Quick answer: The CQC portal closed on 18 November 2024 and was replaced by CQC’s new Provider Portal — a web-based application and notification system. If you registered with CQC before late 2024, your existing account does not carry over automatically. You’ll need to register for the new system using your CQC provider ID.
What was the CQC portal?
The original CQC portal was the secure login site that registered care providers in England used to:
- Submit statutory notifications
- Update provider and location details
- Apply for changes to registration (new locations, new regulated activities, change of registered manager)
- Complete the annual Provider Information Return (PIR)
- Manage user permissions for staff
It was retired on 18 November 2024 as part of CQC’s wider transition to the Single Assessment Framework (SAF) and the new Provider Portal.
What replaced the CQC portal?
CQC’s new Provider Portal is the official replacement. It handles all the same tasks the old portal did — registration applications, notifications, manager changes, PIR submissions — on a modern web platform that integrates with CQC’s new inspection methodology.
The new portal is accessed via cqc.org.uk. You’ll need:
- Your CQC provider ID (the ID that begins with “1-…” for your organisation)
- Your registered email address as on file with CQC
- To complete a fresh sign-up — old portal credentials don’t carry over
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA), which is now mandatory
How to log into CQC’s new Provider Portal
- Go to cqc.org.uk and follow the link to the Provider Portal sign-in
- Click “Sign up” if it’s your first time on the new portal (everyone needs to)
- Enter your CQC provider ID and registered email — CQC will email you a verification code
- Set a new password and activate MFA (we recommend an authenticator app over SMS)
- Add additional users for your registered manager and nominated individual if they need separate access
What about old portal data and submissions?
Your registration details, locations and historical submissions migrated across to the new system, so you’ll see them once you sign in. However:
- In-flight applications you started in the old portal may need to be re-submitted in the new format
- Draft notifications not submitted before 18 November 2024 are lost
- Older document attachments may not have migrated — CQC will flag anything that needs re-uploading
Common tasks: where to find them now
- Statutory notifications (deaths, allegations of abuse, serious injuries, police incidents) — Notifications tab
- Change of registered manager — Registration tab → Manage manager
- Adding/removing a regulated activity or service type — Registration tab → Apply for a change
- Adding a new location — Registration tab → Apply for a change → New location
- PIR (Provider Information Return) — Submissions tab when CQC opens your annual PIR window
- Inspection reports and ratings — Inspections tab
Frequently asked questions
Is the old CQC portal URL still accessible?
No. The old portal was decommissioned on 18 November 2024. Any old links you have bookmarked will either redirect to the new system or show a “service no longer available” message.
My password from the old CQC portal isn’t working. What do I do?
Old portal credentials don’t carry over. You need to register for the new Provider Portal from scratch — use the “Sign up” link, not “Sign in”. You’ll need your CQC provider ID and registered email.
Do I need a separate account for each location?
No. One organisation account covers all your registered locations and regulated activities. You can add additional users (e.g. registered managers, nominated individuals) under one provider account.
Has the CQC registration application process changed?
The fundamentals are the same — you still need a clear Statement of Purpose, a DBS-checked registered manager, a business plan, and evidence of compliance with the regulated activities you’re applying for. But the application form structure, evidence upload requirements, and CQC’s review approach have all changed to align with the Single Assessment Framework. See our complete guide to CQC registration requirements for the current process.
How long do CQC registration applications take on the new portal?
CQC’s published timeframe is 10 weeks from a complete application, but in practice most applications take 4–6 months from first submission to a registration certificate, because of requests for additional information. Submitting a fully evidenced, error-free application first time is the single biggest factor in cutting that timeline.
Need help with the CQC portal or your registration?
Cura Compliance UK supports care providers through CQC registration, mock inspections, PIR submissions and ongoing compliance on the new Provider Portal. Whether you’re submitting a fresh registration, changing your registered manager, or preparing for inspection, we handle the paperwork and the portal so you can focus on running your service.
→ Explore Cura’s CQC services · → PIR submission service · → CQC mock inspection