About the Professional Competence Scheme

As the professional body for general practice in Ireland, the Irish College of GPs reflects the needs of the current and future healthcare environment, incorporating relevant developments such as Sláintecare and ongoing changes in clinical work practices and demands.

The Irish College of GPs operates the Professional Competence Scheme (PCS) under arrangement with the Medical Council.

The Irish College of GPs' Professional Competence Scheme recognises the diversity of GP profiles among its enrolees. GPs work either full time or part time, in rural or urban practices, in single-handed practices or in practices with up to 10 GPs. Many GPs works as locums or in out of hours cooperatives. In terms of their patient profiles, these can be a mix of public (GMS list) or private. Several GPs are retired and still on the Medical Council register and others are temporarily on leave from practice for example, due to maternity leave, illness or bereavement. There are also those returning from working in General Practice abroad and others who are arriving to work in General Practice in Ireland for the first time.

In addition, many GPs carry out roles as CME Tutors, GP Trainers, faculty representatives or other leadership roles such as directors of specialisms or national leads for chronic diseases. The PCS offered by the Irish College of GPs provides supports to help all of these GPs to meet their requirements.

The PCS Committee nominates the Chair of the Committee based on skills, experience and interest in promoting GP professional engagement with PCS. The Irish College of GPs Board approves the nomination in line with college policy for the appointment of all Irish College of GPs Committee chairs. The term for committee chairs is three years with potential for reappointment as chair for one further term of office.

The PCS Committee oversees the Irish College of GPs PCS and reports to the Education Governance Committee. The Education Governance Committee reports to the Irish College of GPs Board, which meets six to seven times per year.

The Irish College of GPs Board is the primary decision-making body in the Irish College of GPs and is responsible and accountable for the delivery of ICGP's strategic objectives. The Board collectively directs Irish College of GPs affairs while meeting the interests of members and external stakeholders in compliance with all necessary legislation and regulation.

Please note that the Irish College of GPs will send PCS communications, including updates from the Medical Council, by email. We commit to responding to your email enquires within two working days. 

Please be advised that, during peak times such as PCS year changeover, we may take longer to reply due to the high volume of queries. We treat all enquiries with respect and confidentiality.

We have compiled a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions section, which may help you. If your question isn't there, please do Contact Us.