How to apply as an International Medical Scientist

The Test of Professional Competence (ToPC) is designed to test an applicant's ability to meet the threshold Standards of Proficiency for the profession. The purpose of the test is to ensure public protection by confirming that an international applicant, once deemed eligible to apply to CORU, meets the required standard for professional practice. A passing grade in the ToPC demonstrates that the applicant has met the minimum threshold for recognition of their qualification(s) and experience and may, therefore, progress their application for registration with CORU as a Medical Scientist.

The Test of Professional Competence (ToPC)

The ToPC is designed to test against all the CORU Standards of Proficiency for Medical Scientists. Details of the Standards or Proficiency can be found on the CORU website.

The Standards of Proficiency details the skills and abilities that individuals must possess in order to enter the CORU register. 

CORU applicants must demonstrate competence in each of the five domains of the Standards of Proficiency:

1.     Professional Autonomy and Accountability

2.     Communication, Collaborative Practice and Teamworking

3.     Safety and Quality

4.     Professional Development

5.     Professional Knowledge and Skills

The Test Format

The  format of the test is a written exam to consist of: a combination of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and interpretative or scenario/case study type questions conducted in a proctored exam environment within an academic setting.

The five disciplines of Medical Science will be examined in both tests:

·       Cellular pathology

·       Haematology

·       Clinical biochemistry and immunology

·       Medical microbiology and

·       Blood Transfusion

Length of Assessment - It is anticipated the exam will take 3 hours in total, with a break between the MCQ exam and the scenario/case study exam.

Date of Assessment - The test will take place in the ACSLM offices on Saturday, 14th November 2026. 

Location of Assessment -  The Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor's Lane, Dublin 8, DO8 ET2R

Assessment Fee - The assessment fee is included in your application fee.

Resources for preparing for test - The Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine (ACSLM) have a dedicated resource page on its website to help candidates prepare for the ToPC:  ToPC - Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine

Candidates are required to provide their own laptop for use on the day of the test.

Next Steps - If you are applying as an international Medical Scientist, you are no longer required to provide details of your qualification, but you will be required to provide evidence of eligibility to practice your profession in your home state, along with evidence of proficiency in the English language before you can process to take the ToPC.