Important: Update to Professional Competence Scheme (PCS) Framework
Dear Colleagues,
As you may be aware, updates to the Professional Competence Scheme (PCS) Framework will come into effect from May 2025.
The current PCS year (2024/2025) will end on Wednesday, 30th April 2025. You will have an additional two-week grace period—until Wednesday, 14th May 2025—to upload any outstanding PCS activities for the current year.
Please note that the e-Portfolio system (Risr/Advance) will be temporarily locked after 14th May 2025 to allow for essential updates and integration of the new PCS Framework. The system will re-open on Tuesday, 27th May 2025.
Summary of updated Annual CPD Requirements – 50 Credits Total:
- Professional Development Plan (PDP)
Up to 5 credits (mandatory from May 2025) - Practice Review (Audit / QI / Evaluation)
Minimum 10 credits - Work-Based Learning (Internal CPD)
Minimum 15 credits
(If not engaged in medical practice: at least 25 credits combined from Practice Review and Work-Based Learning) - Accredited CPD (Courses, Conferences, etc.)
Minimum 20 credits - Domains of Good Professional Practice
Engage with all 8 domains at least once every three years
Engagement in the practice of medicine includes any of the following activities:
- Involvement in the act of diagnosing, treating, or managing illnesses and
medical conditions, including telemedicine consultations - Provision of medical advice or education
- Prescription of medications
- Performing medical procedures
- Development of preventative programmes
- Conducting relevant medical research
- Taking any other actions which require medical knowledge and skills
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact professionalcompetence@coa.ie
