About the Experienced Practitioner Gateway

The Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) Education Committee has now approved the proposal to widen access to the Accredited Register to experienced CRPs who do not have a degree or equivalent education. The details of the new process can be found here.

The Experienced Practitioner Gateway will enable CRPs to provide evidence about their career development and experience working at practitioner level and include any education and learning they have completed.

A successful pass through the Gateway does not guarantee entry to the CRP Register, which remains a distinct process required to be completed by all applicants. A successful application to the gateway will provide the opportunity for experienced CRPs to progress to submit an application to the CRP Register in the normal way, within a given timeframe. The gateway will remain open for a two-year period only, until January 2025. It is anticipated that experienced CRPs working currently and keen to establish their personal professional registration will apply through the gateway in the timeframe allowed.

All applicants to the Experienced Practitioner Gateway are required to use the AHCS portal system. The requirements include completion and submission of this Experienced Practitioner Gateway Eligibility Form. These local discussions and support are vital to ensure that applicants have reached the level of experience required to join the AHCS Accredited Register for CRPs. The CRP Register is set at level 5 of the Skills for Health Career Framework to reflect the high level of experience, knowledge and responsibility required for practitioner roles, which normally require degree level education.

Applicants to the Gateway are also required to submit their current job description.

Experienced Practitioner Gateway 

The Experienced Practitioner Gateway was launched in January 2023. The gateway is for experienced CRPs who are able to evidence that they have a minimum of three years working at the level of practitioner. All applicants to the gateway will need to discuss their intended application with their line manager and colleagues to ensure that they are working at the right level before submitting their application.

A successful application to the gateway will provide the opportunity for experienced CRPs to progress to submit an application to the CRP Register. 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. Please refer to the Step-by-Step Guidance for how to complete the Experienced Practitioner Gateway application.