.
What if my doctor is reluctant to make information available to you?
We provide a consent form allowing your doctor to divulge information to us that you can find here. We treat all matters relating to your health in the strictest confidence.
Police cautions and criminal convictions
You must inform us if you have a police charge, caution or conviction that is not a protected caution or protected conviction. This applies to applicants for either initial registration or restoration to the register.
If you are a current registrant and need to inform us of a conviction or caution please find out what steps you need to take here.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to declare when I apply for registration?
If you are applying for initial registration then you must tell us of any convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings that are not protected.
You do not need to declare fixed penalty fines for traffic offences unless they led to a disqualification.
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 does not apply to an application for registration to the register. This means that you must declare to us any convictions or police cautions that you have received, even if they are ‘spent’ under that Act, other than a protected caution or protected conviction (see question below). Failure to do so may result in a referral to fitness to practise which could lead to you being removed from the register
Further guidance on listed offences is provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
What are protected cautions and convictions?
A protected caution is protected from disclosure six years after it was accepted. If the offender was under 18 when the caution was accepted then that period is reduced to two years.
A protected conviction is protected from disclosure after 11 years. If the offender was under 18 when convicted then that period is reduced to five and a half years.
In either case a conviction will only be protected if the offender received a non-custodial sentence and has no other convictions.
A caution or conviction will NOT be protected if it is for a ‘listed offence’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Listed offences include serious violent and sexual offences, and offences which are of specific relevance to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. A caution or conviction for a listed offence must always be disclosed to us.
You can find further information on the Unlock website.
What will happen if I tell you about an offence?
We consider having a caution, conviction, reprimand or warning as serious. However, it does not automatically preclude you from registration with the General Chiropractic Council.
We look at all applications on an individual basis. You are encouraged to provide as much information and documentation relating to the offence as possible. The Registrar will take this into account at the time the decision is made on whether or not you are considered of good character. The Registrar will also consider your own account of the circumstances that led to the offence, including any mitigating circumstances there may have been, so please provide a supporting statement with your application.
If you have committed an offence where alcohol or drugs are involved, the Registrar will ask you to attend a health assessment with a consultant psychiatrist.
What happens if my application is refused?
If the Registrar decides to refuse your application, you will be informed of the process for appealing the decision through the Registration Appeals Committee. Our appeals process can be found here.
Downloads
Conduct and Ethics
Our guidance is published separately from the Code but should be read alongside it.
Find out MoreEquality, Diversity and Inclusion
Find out MorePrivacy Policy
Find out MoreTerms of Use
Welcome to our website. If you continue to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern’s relationship with you in relation to this website. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do not use our website.
Find out MoreThe Code
The Code outlines the standards of performance, conduct and ethics expected of chiropractors in the UK. Chiropractors must meet these standards to join and remain on our register.
Find out MoreJoin the Register
This section gives a brief overview of the chiropractic register. It also gives prospective applicants for registration the information they need to apply.
Find out MoreRegistration Appeals
This section covers appeals against the decision of the Registrar
Find out MoreMake a Complaint
This section provides information on how to complain about a chiropractor
Find out MoreComplain about a Registered Chiropractor
Complete the form to complain about a registered chiropractor.
Find out MoreComplain about someone describing themselves as a Chiropractor
Find out how to complain about someone who is describing themselves as a chiropractor
Find out MoreThe Investigation Process
This section explains what happens once you have made a complaint and describes our investigation process in more detail.
Find out MoreHearings
This section provides more information about formal hearings of the Professional Conduct and Health Committees.
Find out MoreUpcoming Hearings
Any upcoming hearings will be published here 28 days in advance of the hearing date.
Find out MoreChanging Status
This section outlines what you need to do if you wish to change your registration status or leave the register.
Find out MoreContinuing Professional Development (CPD)
Maintaining and enhancing professionalism in chiropractic
Find out MoreThe reduced (non-practising) registration fee
Find out about non-practising registration and the reduced fee
Find out MoreCertificates of Good Standing/ Current Professional Status
This page is for registrants and sets out the difference between a certificate of current professional status (CCPS) and a certificate of registration status (CRS), to help registrants request the correct document for their needs.
Find out MoreInsurance and Indemnity Arrangements
Find out about your required insurance and indemnity arrangements
Find out MoreRegistrant Resource Centre
Welcome to the GCC Registrant Resource Centre. Below is a range of information and guidance options to help you remain GCC Code compliant and assist you in your professional activities.
Find out MoreTell us if you have been arrested or have a conviction etc
Information for current registrants on how to notify us of a criminal offence
Find out MoreWhat We Do
The General Chiropractic Council regulates chiropractors in the UK, Isle of Man and Gibraltar to ensure the safety of patients undergoing chiropractic treatment.
Find out MoreLegislation
This section includes links to the legislation that governs the regulation of chiropractors in the UK and how we operate
Find out MoreHow We Work
In this section you can find more about how we work, including information about our structure, governance and how we remain accountable. We also outline how patients and partners can support our work
Find out MoreCouncil
The Council is responsible for setting Council strategy, monitoring performance and ensuring its statutory duties are met.
Find out MoreCommittees
The GCC has four statutory committees which support the work of the Council. Statutory committees are operationally separate from the Council in order to ensure their decision-making is independent.
Find out MorePartners
Our partners range from patients and members of the public to qualified legal experts and chiropractors
Find out MoreAccountability
We are committed to operating in a collaborative, open and transparent manner. This section of the website covers some of the essential information, processes and mechanisms that help to demonstrate our accountability as a regulator
Find out MorePolicies
This section includes documents summarising the internal procedures and protocols that we use.
Find out MoreChiropractor Login
Find out MoreAccessibility Statement
Find out MoreNew Registrants
Find out MoreInternational Activities
We participate in a wide range of international activities that contribute to our work and supports the development of chiropractic regulation more widely
Find out MorePatient and Public Involvement
This section includes information and opportunities for chiropractic patients with an interest in supporting the work of the General Chiropractic Council
Find out MoreNewsletters
We regularly publish a newsletter that provides information on our activities. The latest editions can be found below.
Find out MoreOur Research
In order to protect the health and safety of the public by ensuring high standards of practice in the chiropractic profession, we need to listen to and understand the views of patients, the public and registrants. We draw upon these views to make policy and decisions based on the best available evidence.
Find out MoreUK applicants
This page is for the applicants who have achieved a qualification recognised for registration following attendance at an approved course.
Find out MoreInternational applicants
Applications must be completed online once the Test of Competence has been successfully completed. Check below against each document to see the requirements.
Find out MoreRe-joining the register
If you have been registered with the GCC in the past and you wish to practise as a chiropractor in the UK again, you may be eligible to restore your name to the register.
Find out MoreTransfer from non-practising to practising registration
This section is for chiropractors who are currently registered as non-practising, but who wish to transfer to practising registration. Please email your complete application to us. Any documents that are being provided by a third party should be emailed to us direct from that third party.
Find out MoreInformation for Witnesses
If you are are due to give evidence at a hearing you can find out information here.
Find out MoreChoosing a chiropractor
Here you will find an overview of chiropractic treatment and what you may wish to consider when choosing a chiropractor
Find out MoreYour first visit
What to expect on your first visit to a chiropractor for your initial assessment
Find out MoreJoint Statements
Below are our joint statements developed with other healthcare regulators, as well as guidance on important legislation.
Find out MoreRaising a Concern about a Fellow Chiropractor
This section provides information for chiropractors and other health professionals, including fellow chiropractors, who have concerns about a chiropractor.
Find out MoreHuman Sitemap
Find out MoreChanges to your registration details
Our rules require that we publish your full name, registered address and whether you are female or male.
