It’s that time of year again — the ICGP has officially started updating their website with key information for GP Training Recruitment 2026. For many aspiring GPs, this is a moment you’ve been waiting for — and we’re here to break it all down for you in simple words.
📅 Official Application & Exam Dates (2026 Intake)
The ICGP has now released the proposed timeline for Application A and the SJT/CPST exams. Mark these dates in your calendar:
|
Event |
Date |
|
Application A Opens |
Monday, 8th September 2025 |
|
Application A Closes |
Wednesday, 15th October 2025 |
|
SJT/CPST Exams |
Week starting 20th October 2025 Exact date will be confirmed in coming weeks. |
❓Can You Sit the Exam While Waiting for IMC Registration?
We’ve been asked this question a lot:
“Can I apply for GP training if I’m still waiting for my IMC registration?”
Here’s the latest update.
The ICGP recently clarified in web page that “The Irish Medical Council criteria for entry to the trainee specialist register has been revised to only include applicants that meet certain conditions at application stage.”
This caused confusion — did this mean that only fully registered IMC doctors can sit the exam? The answer is: not necessarily.
👉 We reached out to ICGP directly, and here’s what they said that ,The IMC requirements do not state that you must have active IMC registration at the time of application or test.
So yes for now ! if you’re awaiting IMC registration or your eligibility email from the IMC, you can still apply for exam and need to have IMC registration before application part B close.
The ICGP will confirm this further and update their site before applications officially open. So keep an eye on ICGP website and save this link for future updates on GP Training recruitment process 2026.
✅ Who Is Confirmed Eligible to Apply?
The ICGP has listed specific criteria. If you meet any one of these, you’re good to go.
Here’s a breakdown:
|
Criteria |
Required Supporting Documentation |
|
A. Doctors who graduated from an Irish medical school and completed internship in Ireland |
Certificate of experience OR copy of IMC intern registration certificate |
|
B. Doctors graduating from an Irish medical school and will complete internship by July 2026 |
Certificate of registration (intern) + Irish medical degree |
|
C. Doctors currently registered with the IMC (General or Trainee Register) |
Current IMC registration certificate |
|
D. Doctors previously registered with the IMC |
Previous IMC registration certificate |
|
E. Doctors declared eligible for IMC registration by the Council |
Email from IMC confirming eligibility |
|
F. Doctors who qualified in one of the following EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Slovakia |
Medical degree from one of the listed countries |
🔹 Note: This EU list can change based on the latest EU directive.
✨ A Word of Encouragement
In 2025, many applicants got into GP training straight from outside Ireland, even without local work experience. If you have:
- Active IMC registration, or
- Confirmed eligibility, or
- Expect to get IMC registration by September/October 2025
👉 You are strongly encouraged to apply.
Don’t delay. These few weeks of prep can change your career path.
Source of information: ICGP Website
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