Experienced Practitioner Gateway (EPG) Update – December 2025
Following a pause, we are pleased to announce that the EPG route will reopen for applications from 15th December 2025. Prior to this date, we have made the updated documentation available to give applicants time to read the new guidance and discuss their application and eligibility with their current line manager. Please take your time to fully review the guidance before applying as this is a detailed process designed to allow a comprehensive assessment of eligibility to register.
The changes made reflect the valuable learning from the 2-year Gateway pilot which aimed to widen access to PSA accredited Registration for Clinical Research Practitioners, without level 6 academic qualifications. The new application fee has increased to £135 to reflect the complexity of the assessment process. The new application forms and guidance can be found below.
Submitting a Gateway application
All new applications to the Gateway must comply with the new guidance and use the new eligibility form .
When submitting an application, a non-refundable application fee of £135 must be paid. The AHCS administration team will review the application when the payment has cleared.
If the application is incomplete or incorrect, the administration team will email the applicant with instructions on what to do next. An amended application must usually be submitted within 28 days. Applicants can request more time, and the administration team will consider these requests.
If the application is suitable for assessment, the applicant will be notified by email.
If you are unsure if you are eligible to apply to the Experienced Practitioner Gateway, please refer to:
To assist with completing the Eligibility Form, applicants can review the anonymised Experienced Practitioner Gateway example templates .
You will need to discuss your application with your line manager and colleagues to ensure you are working at the right level before starting your application.
If your Gateway application is successful, you will be able to apply to join the CRP Register, which is a separate distinct process. The Registration process is the same for CRPs who have passed through the gateway as it is for their colleagues who have level 6 qualifications.
Application assessment
All applications will be reviewed by an experienced assessor.
New applications submitted will be evaluated from the end of January 2026.
Successful applicants will be notified by email and will then have 6 months to submit an application to join the Academy for Healthcare Science Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register for Clinical Research Practitioners.
Using Generative Artificial Intelligence
The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing rapidly. AI can be used for a variety of purposes see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/generative-artificial-intelligence-in-education/generative-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-education for some examples. However Generative AI can be used in ethical and unethical ways. For example, it can be used as a source of inspiration and help create ideas, or as a source of information, or to help with planning and management.
In the context of assessment, however, the unethical use of Generative AI can be considered to be a form of plagiarism and therefore if found could lead to the rejection of an Equivalence application, or an application for the Clinical Research Practitioner Registration, or the Experience Practitioner Gateway.
If you are on an AHCS accredited programme with a higher education provider please also refer to the institution’s guidance.
For further details in relation to AHCS assessment processes please refer to the relevant guidance statement:
Appeals
The AHCS recognises there may be legitimate reasons to appeal decisions or complain about our service. If you want to appeal a Gateway decision or complain about the Gateway process, please refer to the appeals document.
