Are you Registered with CORU as a Social Care Worker in Ireland
If you’re working in social care in Ireland, registering with CORU is now a legal requirement and a crucial step in formalising your professional status. Whether you’re newly qualified, trained overseas, or have years of experience but no formal qualification, CORU has set out clear routes to registration.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the process step by step, explain the different application routes, and share practical tips to help you get it right the first time.
What Is CORU and Why Register?
CORU is the regulatory body for health and social care professionals in Ireland. Its role is to protect the public by ensuring that professionals meet specific standards of education, conduct, and competence.
As of the 1st December 2025, it will be a legal offence to use the title “Social Care Worker” without being registered with CORU. That means the clock is ticking if you’re not yet on the register.
Step-by-Step: How to Register with CORU
1.Choose Your Route to Registration
CORU offers different registration routes depending on your background:
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- Section 38 (Standard Route): For those with a recognised social care qualification from an approved Irish course.
- Section 38 (International Route): For those qualified outside Ireland. You must first apply for qualification recognition.
- Section 91 (Transitional or Grandparenting Route): For experienced professionals without an approved qualification. You must demonstrate at least 2 years of work experience before 30 November 2025.
Important: The Section 91 Grandparenting pathway will close permanently on 30 November 2025. If you’re not registered by then, you may no longer be eligible to work as a Social Care Worker, even if you’re currently employed in the role. Registration is the employee’s responsibility not your employer’s.
2. Prepare Your Documents
To apply, you’ll need to gather and certify several documents:
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- Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
- Education transcripts and certificates (official, translated if not in English)
- Garda vetting and overseas police clearance (if applicable)
- Statutory declaration (signed by a peace commissioner or solicitor)
- Professional reference forms (Section 91 only)
If applying under Section 91, you’ll also need either:
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- A declaration from a current/former employer about your professional competence, or
- An Assessment of Professional Competence (AoPC) form, which must be completed and signed off.
3. Register on the CORU Portal
You’ll need to create an account on the CORU applicant portal, once you’ve created an account, select the correct route, upload all documentation, and answer the professional and health declarations.
The application fee is €100, paid online before submission.
4. Submit and Wait
After submitting, CORU will review your application. If further documentation is needed, they’ll contact you via email. Once approved, your name will appear on the CORU public register, giving you the legal right to use the title Social Care Worker.
Need Career Support? Work with Orange Recruitment
Navigating registration and career development in social care can be overwhelming or uncertain but you don’t have to do it alone.
At Orange Recruitment, we’re uniquely positioned to help. Our Managing Director is a qualified Social Care Worker with firsthand knowledge of the sector, CORU’s requirements, and the realities of frontline practice. We understand your challenges and we’re here to support your career journey from registration through to long-term progression.
If you’re unsure which CORU route applies to you or simply want guidance on your next career step, we’re here for you.
Reach out to our team at Orange Recruitment to discuss your options and get support tailored to your professional journey.
Registration Checklist
Here’s a quick reference to keep you on track:
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- Identify your registration route (Section 38 or 91)
- Gather certified ID and qualification documents
- Complete Garda vetting and police clearances
- Obtain and sign the statutory declaration
- Submit employer reference or AoPC if under Section 91
- Create CORU portal account and upload documents
- Pay the €100 fee and submit
- Save confirmation and correspondence
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Website: www.coru.ie Registration queries: registration@coru.ie
Key Dates
Deadline for Section 91 (Grandparenting Route): 30 November 2025
Title protection begins: 1 December 2025
Remember: It is your personal responsibility to register with CORU not your employer’s. From 1 December 2025, unregistered staff will not be legally permitted to work under the title “Social Care Worker” and this will have implications on your contract of employment if employed as a Social Care Worker. Don’t leave it too late.