The Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES) is the Medical Council’s route for doctors whose basic qualification comes from outside the EU/EEA and who are not otherwise exempt. It checks that a doctor is safe to practise in the Irish health service.
How PRES works
| Level | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Verification and assessment of your documents (and EPIC credentials) | Not an exam; decides if you can enter PRES |
| Level 2 (PRES 1) | A written examination | A pass is valid for a limited period (check the Council’s current validity) |
| Level 3 (PRES 2) | A clinical skills assessment (OSCE-style) | Normally limited to a set number of attempts per level |
| Level 4 | Assessment of your postgraduate experience and qualifications for General Division registration | Not part of the exam itself |
| Level 5 | Assessment for Specialist Division registration | Only for those seeking specialist status |
Exemptions and recognised qualifications
The Medical Council exempts some doctors from PRES. The usual categories are below. The exact list, and which postgraduate qualifications count, are set by the Council’s Rules and published on its website, so check them before you plan.
- An accepted post on a recognised Irish training scheme (so a doctor who is appointed to a scheme does not sit the PRES).
- A recognised higher qualification from a body that the Council lists, together with the required experience.
- EU/EEA and certain other recognised qualifications that fall under the Directive and are recognised automatically.
- Basic degree plus a Certificate of Experience from an approved internship in some categories.
How to prepare
- Gather EPIC verification and your good-standing certificates first; delays here are the common reason for late starts.
- Use the Medical Council’s published exam guide for the syllabus and format; it changes occasionally.
- Check availability of sittings and centres: capacity, dates and whether you may sit from abroad have varied between years.
- Practise OSCE stations with a partner who has Irish or UK clinical experience.
Your checklist
- Check if I am exempt from PRES
- Read the current PRES exam guide
- Compare my plan with PLAB if I am applying to both countries
This page is general education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.