Certificate of good standing for GMC registration
The GMC requires a certificate of good standing (CGS) from every regulator you have ever been registered with. Each certificate must be issued directly to the GMC and must be no more than three months old at the point they receive it. Plan the timing carefully — CGS letters expire fast.
Who this applies to
- Doctors registered in more than one country.
- Doctors who briefly held registration and then let it lapse.
Key requirements
| Coverage | Every regulator you've been registered with, ever |
|---|---|
| Validity | Three months from issue to GMC receipt |
| Route | Issued regulator → GMC direct |
Steps
1. List every regulator
Include any short-term or overseas registrations, not just your current one.
2. Request each CGS
Ask each regulator to send the CGS directly to the GMC.
3. Time the request
Request no more than 4–6 weeks before you expect the GMC to review your application.
Common failure points
- Requesting CGS letters months in advance and having them expire.
- Forgetting a lapsed registration from earlier in your career.
Official sources
Every fact above should be confirmed against the controlling source before you act on it.