Applicants

Why should I apply?

Being a Registered Case Manager or joining the Pre-Registrant Pathway demonstrates to the public and others that you work with such as employers and commissioners that you have are committed to public protection, professional standards, meaningful continuing professional development, and accountability through independent oversight. These principles underpin safe, ethical and high-quality case management practice.

As an independent regulatory body IRCM is focused on ensuring that case managers provide services safely, effectively and consistently, in the interests of protecting the public.

Becoming a Registered Case Manager or Pre-Registrant complements other professional registrations and memberships. Some case managers enter case management after qualifying in another regulated profession and often choose to maintain their registration even though this is not specific to case management. Membership organisations such as BABICM, CMSUK, and VRA (CMMOs) support professional practice and the development of competency and highlight and lobby on issues relevant to their members.

Should I apply to the Register of Case Managers or the Pre-Registrant Pathway?

The Register of Case Managers is for those who have already gained sufficient qualifying experience as a case manager or case manager in training to meet our eligibility requirements. You may now be working within case management in another role, but no longer delivering case management services e.g., as a supervisor, manager researcher, consultant and/or teacher.

The Pre-Registrant Pathway is for those currently working as a case manager or case manager or case manager in training but have not yet gained sufficient experience to apply to the Register of Case Managers.  It is possible to remain on the Pre-Registrant Pathway for up to six months following sufficient experience being gained.

Further details about eligibility for both the Register and Pre-Registrant Pathway are set out below.

As a regulator IRCM does not have an option for those aspiring to be case managers but they may wish to sign up to our mailing list.

Am I eligible to apply to Register of Case Managers?

You will need to be or have been a case manager or case manager in training. You may now be working within case management in another role, but no longer delivering case management services e.g., as a supervisor, manager researcher, consultant and/or teacher.

To be added to the Register, an applicant must meet the criteria set out in the Registration and Renewal Policy for the Register of Case Managers the key points from which are summarised below:

• be a case manager, case manager in training (see annex 2 of the Registration and Renewal Policy for the Register of Case Managers) or work within the field of case management in a broader role such as supervision, management, teaching or research;
• work in the UK;
• be at or above the competent level of proficiency as set out in the Competency Framework for Case Managers;
• practice in line with IRCM’s Standards of Proficiency for Case Managers; and
• meet the criteria set out in at least one of the routes shown in annex 1 of the Registration and Renewal Policy for the Register of Case Managers.  That is, have a minimum of 2 years FTE experience as a case manager or case manager in training and a further 2 years FTE experience as a case manager or case manager in training or in an eligible regulated or registered health and social care profession.

Until 12 October 2025 it was a requirement to be a member of BABICM, CMSUK or VRA but this no longer applies.

As part of applying for registration, applicants must complete declarations of health and good character, including a declaration regarding their fitness to practise and a disclosure of cautions and convictions.

For more information about our eligibility criteria, the qualifying experience required and IRCM definitions of Case Manager and Case Manager in Training, refer to the Registration and Renewal Policy for the Register of Case Managers a link to which is below.

Not eligible to join the Register? Then you may be eligible to join the Pre-Registrant Pathway.

Am I eligible to apply to the Pre-Registrant Pathway?

If you are currently working as a case manager or case manager in training in the UK and lack sufficient experience to apply to be a Registered Case Manager then its likely you will be eligible to apply to the Pre-Registrant Pathway.

To be added to the Pre-Registrant Pathway, an applicant must meet the criteria set out in the Registration and Renewal Policy for the Pre-Registrant Pathway the key points from which are summarised below:

• be a case manager or case manager in training (see Annex 2 of the Registration and Renewal Policy for the Pre-Registrant Pathway);
• work in the UK;
• be at or above the pre-registration level of proficiency as set out in the Competency Framework for Case Managers;
• practice in line with the Standards of Proficiency for Case Managers, actively engaging with appropriate support and supervision to do so;
• have a mentor who commits to supporting their development (for more information applicants should see section 4.5.1 of the Applying to Join the Pre-Registrant Pathway Guidance);
• agree to comply with all IRCM policies and guidance relating to the Pre-Registrant Pathway;
• have insufficient experience to apply for the Register of Case Managers or have reached sufficient experience within the previous 6 months. For further information about eligibility for the Register of Case Managers, applicants should read The Registration and Renewal Policy for the Register of Case Managers.

Is there anything I need to do prior to starting my application?

Our guidance on applying contains all the information you need to apply.  We reccomend you collate the required information prior to begining your application. Please refer to the checklist in the guidance for more details of the documents needed

For applicants to the Register of Case Managers each period of experience requires confirmation from an appropriate individual or organisation. 

For applicants to the Pre-Registrant Pathway confirmation from their mentor is required.

How much does it cost?

Registration and Renewal fees for the Register of Case Mangers are £150pa and the Pre-Registrant Pathway are £125. more details can be found in our FAQ about fees and payments.

How do I apply and what happens next?

You register online via the registration portal.

• Once we receive your application, it will be assessed. Following the registration guidance makes it much more likely that we will not have to contact you with queries which will slow down your application.
• If registration is approved, you will be added to the Register/Pre-Registrant Pathway.
• If registration is rejected, we will provide feedback setting out the reasons for rejection and your right of appeal.

What is the Certificate of Proficiency in Case Management?

• We are developing a Certificate of Proficiency that will become a requirement for existing Registered Case Managers and new applicants to the Register.  It is not required for the Pre-Registrant Pathway.
• This will be a standardised assessment of skills, knowledge and abilities required to be a competent case manager. The test will be primarily case study based, with multiple choice questions.
• If you join the Register of Case Managers prior to the Certificate of Proficiency in Case Management being launched, you will need to pass this within 6 months of it being published to maintain your registration.
• If you apply to join the Register of Case Managers after the launch of the Certificate of Proficiency in Case Management, you will need to pass this prior to being added to the register.
• The certificate will be completed online in exam conditions.