Find out MoreFurther Resources
Find out MoreFeedback (Complainants)
Find out MoreFeedback (Registrants)
Find out MoreWebsite feedback
You can complete as much or as little on this feedback page as you wish
Find out MoreFAQs
Find out MoreCyber security
Find out MoreCollaboration
A collaborative approach can lead to better coordination of patient care and more effective communication between health professionals.
Find out MoreBeth Rydym yn Ei Wneud
Mae'r Cyngor Ceiropracteg Cyffredinol yn rheoleiddio ceiropractyddion yn y DU, Ynys Manaw a Gibraltar i sicrhau diogelwch cleifion sy'n cael triniaeth ceiropracteg.
Find out MoreCwyno am Ceiropractydd Cofrestredig
Llenwch y ffurflen i gwyno am geiropractydd cofrestredig.
Find out MoreGwrandawiadau
Mae'r adran hon yn darparu mwy o wybodaeth am wrandawiadau ffurfiol y Pwyllgorau Ymddygiad Proffesiynol ac Iechyd.
Find out MoreGwybodaeth i Dystion
Os ydych i fod i roi tystiolaeth mewn gwrandawiad gallwch ddarganfod gwybodaeth yma.
Find out MoreCwyno am y GCC a rhoi adborth
Find out MoreRegistration for Swiss Nationals and their Spouses
For up to 2 years from 1 January 2021 an individual’s eligibility for having their healthcare qualification recognised under this process by a UK regulator does not depend upon their nationality or country of residence. Swiss nationals, as well as UK nationals established in Switzerland or who have Swiss qualifications (and family members of either who have EU enforceable rights) can apply for recognition in the UK under the 2007 Regulations (as in force before 1 January 2021 subject to modifications made by the 2019 Regulations) up until 1 January 2025.
Find out MoreYour Registration
Find out MoreManage your registration
Find out MoreFitness to Practise advice for registrants
Find out MoreCommunicating with Patients
Find out MoreComplain about the GCC and provide feedback
Find out MoreWhistleblowing
This page has been designed to enable you to raise a concern that meets the criteria for whistleblowing.
Find out MoreFitness to Practise
Find out MoreIonising radiation and the use of X rays
Radiographic imaging (X-ray) is part of the suite of diagnostic procedures used by chiropractors, either in a chiropractic clinic or through referral.
Find out MoreYour comments have been received
Find out MoreGuidance and Toolkits
Guidance and toolkits help registrants remain GCC Code-compliant in their professional activities.
Find out MoreGCC Strategy 2022-24 and Business Plan 2024
The GCC Strategy 2022-2024 has been developed to realise and address changes in our profession. Find out how the GCC will meet its commitments through this four-part strategy.
Find out MoreI’m Registered mark
Exclusive to GCC Registrants, the I'm Registered mark assures your patients of your training and abilities, setting you apart from non-regulated practitioners.
Find out MoreQuality Standards and Guidelines
Find out MoreChoosing a chiropractor
This page provides an overview of chiropractic treatment and the factors to consider when choosing a chiropractor.
Find out MoreFind a Chiropractor
Chiropractic is a regulated profession. All chiropractors in the UK must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). Registration with the GCC means chiropractors are committed to providing the highest quality of care and professionalism to their patients, are fully qualified to provide chiropractic treatment safely and effectively, and follow the standards set out in the Code of Practice for Chiropractors.
Find out MoreYour registration number and the title of Doctor
Guidance on using your GCC registration and the Doctor title.
Find out MoreUse of ‘Chiropractic’ in a Company Name
Information on how to apply for a Companies House Letter of Authorisation from the GCC.
Find out MoreYour first visit
This page outlines what to expect during your first visit to a chiropractor.
Find out MoreGetting the best from your ongoing care
This page outlines how to get the best from your chiropractic care.
Find out MoreFrequently Asked Questions
To help you, we have answered some of the more frequently asked questions that the GCC receives from the public
Find out MoreHow regulation helps ensure quality care
The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) regulates the chiropractic profession. If a chiropractor is registered with the GCC you can be confident that they are committed to providing safe and high-quality care.
Find out More