Specialist assessment

To register and practise as specialists in Australia, overseas trained physicians and paediatricians (OTPs) must apply for the specialist assessment.

We’ll assess if your training, assessment, experience, recent practice and continuing professional development (CPD) are comparable to an Australian trained specialist before you apply with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA).

Area of need positions

If you've secured an area of need (AoN) position, you also need to apply for an AoN assessment.

Eligibility
Process
Assessment
Apply
Requirements

Eligibility

Overview

To apply for the specialist assessment, you must:

hold a specialist qualification in the specialty overseas
provide evidence of current or previous overseas registration in the specialty

Specifically, you must have:

completed specialist training overseas in one of the specialties we assess^*

If you have less than 4 years of accredited overseas specialist training, you need at least 3 years consultant experience at the level of an Australasian trained specialist.

recognition as a consultant physician or paediatrician in your country of training

If you have limited experience at consultant physician or paediatrician level, you need at least 4 years accredited overseas specialist training.

^*Training must be accredited by an overseas training institution.

Information for dual-trained nuclear medicine and radiology specialists

Use these guidelines if you're also applying for assessment with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR).

We conduct all specialist assessments and Area of Need (AoN) assessments in Nuclear Medicine.

Specialist assessment in Nuclear Medicine must be progressed/completed to proceed with a Nuclear Medicine AoN application.

We assess all Nuclear Medicine AoN assessments. This is in addition to any assessment by the RANZCR.

We do not conduct an AoN assessment in Nuclear Medicine without a concurrent or previous specialist assessment in Nuclear Medicine.

You must submit an application for specialist assessment in Nuclear Medicine unless previously completed.

If specialist assessment has previously been completed, the interim assessment decision must have been released within the last 2 years.

Dual assessment of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine involves RANZCR.

If you proceed with AoN and/or specialist assessment in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, you'll be assessed by both RANZCR (for Radiology) and the RACP (for Nuclear Medicine).

Specialist assessment requirements from RANZCR and RACP may apply.

You may be required to meet a number of requirements from each specialist medical college in order to achieve specialist assessment in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine.

Complete the RANZCR and RACP requirements in order.

RANZCR requirements may need to be completed before starting RACP requirements.

RACP reviews the RANZCR assessment outcomes and AoN assessment before releasing the interim specialist assessment decision. This decision sets out requirements in Nuclear Medicine.

RACP advises the order Nuclear Medicine requirements must be completed.

If RANZCR requires a period of upskilling/training before you can sit the RANZCR Part 2 examinations, we may require you to complete all RANZCR’s requirements before you begin RACP requirements in Nuclear Medicine and an AoN position in Nuclear Medicine.

Be aware of the time permitted to begin RACP requirements.

You must commence your requirements for Nuclear Medicine (set by the RACP) within 2 years of the date you receive your RACP interim assessment decision.

If you do not begin your requirements within 2 years, you may have to be reassessed by the RACP. The reassessment may include a review of recent practice in Nuclear Medicine and payment of additional assessment fees.

Notification of interim assessment decisions by the RACP and RANZCR.

RACP and RANZCR consult and review your assessment and AoN assessment (if applicable) in both specialties before releasing the respective decisions for each speciality to you.

You will need to confirm completion of all RANZCR requirements towards full specialist medical recognition in Radiology in order to achieve specialist assessment in the subspecialty of Nuclear Medicine.

Limited scope of practice

You can register with the MBA in a limited scope of practice if you can demonstrate a high level of sub-specialist skill within your limited scope without substantially comparable skill across the full scope of the specialty.

To demonstrate a high level of sub-specialist skill, you’ll need to have:

skills comparable to an Australian-trained subspecialist practicing in one sub-specialty
substantial experience as a sub-specialist in your country of training

You must limit your practice to that scope. You do not have to work under supervision. The registration status of all practitioners is public on the Register of practitioners.

Note: Registration in a limited scope of practice is not the same as limited registration for OTPs without general registration.

