FRCOphth Application for IMGs: Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Applicants

If you’re an International Medical Graduate (IMG) and haven’t applied or sat the FRCOphth exam before, there’s a separate application process you must follow before you can book your exam online.

🔹 Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time IMGs:

✅ Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form
Go to the RCOphth website → iHub portal
Select: “first-time IMGs applying for FRCOphth (non-UK qualification)”
⚠️ Only for first-time IMGs applying for FRCOphth. If you’ve applied or sat the exam before, your application will be rejected.

✅ Step 2: Submit Your Attested Documents via Email
📧 Send clear scanned copies of your documents to: exams@rcophth.ac.uk

You must submit:

📄 Your Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) – e.g., MBBS degree

• Must be attested in blue pen – signed, dated, and stamped
• Can be attested by:
  • A Fellow of RCOphth
  • Dean or Student Registry of your medical college (Dean of your Postgraduate (PG) training college also can attest your PMQ)
  • Solicitor/notary public

📃 Letter of Attestation

• Written by the same person who attested your degree
• Must state they have seen, signed, and stamped your original certificate
• Must be dated and stamped in the same month as the application
• Sharing a sample format of Letter of Attestation that I used.

1. Send clear scanned copies (not photographs) of both the attested certificate and the attestation letter via email to exams@rcophth.ac.uk after completing the application form.
2. Do not send transcripts or incomplete documents — these will lead to rejection.
3. This letter is meant to support your application for account creation and eligibility approval on the RCOphth iHub portal.

🌍 If your degree is not in English:
You’ll also need a certified English translation, signed and stamped by the translator.

🆔 Already GMC/IMC Registered with licence to practise?
You don’t need to submit your certificate. Just include your valid GMC/IMC number in the application.

📅 Application Deadline

⏳ First-time applicants must submit everything by 23:59 before the booking deadline.
💡 Apply at least 3 weeks early to avoid last-minute rejection.

✅ Once approved, you’ll receive a payment link by email. Only then can you proceed to book your exam.

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💬 Need help drafting the attestation letter or unsure about the process? Comment below or DM — happy to help!