The Scheme for Registration is a structured and supported route from student to professional optometrist. It gives you the chance to put into practice the skills you learned at university in a safe environment. Those who successfully complete the Scheme can apply to join the GOC Register.
The College delivers the Scheme for Registration for pre-registration trainees. This consists of work-based assessments and a final practical examination (called the OSCE) which assess trainees against the GOC elements of competence.
Before you start the Scheme you will need to find a pre-registration training placement and then enrol with the College. To become a qualified optometrist, you will need to complete the three assessment stages of the Scheme: Stage 1, Stage 2 and the OSCE.
We have developed a range of useful resources and support to guide you through the Scheme.
The College pre-reg jobs board is ideal for candidates and employers - and completely free of charge.
Appropriate supervision whilst completing the Scheme for Registration is crucial to trainees progressing as well as ensuring the safety of the public. It is the trainee's responsibility to ensure they have appropriate supervision arrangements in place at all times.
Watch our series of guidance videos to find out what to expect from the Scheme for Registration at each stage.
The final assessment takes the form of an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), where candidates show that they can apply optometric theory in a clinical setting. The OSCE consists of a series of five minute stations, where candidates carry out tasks based on the 75 GOC elements of competence.
Apply to register before qualifying - and don't forget to complete our free online safeguarding training, developed specifically for pre-registration trainees.
If you have a disability, we may be able to make reasonable adjustments to your assessments and/or exam, in accordance with the Equality Act (2010).
A trainee may be able to apply for an extension to their time on the Scheme for Registration or for the ability to begin their training one further time if they have encountered exceptional circumstances.
Appeals against examination results can only be made against the process of the assessment or examination. If you would like to complain because the service we have provided has been unacceptable, we would welcome the chance to investigate this.
The College is committed to providing a high quality, professional service to everyone involved in the Scheme for Registration. In order to do this we need you to give us any feedback about our service, and to tell us when we get things wrong.
We've published a report analysing pre-registration trainees’ performance on its Scheme for Registration.