Process

The specialist assessment process takes 1 to 4 years or longer with interruptions. Fees apply at each stage.

After you submit your application, there are 3 assessment stages:

Interim assessment stage

We determine your comparability to an Australian trained specialist and the requirements you must complete for specialist assessment. We consider your training, experience, recent practice, CPD, technical clinical skills and non-technical professional attributes per our Professional Performance Framework. We also review your application, interview you and request referee reports.

Interview process

Attending an interview is part of your interim assessment. Suitably qualified Fellows of the RACP will discuss your training and experience with you. They’ll assess how prepared you are to practise.

Interviews last about 1 hour and are mainly conducted by video conference. An interview in person, at an RACP office, cannot be guaranteed. Times are arranged based on availability of your interview panel. We’ll send you video conference details when your interview date is confirmed.

You’re responsible for all costs related to your interview, including but not limited to:

access to a fast and secure internet connection for video conference interviews
travel to an RACP office for in-person interviews

There will be a waiting period for your interview. We process applications in the order they’re received. Your Case Officer will advise the timeframe when they confirm your interview availability.

Prepare for your interview

Research the Australian healthcare system and ask questions during the interview. Familiarise yourself with:

Professional Practice Framework | Interviewers assess you by considering technical clinical skills and non-technical professional attributes described here.
Advanced Training Programs | This helps you demonstrate how your training, assessment and experience compares.
Curricula | Look at Basic Training curricula and relevant Advanced Training curricula.
Interview resource | Information on local selection and interviews.

Based on your application, interviewers might ask about your:

basic or core training
advanced or specialist training
specialist practice and your recency of practice (see the MBA's registration standard)
participation in continuing professional development
quality assurance practices
higher qualifications
contributions to the field of medicine
readiness for practice in Australia
cultural competence, cultural safety and health equity knowledge specific to Australia

After your interview

Within 21 working days of your interview, you’ll get a copy of your interview report and redacted versions of your referee reports. You can review these before they’re considered by an RACP Assessment Subcommittee, the decision-making body.

You’ll have 21 days to provide additional documentation to support your application.

Your Case Officer will advise when your application will be considered.

Comparability definitions

Substantially comparable | Maximum 2 years to begin requirements

If we determine you’re substantially comparable in the full or limited scope, you:

are suitable for the full or limited scope of practice
can take full responsibility for individual patients with peer reviewer (supervised practice) oversight
have satisfied requirements in previous training, assessment, recent specialist practice and CPD

You'll undertake up to 12 months full-time equivalent practice under approved peer review (supervised practice), including workplace-based assessment. During this period, we ensure your performance is similar to an Australian trained specialist, assist with your transition to the Australian health system, provide professional support and help you access CPD.

After completing all requirements, you could be eligible for Fellowship without formal examination and you can apply for specialist registration.

Note: You cannot apply for specialist registration during the peer review period.

Partially comparable | Maximum 2 years to begin requirements

If we determine you’re partially comparable, you:

are suitable to undertake a supervised defined scope of practice
have partially satisfied requirements in previous training, assessment, recent specialist practice and CPD
should be able to reach the standard of an Australian trained specialist within 24 months full time equivalent

During this period, you’ll upskill and take assessments under RACP-approved supervisors. You’ll also transition to the Australian health system, receive professional support and have access to CPD.

After completing all requirements, you could be eligible for Fellowship and specialist registration.

Note: You cannot apply for specialist registration during the peer review (supervised practice) period.

Not comparable | Assessment process ends

If we determine you’re not comparable, you:

do not meet the requirements in previous training, assessment, recent specialist practice and CPD
would require more than 24 months full-time equivalent practice to be at the level of an Australian trained specialist

You could still register to practise in Australia. Contact AHPRA for advice.

Ongoing assessment stage

We monitor your ongoing training, assessments and peer review (supervised practice) requirements and associated timeframes. Additional assessments may be required, depending on your progress. We notify AHPRA that you’re eligible for registration to progress your specialist assessment requirements if necessary.

