Menu Log in Search Search You are here HomeAbout occupational therapyReturning to practiceReturn to practice - HCPC requirements Return to practice - HCPC requirements By law, you have to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in order to use the title and be employed as an occupational therapist. Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirements The HCPC requires you to have adequate skills and knowledge to practice safely and effectively. In order to return to the HCPC register, they require you to carry out a period of updating your skills and knowledge. The length of this period will depend on how long you have been out of practice. 0-2 years - no requirement 2-5 years - 30 days of updating 5 years and over - 60 days of updating Download the HCPC ‘Returning to practice’ booklet to find out the exact requirements. This period of updating is a minimum requirement. You may need longer if you feel, or you are advised, that you cannot yet practise safely and effectively in a certain area or role. The updating period has to be completed within the twelve months prior to your application to return to the HCPC Register. Your period of updating needs to be a combination of: Private study Formal study Supervised practice You can choose how you split your time. The only specification that the HCPC makes is that private study cannot make up more than half of your total time. Share Occupational therapy jobs Website terms and conditions Privacy Policy RCOT and GDPR Compliments and complaints Get in touch Royal College of Occupational Therapists 106-114 Borough High Street London SE1 1LB T: 020 3141 4600 Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter YouTube The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (or 'RCOT') is a registered charity in England and Wales (275119) and in Scotland (SCO39573) and a company registered in England (No. 1347374). VAT Reg. No. 242 7829 47. © Copyright 2019 Royal College of Occupational Therapists. All rights reserved. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy policy. You can change your cookies settings at any time through your browser settings. OK, I agree Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest