🇬🇧 CV guide · United Kingdom · General guide: UK CV
Doctor CV for the UK (NHS)
UK medical CVs are longer than other UK CVs: they list rotations, procedures, audits, teaching and courses. Start with registration status and the grade you are applying for.
Registration and visa
- You need registration with a licence to practise from the GMC. Most international graduates take PLAB 1 and PLAB 2; postgraduate qualifications can be another route.
- The GMC requires English evidence such as IELTS Academic or OET at the required scores.
- Doctors usually come on the Health and Care Worker visa with an NHS employer.
- On the CV: “GMC registration with licence to practise (GMC no. …)” or “PLAB 1 passed (02/2026), PLAB 2 booked”.
Words UK employers look for
GMC registrationPLABFoundation / Core trainingClinical fellowAudit and quality improvementTeachingALS / BLSOn-callClinical governance
Example CV lines
As they would appear on a UK CV.
Completed an audit on sepsis antibiotic timing; re-audit showed improvement from 62% to 85%
Managed acute admissions on the medical take as part of a 1-in-6 on-call rota
Taught final-year medical students weekly bedside sessions
Common mistakes
- No GMC/PLAB status at the top
- Leaving out audits and teaching – UK panels score them
- Using local job titles without a UK equivalent (e.g. “resident (equivalent to Core Trainee)”)
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Start free →Questions
How long can a medical CV be?
Longer than a normal UK CV – often 3–4 pages – but keep it tidy and newest first.
What is a clinical fellow?
A non-training NHS post that many international doctors start with to gain UK experience.
Other professions
Visa and registration rules change. Check gov.uk and the professional regulator before you apply.