revalidation

Revalidation is the process of confirming the ongoing validity and currency of a credential, license, or professional registration after it has been initially granted. It requires individuals, organizations, or products to demonstrate that they continue to meet established standards of competence, safety, and reliability. Revalidation can apply across regulated professions, including healthcare, education, engineering, and public safety, as well as for regulatory certificates and certain products or systems that must be kept up to date.

In healthcare, revalidation is a prominent application. In the United Kingdom, doctors undergo a formal revalidation process to maintain General Medical Council registration. The arrangement is structured around a multi-year cycle, with annual appraisals and a review of career practice, continuing professional development, and patient outcomes; successful completion enables continued licensure. Similar cycles exist for other regulated clinicians in various jurisdictions.

The process generally involves submitting evidence of ongoing professional development, performance assessments, feedback from colleagues and patients, and reflective practice. Decisions about revalidation are made by a designated regulatory or licensing body, which may grant, renew, suspend, or revoke the credential based on the evidence presented.

Revalidation aims to protect public trust by ensuring that credentials remain aligned with current practice standards. It varies by country, profession, and governing body, and some sectors replace revalidation with recertification or licensure renewal systems. Critics point to administrative burden, while supporters view it as a mechanism for accountability and quality assurance.