Do I need to register with CQC?

If you carry on a “regulated activity” in England, you almost certainly must be registered with CQC before you start. This covers most providers of clinical or personal care — for example diagnosing, treating, prescribing, performing procedures, or providing personal or nursing care. Operating without registration when you should be registered is a criminal offence, so check with CQC if you’re unsure.

How long does CQC registration take?

Timescales vary depending on the service type, how complete your application is, and CQC’s current workload. A well-prepared application with a clear Statement of Purpose and the right policies in place tends to move more smoothly. Build in plenty of lead time and don’t plan to start operating until your registration is confirmed.

What is a “regulated activity”?

A regulated activity is one of the specific activities set out in law that require CQC registration — such as treatment of disease, disorder or injury, surgical procedures, diagnostic and screening procedures, or personal and nursing care. If any part of what you do falls within a regulated activity, you must register for that activity. The definitions are precise, so check them carefully before assuming you’re exempt.

Can I start operating before I’m registered?

No. If your service involves a regulated activity, you must be registered with CQC before you begin. Carrying on a regulated activity without registration is a criminal offence and can lead to enforcement action, so wait until your registration is confirmed.

Do I Need to Register with the CQC? | Barker Scott

Q: How much does CQC registration cost?

There’s an application fee, plus an annual fee once you’re registered. Both vary by service type and size and are reviewed periodically. Always confirm the current figures on CQC’s website rather than relying on older quotes.

In plain English

Most providers of clinical or personal care must register. If you diagnose, treat, prescribe, perform procedures, or provide personal/nursing care, you very likely need to register before you begin. If you’re unsure, check with CQC — or ask us.

Who must register?

Healthcare services

GP practices and medical centres
Dental practices (most)
Private hospitals and clinics
Cosmetic and aesthetic clinics (certain treatments)
Slimming / weight-loss clinics prescribing medicines
Online / telehealth prescribing services
Mental health and ADHD services

Social care services

Care homes (residential and nursing)
Domiciliary / home care agencies
Supported living services
Extra-care housing with personal care

Who might not need to register?

Some activities are exempt or regulated by another body. These can include certain therapists, fitness and sports providers, and some beauty/wellness services that don’t involve a regulated activity. Exemptions are specific and easy to get wrong — check before assuming.

What the process involves

Decide which regulated activities you carry on and who your registered manager and nominated individual will be.
Complete your Statement of Purpose on CQC’s own free template, and prepare the policies and evidence CQC expects.
Apply online via CQC and pay the application fee.
CQC assesses your application (and may interview the registered manager).
Once registered, you’re subject to ongoing assessment and must keep meeting the fundamental standards.

The documents CQC asks you to send

CQC publishes a named list of supporting documents for a new provider application and rejects applications that arrive without them — the statement of purpose, a business plan and financial forecast, a financial viability statement from an accountant, insurance evidence, your recruitment, safeguarding, complaints, consent, governance, infection control, medicines and business continuity policies, a staff training plan, a service user guide and your premises risk assessments. What exactly you need depends on your service. See the full checklist and what each document must show, or pick your service:

Aesthetic Clinic checklist GP Surgery checklist Private Healthcare Clinic checklist ADHD Clinic checklist Weight Loss Clinic checklist Telehealth & Online Clinic checklist Pharmacy Prescribing Service checklist Dermatology & Skin Surgery checklist Podiatry & Chiropody checklist Women's Health & Menopause Clinic checklist

Fees change — check the current schedule

CQC registration and annual fees vary by service type and size and are reviewed periodically. Always confirm the current figures on CQC’s website rather than relying on older quotes.

Getting ready to register? Get updates by email

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Frequently asked questions

CQC registration

CQC Statement of Purpose →A required part of registration.

Fit & Proper Persons →The checks directors and staff must pass.

CQC registration support →Hands-on help to get registered.

Free CQC mock inspection →Score your readiness in minutes.

All CQC resources →Every plain-English guide in one place.

Registering, or getting ready for assessment?

We provide the policies and risk assessments CQC expects, and our team can complete CQC’s statement of purpose template and application forms with you.

Browse template bundles Talk to us about registration

Official sources

Important: This page is general information to help you understand CQC requirements — it is not legal advice and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Care Quality Commission. Regulations and CQC's assessment approach change over time; always check the current position on cqc.org.uk and have a qualified professional review anything specific to your organisation.

Do I need to register with the CQC?