Final assessment stage

We assess if you’ve satisfactorily completed your requirements for specialist assessment. We also establish if you’re comparable to an Australian trained specialist in your subspecialty and able to register as a specialist.

Final steps for comparable specialists

If you’re found to be comparable to an Australian trained specialist in your subspecialty, we:

give you a report to confirm you’ve completed our requirements
notify AHPRA that you're eligible for specialist registration
determine whether you’re eligible for Fellowship of the RACP and request admission forms

Assessment

OTP regulatory context

Watch this video for an overview of our processes. It will help you understand responsibilities and the regulatory context:

Our role

We assess OTPs in these specialties

Addiction Medicine
Cardiology
Clinical Genetics
Clinical Haematology
Clinical Immunology and Allergy
Clinical Pharmacology
Community Child Health
Endocrinology
Gastroenterology
General and Acute Care Medicine
General Paediatrics
Geriatric Medicine
Infectious Diseases
Medical Oncology

Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine
Nephrology
Neurology
Nuclear Medicine
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Paediatric Emergency Medicine
Palliative Medicine
Public Health Medicine
Rehabilitation Medicine
Respiratory Medicine
Rheumatology
Sleep Medicine
Sexual Health Medicine

If you’re qualified in multiple specialties, you can apply for assessment in 2 of them. To add subspecialties after your first application has progressed to interim assessment, you must submit a new application with the relevant fees.

If we don't assess your specialty, another College may be able to help.

We cannot assist in these areas

finding employment
immigration or visa requirements
medical registration matters
Medicare provider status for Australia
MCNZ supervision and vocational practice assessment for Aotearoa New Zealand
English language testing requirements
primary source verification of overseas qualifications
appointing trainees or OTPs to training or peer review positions
helping you find Area of Need (AoN) positions
advising which pathway or registration suits you

Try these resources instead

English language testing requirements

AHPRA and National Boards | English language skills

Finding employment

RACP | Medical positions vacant
Contact hospitals directly
Contact medical recruitment agencies
DoctorConnect
Australian Capital Territory | ACT Government Health
New South Wales | NSW Health Careers
Northern Territory | Department of Health
Queensland | Queensland Health job search
South Australia | SA Health
Tasmania | Tasmanian Government Department of Health
Victoria | Department of Health Victoria job search
Western Australia | Country Health Service employment opportunities
Western Australia | Department of Health job search

Immigration or visa requirements

Australian Government | Department of Home Affairs

Medical registration matters

Medical Board of Australia | Assessment pathways
AHPRA | Registration

Medicare provider status for Australia

Services Australia | Applying for a Medicare provider number

MCNZ supervision and vocational practice assessment for Aotearoa New Zealand

Primary source verification of overseas qualifications

AMC | Primary source verification

Short-term specialist training

RACP | Short-term specialist training

Your responsibilities

Application and assessment process

During the application and assessment process, you must:

familiarise yourself with all aspects of assessment, registration and employment regulation in Australia
understand roles of the AMC, MBA and Medicare
learn about organisations that assist with immigration and employment opportunities
take actions to advance your application
act within the timeframes specified
disclose all relevant information to support your application at all stages^*
confirm all specialities you want assessed
advise us of changes that impact your application, interim assessment, ongoing assessment or final assessment decision

^* Not disclosing information could mean your application is rejected.

Top-up training and peer review

During top-up training and peer review (supervised practice), you must:

find and secure a suitable position within the timeframes specified^*
secure appropriate supervision arrangements for the position and get our approval
meet regularly with your supervisors
complete required documentation, communications and monitoring reports
enable effective monitoring of practice
engage fully with the process
respond constructively to feedback and any areas for development
advise us of changes to supervisors, work timetables and contact time with your supervisors^**

If you don’t adhere to these responsibilities, we may withdraw your top-up training/peer review and revise your comparability assessment.

