What is CORU?
CORU is the Health and Social Professions Council in Ireland. They are responsible for regulating health professions and validating qualifications outside of Ireland.
These professions include:
Clinical Biochemists
Dietitians
Medical Scientists
Occupational Therapists
Orthoptists
Optometrists
Podiatrists
Counselors
Physiotherapists
Psychologists
Radiographers and Radiation Therapists
Social Care Workers
Social Workers
Dispensing Opticians
Speech and Language Therapists
Psychotherapists
Registers for other professions may follow on a phased basis.
There are currently 2 types of applicants for CORU registration:
Transitional Route (S91)
Standard Route (S38)
Transitional Route
This registration route is aimed at existing practitioners. During the first two years that a register is open - known as the Transitional Period - existing practitioners can apply for registration and must satisfy the registration board that they meet the requirements for registration.
If you are an existing practitioner, you must complete the application on the CORU website you must provide proof to the relevant Board that:
You have been practising the profession for the required amount of time.
Hold the relevant qualifications or have successfully completed a competency test.
Deemed fit and proper to practise the profession.
You will also need to complete CORU's vetting form.
Standard Route
This route to registration is for:
New entrants to the professions in Ireland
Graduates
Professionals who have been practicing abroad
People returning to their profession.
To become registered with CORU you must:
Hold an approved qualification;
Complete the online application form;
Demonstrate that you are fit and proper to practise the profession
Provide evidence that you have sufficient knowledge of the language necessary to practise the profession in Ireland - this may include taking a language test.
New entrants with qualifications from abroad must first have their qualifications recognised by CORU before they are eligible to apply for registration.
Benefits of Registering with CORU:
You can legally use the title of your profession.
The public will have greater confidence in your profession. They will know that your professional standing and qualifications have been independently verified.
It also protects the reputation of the professions by having a formal disciplinary procedure for dealing with professionals who do not meet the standards expected of them.