UK NCP functions as the UK's contact point for professional qualifications under Directive 2005/36/EC.UK NCP provides the necessary information concerning the recognition of professional qualifications and the regulatory environment in the UK.
Situation in the UK
At present, the UK system is relatively permissive, with only 102 professions currently regulated (mostly clustered within the teaching, medical and legal sectors). Regulated professions, which include professions such as architecture, teachers in publicly regulated schools, doctors, midwives and nurses, are professions in which those wishing to practice are required by law to fulfil specific conditions and present specified qualifications in order to legally practice the profession in the UK. A list of those approved to practice is held by the relevant competent authority (for example, the Register of Architects is held by the Architects Registration Board).
Most professions are unregulated in the UK. There are no laws restricting individuals wishing to practice these professions and no specific qualifications or training are required. Individual employers will determine what qualifications they deem to be necessary for the adequate performance of an individual's job duties. There is no requirement that the individual register with any authority or organisation.
There are, in the UK, a number of protected professional titles with designatory letters (for example Chartered Engineer (CEng)). Unless the profession is otherwise listed as a regulated profession, these titles are ordinarily voluntary and individuals are under no obligation to obtain a protected title in order to practice their chosen profession. These titles are often sought in order to enhance a person's status within their chosen profession, as the titles ordinarily convey to customers that a higher level of training and, therefore, of quality has been attained by the holder of the title.
While individuals are perfectly entitled to practice unregulated professions without obtaining a protected title, only those who have obtained the title from the relevant professional body may legally use it.