^*Securing a suitable position can be competitive. Research employment opportunities before applying for specialist assessment. The Department of Home Affairs provides advice on working rights in Australia.

^**If a supervisor is going to be absent for more than 4 consecutive weeks, email us at OTP@racp.edu.au in advance to propose alternative arrangements.

Apply

Fees

There are fees at each stage of the specialist assessment process. Your assessment will not advance until you pay the fee for each stage. Fees are non-refundable.

Fees	Interim assessment decision only	Substantially comparable	Partially comparable
Application submission Pay fee after submitting your specialist assessment application	1013.00	1013.00	1013.00
Assessment of comparability Pay fee before interview is arranged	5717.00	5717.00	5717.00
Year 1 workplace-based assessment annual fee Pay fee before top-up training begins	N/A	4439.00	4439.00
Year 2 workplace-based assessment annual fee Pay fee before peer review begins	N/A	N/A	4439.00
Total estimate	6730.00	11169.00	15608.00
Additional fees
Practice visit Pay fee if a practice visit is required	N/A	3177.00	3177.00

Prices in AUD and include GST.

Before applying

Apply for primary source verification (PSV) of your qualifications from the AMC. This confirms your qualification documents are genuine.

Collect supporting documents:

Certificate of specialist registration from your country of training
EPIC identification form, including a certified copy of your passport
evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
logbook of procedures relevant to your specialty^*

Include the following documents, if applicable:

proof of completion of an appropriate English language exam
certified copy of change of name documentation
disclosure of personal information form
AoN application form

Read our Policy on assessment of OTPs (PDF) and Specialist assessment of OTPs - guidelines for applicants (PDF).

Note: Original language and English translations of documents must comply with the AHPRA translation policy.

^*Logbooks are usually completed during specialist training and should be signed by supervisors or the institution accrediting your training. To protect patient privacy, unique identifiers must be removed before submission.

Submit your application

Download and complete the application form. Submit it along with all supporting documents to OTP@racp.edu.au

Download

The application form is the main source of truth for our assessors. Ensure your application contains all the relevant information to inform the decision on the comparability of your training and experience. Avoid spelling mistakes, writing only in capital letters, gaps in timeframes, copying directly from the training handbooks and incongruences with timelines.

To be fair to all applicants, we process applications as they’re received. Assist us by providing required documents, responding promptly to requests and paying your fees. Not doing this can delay your application from progressing.

After applying

Pay your fees. We’ll invoice you for the OTP application submission fee.

Your Case Officer will advise when your application will be considered and if any documents are missing. You have 3 months to submit them before your application expires.

Once you have your interim decision, you can register with AHPRA to complete your requirements and find your registration pathway.

You may not need to apply to AHPRA if you:

completed your medical degree and internship in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand before completing specialist qualifications in another country

completed the AMC certificate

Withdrawal

You can withdraw your application at any stage if you don't want to undertake the assessments. This also includes, but is not limited to, withdrawing from:

one specialty and continuing in another
only the specialist assessment or area of need assessment component

Re-assessment

Apply for re-assessment if your overseas training and experience has substantially changed and it's been at least 2 years since your interim assessment decision.

Follow the standard process for applying for specialist assessment, using the application form above. Include verifiable evidence of significant further overseas training and/or experience in your application, along with all other required documentation.

The possible outcomes of an initial assessment also apply to the re-assessment process. Once issued, your re-assessment decision falls under the College’s Reconsideration, Review and Appeals By-Law (PDF).

We follow the MBA guidelines on re-assessment (PDF).

If we’ve withdrawn you from the specialist pathway because you failed an exam or you did not progress satisfactorily, you cannot seek re-assessment. Contact us for advice on the RACP training pathway or AHPRA for alternative registration pathways.

Note: Applications for re-assessment are not an appeal of a decision on comparability and we do not initiate re-assessment.

