How to work as a doctor in Ireland: PRES route and Medical Council fees (2026)

Official fees: €2,303plus 2 that vary
Steps: 5from degree to licence
Language: English: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each part, or OET Medicine grade B in each part
Planning time: About 1–2 years to registration
Our estimate, not official

Where did you qualify?

Outside the EU and English-speaking countries EU, EEA or Switzerland UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand

PLAB Part 2 from the UK exempts you from PRES entirely; PLAB 1, USMLE, MCCQE Part 1 or the AMC MCQ can replace PRES Level 2.

Step by step

Each fee links to the page we took it from.

1

Verify your degree through EPIC
EPIC fees apply

Your medical degree must be uploaded to EPIC and verified before you apply. Source
2

Prove your English and apply
€451

Apply online to the General Division, with IELTS or OET results at the Council's scores. Source
3

Pass PRES Level 2 – or an accepted equivalent
€352

Three-hour multiple-choice exam of clinical knowledge. The Council accepts PLAB 1, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK, MCCQE Part 1 or the AMC MCQ instead. Source
4

Pass PRES Level 3
€1,500

Clinical skills exam: you rotate through a series of clinical scenarios or skill stations. Source
5

Register in the General Division
€560 or €616

The fee list shows €560 for a full year for newly qualified doctors and €616 for recently registered doctors (under three years); confirm your band with the Council. An annual retention fee follows each year. Source

Not included: courses, translations, travel, visas and living costs.

Practise with someone who passed

One-to-one online sessions with doctors who sat these exams themselves – they know what the examiners want.

PRES – Medical Council tutors →

Study materials

Official practice tests, books and courses for each exam, checked on the publisher's or exam body's own page.

PRES – Medical Council materials →

Stories from people who took this route

No story here yet. Took this route yourself? Share your story – it helps the next person more than any brochure.

Agencies that help with this route

No agency listed for this route yet.

Recruiter, school or consultant for doctors in Ireland? List your agency.

Questions

Does PLAB count in Ireland?

Yes. PLAB Part 2 exempts you from PRES, and PLAB 1 (valid two years from the exam) is accepted in place of PRES Level 2.

Which English tests are not accepted?

IELTS Online, IELTS Indicator and OET@Home are not accepted. The result must come from one sitting within the last two years.

Sources

Last checked 29 October 2026. Fees and rules change – always confirm with the regulator before you pay. PassPeers is independent and not affiliated with any regulator or exam provider.