The National Medical Council announced on 4/9 the plan to organize competency assessments for doctors in 2027. Accordingly, the four doctor roles subject to assessment include medical doctors, traditional medicine doctors, dentistry doctors, and preventive medicine doctors.

This marks the first time Vietnam will implement a competency assessment for doctors before they can practice. Doctors who are qualified but have not applied for a practice license before 31/12/2026 will be required to pass this competency assessment when applying for a license from 2027 onwards.

The competency assessment aims to evaluate the necessary professional knowledge and skills of doctors before they begin practicing, reflecting an increasing emphasis on controlling the quality of healthcare professionals.

The council plans to hold two assessment sessions in 2027. The first is scheduled for march, with applications expected to open in january. The second session is planned for december, with applications opening in september. These assessments will be conducted directly on computers or tablets at locations announced by the council when candidates register.

For each professional role, the National Medical Council will develop appropriate question formats, competency domains, essential professional issues, as well as the structure and matrix of the assessment.

Currently, 40 health training institutions nationwide have been informed of the council's plan. These include major universities such as Hanoi Medical University, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Military Medical Academy, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City National University's University of Health Sciences, and Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Some multi-disciplinary universities also offer health-related programs, including Hanoi University of Business and Technology, Dai Nam University, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.

Doctors at a Ho Chi Minh City eye hospital examine patients. Photo: Quynh Tran

A representative from the National Medical Council stated that these assessments are a new requirement under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment. The National Medical Council will conduct competency assessments for doctors to provide an additional basis for issuing practice licenses.

In the next phase, competency assessments for medical assistants, nurses, and midwives will commence in 2028. Other roles, including medical technicians, clinical nutritionists, out-of-hospital emergency care providers, and clinical psychologists, will undergo assessment from 2029.

Implementing these professional competency assessments ensures the quality of healthcare human resources and objectively evaluates practitioners' capabilities before they are granted practice licenses, as mandated by law.