Find out about working in the UK as an SLT if your qualified abroad.
Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Registration with the HCPC is a legal obligation if you want to work as an SLT in the UK.
You must be registered with the HCPC before you apply for membership of the RCSLT.
SLTs from Ireland, USA, New Zealand, Australia or Canada
You can apply to become a member of the RCSLT if you are a member of a professional association within the Mutual Recognition of Credentials Agreement (MRA).
To become a certified member of the RCSLT (CertMRCSLT), you will need to:
- provide your HCPC registration details (number and date of registration)
- request a letter of good standing from your professional association if it is in the MRA, which will be need to be posted directly to the RCSLT
- meet the individual professional association requirements as described on the RCSLT member application form (MRA) (PDF)
SLTs who are not members of an MRA professional association
You may still be able to join the RCSLT, subject to additional checks.
Overseas qualified practitioners (OQP)
SLTs who have qualified outside the UK may be able to apply for RCSLT membership as overseas qualified practitioners (OQP).
Under current arrangements, OQPs are entered into the supervised category of RCSLT membership when they first join.
Before being given certified RCSLT membership, these entrants to the profession are expected to:
- complete up to one year in a clinical setting under supervision
- complete the OQP competency-based framework
This timeframe is a guide and may vary according to the individual.
To become an OQP member of the RCSLT, you need to:
- be registered with the HCPC and meet certain minimum threshold standards before you can apply for RCSLT membership
- provide a copy of your SLT degree/qualification certificate and a reference from your supervisor as described on the RCSLT member application form (non-MRA) (PDF)
OQP competency-based framework
This competency-based transitional framework for OQPs sets out a balanced set of clear expectations and standards. The framework can be used to support learning and development specific to practice in the UK context.
It will also support you with your continuing professional development (CPD) by informing you about the competency framework that underpins the RCSLT CPD requirements.
You can use the RCSLT CPD diary to record your CPD and your progress through the competency framework.
Download the OQP speech and language therapy competency framework (Word).
RCSLT standards
The RCSLT has set standards for the SLT workforce that may exceed the threshold standards set by the regulator (HCPC). The regulatory standards are largely generic and are applied for all allied health professionals.
In order to uphold standards for the SLT workforce, the RCSLT may recommend that additional training be included in the competence framework.
Further enquiries
If you have questions regarding the MRA process, please contact us or call 020 7378 3012/3038.
