Overseas Medical
Practitioners
Guidance for overseas-qualified doctors who wish to register with the SLMC and practise medicine in Sri Lanka — covering qualification assessment, the ERPM examination, temporary registration, and the path to full registration.
Assessment
Qualification reviewed by SLMC Board
ERPM
Qualifying examination for most applicants
Temporary
Registration during assessment period
40 pts
CPD required per year
Registration Pathway
Step-by-step process from application submission through to full SLMC registration.
Read moreERPM Examination
The Examination for Registration of Medical Practitioners — structure, eligibility, and exemptions.
Read moreTemporary Registration
How to apply for temporary registration to practise while your full application is under review.
Read moreCPD & Obligations
Annual CPD requirements, renewal obligations, and ongoing registration conditions for overseas practitioners.
Read moreRegistration Pathway
Overseas-qualified doctors must follow a structured pathway to obtain SLMC registration. The route taken depends on whether your qualification is from a recognised institution and whether you are eligible for ERPM exemption. All applicants must hold a primary medical degree recognised by the SLMC or successfully pass the ERPM examination.
Prepare Your Application
Gather all required documents including your primary medical degree, academic transcripts, Certificate of Good Standing from your current regulatory authority, passport copy, two passport-sized photographs, and proof of internship/postgraduate clinical experience.
Submit Online via e-Services
Submit your overseas registration application through the SLMC e-Services portal. Upload scanned certified copies of all documents. Pay the overseas application assessment fee. You will receive an acknowledgement with a reference number.
Qualification Assessment
The SLMC Overseas Qualifications Assessment Board reviews your medical degree, awarding institution, curriculum content, and clinical training. Qualifications from institutions listed on the SLMC Recognised Institutions schedule are assessed on a fast-track basis.
ERPM (if required)
If your qualification is not exempt, you will be required to sit and pass the Examination for Registration of Medical Practitioners (ERPM). The ERPM comprises three papers. You may apply for temporary registration to practise under supervision while preparing for or awaiting ERPM results.
Full Registration Granted
Once your qualification is accepted (or ERPM passed), you are entered on the SLMC register as a fully registered medical practitioner. Your registration certificate is issued and is valid until 31 December of the current year. Annual renewal applies from the following year.
Full Overseas Registration Guide
Documents, fees, and detailed requirements for overseas medical registration.
Documents Required
- Primary medical degree (certified copy)
- Academic transcripts (certified)
- Certificate of Good Standing from current regulatory body
- Internship / postgraduate experience letter
- Passport or NIC (certified copy)
- 2 × passport-sized photographs
- Specialist certificates (if applicable)
- Change-of-name deed (if applicable)
ERPM Exemptions
You may be exempt from the ERPM if you hold:
- A degree from a SLMC-recognised overseas institution (see recognised institutions list)
- A postgraduate specialist qualification from a recognised UK/Irish Royal College
- Fellowship of the Ceylon College of Physicians or Surgeons
- An MD from a Sri Lankan university
ERPM Examination
The Examination for Registration of Medical Practitioners (ERPM) is the qualifying examination required for overseas-qualified doctors whose primary degree is not on the SLMC exemption list. It tests knowledge and clinical skills to the standard expected of a fully registered Sri Lankan medical practitioner.
Paper I
Basic Sciences
Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology — written MCQ format.
Paper II
Clinical Medicine
Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Community Medicine — written format.
Paper III
OSCE / Clinical
Objective Structured Clinical Examination — station-based assessment of clinical and communication skills.
Eligibility & Rules
- Applicant must hold a primary medical degree that the SLMC has determined requires the ERPM
- Temporary registration may be granted for up to 2 years while preparing for or awaiting ERPM results
- Papers I and II may be sat independently; Paper III may only be attempted after passing Papers I and II
- A maximum of 4 attempts per paper are permitted; candidates who exhaust attempts must apply for a waiver
- Passed components are retained indefinitely — candidates need not re-sit passed papers
- The ERPM is held twice per year — dates are published on the SLMC Examinations page
ERPM Examination Dates & Registration
Upcoming dates, application forms, and syllabus available on the Examinations page.
ERPM Key Facts
- Held Twice yearly
- Papers 3 (I, II, III)
- Max attempts 4 per paper
- Pass retained Indefinitely
- Application Via e-Services
Recognised Institutions
Graduates from recognised institutions may be exempt from the ERPM. Check the list to see if your institution qualifies.
View ListTemporary Registration
Overseas-qualified doctors whose applications are under assessment — or who are preparing for the ERPM — may apply for temporary registration. Temporary registration permits supervised clinical practice in an approved institution while the full registration process is completed.
What Temporary Registration Allows
- Supervised clinical practice in an approved hospital or institution
- Sitting the ERPM while employed
- Accumulting clinical experience for the Sri Lankan context
- Applying for full registration upon ERPM pass or qualification acceptance
Restrictions on Temporary Registration
- Cannot practise independently — supervision required at all times
- Cannot establish or work in private practice without SLMC approval
- Maximum duration of 2 years (extendable by application)
- Does not grant specialist endorsement rights
Apply for Temporary Registration
Submit your temporary registration application through the SLMC e-Services portal or the Registration page.
Documents for Temporary Reg.
- Completed temporary registration application form
- Primary medical degree (certified copy)
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Letter of appointment from approved institution
- Confirmation of supervision arrangements
- Passport copy (certified)
- 2 × passport-sized photographs
- Applicable fee payment
CPD & Ongoing Obligations
Overseas practitioners on the full register have the same annual CPD obligations as locally-qualified practitioners.
40 CPD Points/Year
Overseas-registered medical practitioners require 40 CPD points per year — the same as full registration holders. Min. 20 from accredited CME.
Annual Renewal
Registration must be renewed annually before 28 February. CPD declaration and fee payment are required to complete renewal.
Certificate Download
Download your current registration certificate at any time via the e-Services portal. Printed copies are available by post.
Good Standing Letter
Request a Certificate of Good Standing confirming your SLMC registration is in good standing — useful for overseas applications.
Scope of Practice
Overseas practitioners are bound by the same scope of practice rules as locally-registered doctors. Practising outside scope is misconduct.
CPD Portfolio
Log your CPD activities and submit your annual return through the e-Services portal CPD module by 31 January each year.
Practise in Sri Lanka
Ready to Apply?
Start your overseas registration application through the SLMC e-Services portal.