Membership for all

From May 2021, the RCGP changed the criteria for membership for established GPs. 

Membership for all means any GP is now eligible to apply for membership via a new, inclusive route, if they meet the criteria:

  • has been active on the GMC GP register for a minimum of five years from the point of application
  • has completed at least one revalidation cycle (or completed CEGPR)

The membership for all route ensures that more GPs are able to benefit from college membership and representation.

It is the latest development in the College’s ongoing work to become a more inclusive membership body, open to and supporting GPs at all stages of their careers, right across the profession.

The need to expand the opportunity for membership to all practising GPs was supported by RCGP Council in November 2020.

This new route to membership does not require any additional form of assessment.

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Membership for all FAQs

What changes has the RCGP made in terms of how GPs can become members of the College?

The RCGP has changed the requirements for established GPs who have not previously undertaken MRCGP assessment.

Previously, GPs could apply for membership by completing the MAP (Membership by Assessment of Performance) programme.

From 2021, we changed the criteria. Any GP who will be eligible to apply for membership via a new, inclusive route, if they

  • have been active on the GMC GP register for a minimum of five years from the point of application
  • have completed at least one revalidation cycle (or completed CEGPR). 

This new route is called ‘Membership for All’.

There will no longer be a requirement for additional assessment.

Why did RCGP decide to make this change now?

The College aims to be a more inclusive membership body supporting GPs across the profession. This has been brought into sharper focus during the pandemic when both members and non-members have been accessing and valuing our varied resources, many of which have been free to all GPs during this critical time.

The College is keen to open membership to all GPs who have been practising for more than five years and have met revalidation requirements. 

The current MAP programme has been highly valued by those who have completed it. Those members who have previously completed MAP, or are currently undertaking the programme, are recognised for achieving a level of excellence in their practice. We continue to recognise your hard work and achievement in doing this.

The new, inclusive route will ensure more GPs are able to benefit from College membership and representation from the RCGP.

I am currently taking part in MAP - what are my options for membership?

You can choose to stop MAP now and join the College as a full member via the new route if relevant. The MAP team will be able to advise you about any refund in fees that you are eligible for. You may also continue doing MAP and complete the assessments. The costs for submissions will be reduced by 50% and the assessment processes remain unchanged.

Subject to ratification at November’s (2021) AGM, it has been agreed that candidates who complete MAP will be eligible to apply for Fellowship. This will be within an accelerated timeframe, with an offer of additional support from the College in the application process.

How much does the new route to membership cost?

The cost is the same as our standard membership rates.

I’ve been on the GP register for less than 5 years, can I become a member?

Only GPs who have been active on the GMC GP register for a minimum of five years will be eligible.

I’m a GP working outside the UK, can I become an MRCGP? I work in a UK overseas territory, can I become an MRCGP?

Only GPs practicing in the UK are eligible for Membership for All.

I have conditions on my licence, can I become an MRCGP?  My licence is currently suspended due to an ongoing investigation, can I become MRCGP?

To be eligible to apply, you must have been active on the GMC GP register for a minimum of five years from the point of application, with no suspension or conditions on your licence.

Will I be eligible to use the MRCGP postnominals?

Yes, those who gain membership via the Membership For All route will be entitled to use the MRCGP postnominals.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact the Member Services Team.

Member Services Team

RCGP
30 Euston Square
London
NW1 2FB

Email: membership@rcgp.org.uk
Tel: 020 3188 7766