Reconsideration, review or appeal of a College decision

If you are dissatisfied with a decision made by a College Body, you may be able to apply for a reconsideration, review or appeal of that decision. Please refer to the College’s Reconsideration, Review and Appeals Process FAQs and By-Law (PDF) for further information.

Requirements

You’ll be notified of your requirements with your interim assessment decision. They're determined on a case-by-case basis and must be completed in the order specified.

You must register to practice with AHPRA while completing your requirements.

Timeframes

We’ll give you clear timeframes for completing requirements.

Comparability	Timeframe for commencing requirements	Timeframe for completing requirements
Partially comparable	Within 24 months of the date we communicated interim assessment decision to you	Max time is 4 years for up to 24 calendar months FTE of peer review and upskilling (supervised practice) with assessment (including formal exams for some specialties)
Substantially comparable	Within 24 months of the date we communicated interim assessment decision to you	Max time is 2 years for up to 12 calendar months FTE of peer review (supervised practice)

Your assessment will expire if you do not successfully complete all requirements within the maximum timeframes, including extensions.

We follow the MBA guidelines on assessment timeframes (PDF).

Extensions

Before you begin requirements, you can apply for an extension where there are extenuating circumstances preventing you from beginning practice in Australia. Extenuating circumstances do not include being unable to secure a position. You must apply before your application expires.

During ongoing assessment, you can apply for an extension where there are extenuating circumstances or interruptions such as parental leave and sickness. You must apply before your timeframe for completing requirements expires.

To request an extension, email your Case Officer at otp@racp.edu.au.

Examinations

If you’re deemed partially comparable, you may need to take Faculty or Chapter Fellowship examinations.

Exam fees apply.

Practice visits

Practice visits are required for some applicants during peer review (supervised practice). They are 1-day site visits by 2 assessors and include:

review of records
observation of procedures
observation of interactions with patients
discussion with you and your peer reviewers

Practice visit fee applies.

Multisource feedback

Multisource feedback (MSF) provides specific and actionable feedback and assists you in identifying your strengths and areas for practice improvement.

You may be required to undertake an MSF if issues are highlighted around professional domains such as communication, personal skills and patient interaction or where there’s limited onsite support or remote supervision.

Workplace-based assessments

You must complete top-up training (supervised practice) before you begin practicing under peer review (supervised practice).

Top-up training (supervised practice)

If you’re deemed partially comparable in your interim assessment, you're required to undertake top-up training (supervised practice). It's a period of advanced training that allows you to address identified gaps in your competencies.

It usually lasts for 6 or 12 months. It’s assessed at the level of a final year Advanced Trainee and followed by a period of clinical practice under peer review (supervised practice).

Position criteria

The following requirements generally apply:

You must secure your own position.
Your position must be approved before you begin.
Positions must be in an RACP Advanced Training accredited site for the specialty, unless otherwise specified.
You need at least 2 onsite supervisors who are Fellows of the RACP and registered consultants in the same subspecialty, unless otherwise specified.

Positions are competitive so it may take some time to find an appropriate one. We cannot assist you in securing a position.

Choose your supervisors

You need at least 2 on-site top-up training supervisors who are registered consultants in the same subspecialty. Where only 1 on-site supervisor is in your subspecialty, you must have a second on-site supervisor in a different subspecialty and a third external supervisor in the relevant subspecialty.

At least 1 supervisor must have held Fellowship of the relevant RACP Division, Faculty or Chapter for a minimum of 3 years. All other supervisors must have held Fellowship of the relevant RACP Division, Faculty or Chapter for at least 12 months.

Apply for top-up training (supervised practice)

After you’ve secured a position, you need to:

Submit a top-up training (supervised practice) application form.
Pay the workplace-based assessment annual fee.

Your Case Officer will provide you with these documents when you need them.

We assess the roles and responsibilities of the position and suitability of the supervisors to ensure your requirements will be met.

