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Guidance on choosing your supporters

Guidance on choosing your supporters

The role of supporters

Once you have compiled the relevant evidence and information required to submit your professional registration application, you will need to consider who you will be selecting to formally support your application.

You will be required to nominate two or three supporters. Their role is to check and verify that the information you have presented in your application is factually correct.   

Identifying your supporters

Your supporters play a key role in the your application for a professional registration and can influence the duration and outcome. Therefore, it is essential to select supporters who meet the criteria and are committed to supporting you to achieve professional registration.

It is important that your supporters have experience of working with you in a professional capacity.

About your supporters

How many supporters do I need?

You will need to nominate two supporters but, occasionally, a third might be required if your application covers periods spent in multiple organisations.

Choosing your supporters

Your supporters play a crucial role in your application process, and they can influence how quickly your application progresses. It is important that you select individuals who can be relied upon to respond to the Membership team in a timely manner. If your supporters are new to this process, it is advisable to explain the important role they play in your application process, and what is required of them.

Before applying, please confirm with your supporters that they are willing and able to verify your experience. They should be contactable, via email, for several months after you submit your application. Please ask them to provide an email address, one that doesn’t have a high security level, as this can impede communications and delay your application.

First supporter

This must be someone who has known you professionally, working at a senior level to you, and with direct knowledge of your role and responsibilities. This could be fulfilled by your current line manager, employer, head of department or faculty, head teacher or training scheme mentor.

Second (and third if required) supporter(s)

This must be someone who has known you professionally at a relevant point in your career. 

Support for members applying for a professional registration

Registration online workshops

Get registered workshops

Join us for one of our online registration workshops to find out all you need to know about applying for a professional registration.

Join a registration workshop

Professional Registration Adviser (PRA) Scheme

PRA Scheme

The Professional Registration Adviser (PRA) Scheme is designed to support members who are in the process of applying for a professional registration with the IOP.

PRA Scheme

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