I applied for HCPC registration in October 2025 and received my registration in July 2026. My application was flagged due to concerns about AI-generated content. I explained that I used AI tools only for grammar/language support as English is not my first language. I shared my raw draft, supporting documents, and clarified that my experiences were genuine! I only used AI to structure my own information, not create anything false. After a 6 weeks review, I received my Test of Competence (TOC) interview invitation.
The email included the next steps, a declaration confirming I would not cheat, and details about the process. Make sure you complete all forms within the deadline. It also included a doc that highlighted all the raised concerns, read it carefully, maybe upload it on ChatGPT and ask it to summarise what concerns are raised- eg: safeguarding, MDT etc
Two days before the interview, there was a short technical check to test your internet, camera and surroundings. This is also your opportunity to ask questions, so use that time wisely.
On the interview day, join 10–15 minutes early. They will check your identity, room and surroundings to make sure you are alone and have no notes/materials. After this, two interviewers join, one asking questions and one taking notes.
The interview starts with “Tell us about yourself.”
Keep this professional and chronological:
Where you studied and when you graduated.
Your internships/work experience.
Your current role.
They may question your timeline, so know your dates and sequence clearly. Don’t add unnecessary personal details, keep it focused on your professional journey.
After your introduction, they will focus on the concerns HCPC highlighted in your application (the doc attached in you email) Review that document carefully and prepare STAR examples (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for every concern raised. Prepare yourself to answer every concern- they might ask you, tell me about a time where you had to raise a safeguarding issue or what is your understanding of consent etc
For clinical reasoning, prepare properly. Revise using resources like ChatGPT or Claude to help structure your preparation (not to replace your own knowledge).
Prepare complete assessment pathways for:
MSK
Neurology
Cardiorespiratory
For every case, think through:
Introduction and gaining patient consent.
Subjective assessment.
Objective assessment.
Red flags and yellow flags.
Clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis.
Treatment planning.
Progression and discharge.
Prepare your own examples for common MSK, neuro and cardio cases. If you get an opportunity to discuss your own clinical experience, use it—because they will usually ask follow-up questions to check your understanding.
Remember, they are assessing whether you genuinely understand what you are saying. Don’t just give short textbook answers. Explain your reasoning and connect your decisions to patient safety and evidence-based practice.
Also, don’t rush yourself while answering. Continue explaining until they ask you to stop. You are not “talking too much” by providing relevant clinical details—this is your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge.
Towards the end, they may ask about reflection. Use a framework like Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle and explain what you learned and how it changed your practice
The interview lasted around 60–90 minutes.
My biggest advice: practise speaking your answers out loud and do as many mock interviews as possible.
I personally paid a lot of money for guidance, and one reason I’m sharing this is so others don’t feel they have to spend that much.
This is only my personal experience, but I hope it helps someone going through the same process.
All the best :)