Top-up training (supervised practice) process

During top-up training (supervised practice), supervisors will:

directly supervise your clinical practice
meet with you regularly
guide and facilitate your development of knowledge and skills as outlined in the Advanced Training Curricula^*
assess if you’re operating at the level of a final year Advanced Trainee

You must meet the responsibilities for top-up training (supervised practice).

^*Both technical clinical skills and non-technical professional attributes described in the Professional Qualities Curriculum (PDF) are important.

Problems during top-up training (supervised practice)

Most top-up training (supervised practice) relationships are effective and supportive. Occasionally, there can be disagreement between an OTP and supervisors.

You and your supervisors should make every effort to work together professionally to resolve issues, communication problems or disagreements in your regular meetings. Serious issues can be mediated through human resources at your hospital.

Email your Case Officer at OTP@racp.edu.au if there are issues and we’ll review arrangements and make changes if necessary. For example, inform us if:

you’re not having regular meetings
a supervisor is not giving you feedback
you can't reach agreement with a supervisor about your performance
the relationship is not effective
your supervisors are not meeting their responsibilities

It’s more effective to raise these issues early than to make a complaint after your top-up training (supervised practice) reports are missing or unsatisfactory.

Through our RACP Support Program, Converge International provide a free, confidential and independent help line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Make an appointment or speak with a consultant by calling 1300 687 327 (Australia) or 0800 666 367 (Aotearoa New Zealand).

Peer review (supervised practice)

You’re required to undertake peer review (supervised practice). It's a supportive process that:

ensures your performance is comparable to Australian trained specialists
helps you become familiar with the health system
enables you to access CPD
connects you with experienced physicians and possible mentors

We determine the nature of assessment and length of peer review (supervised practice), between 6 and 12 months, on a case-by-case basis.

In exceptional circumstances, a reduction may be considered after you’ve practised in Australia in an appropriately supervised environment for more than 6 months and satisfactory reports have been provided by each supervisor.

Position criteria

You’re responsible for securing a suitable peer review (supervised practice) position. The position should:

be at consultant physician level but at least at senior registrar level
allow you to practise independently with a supervisor providing oversight and constructive feedback
expose you to a full range of clinical activities required in your specialty so we can assess your safety and competence
allow your supervisors to observe and assess your technical clinical skills and professional attributes described in the Professional Qualities Curriculum
not be more than half-time in private practice

Positions are competitive so it may take some time to find an appropriate one. We cannot assist you in securing a position.

Choose your peer reviewers

You need at least 2 on-site supervisors who are registered consultants in the same subspecialty. Where only 1 on-site supervisor is in your subspecialty, you must have a second on-site supervisor in a different subspecialty and a third external supervisor in the relevant subspecialty.

Apply for peer review (supervised practice)

After you’ve secured a position, you need to:

Submit a peer review application.
Pay the workplace-based assessment annual fee.

Your Case Officer will provide you with these documents when you need them.

We assess the role and responsibilities of the position and suitability of the supervisors before you begin.

Peer review (supervised practice) process

During peer review (supervised practice), your supervisors will:

meet with you regularly
support you
orient you to specialist practice in Australia
assess if you're operating at the level of an Australian trained specialist

They’ll provide us with regular reports on your progress. These reports will be shared with you.

You must meet the responsibilities for peer review (supervised practice).

Problems during peer review (supervised practice)

Most peer review relationships are effective and supportive. Occasionally, there can be disagreement between an OTP and supervisors.

Email your Case Officer at OTP@racp.edu.au if there are issues and we’ll review arrangements and make changes if necessary. For example, inform us if:

you’re not having regular meetings
a supervisor is not giving you feedback
you can't reach agreement with a supervisor about your performance
the relationship is not effective
your supervisors are not meeting their responsibilities

It’s more effective to raise these issues early than to make a complaint after your peer review (supervised practice) reports are missing or unsatisfactory.

Workplace-based assessment fees apply.

OTP orientation program

The OTP orientation program is a learning tool to prepare you for practice in Australia.

You must complete the online OTP orientation program within 3 months of starting your requirements.

Start the OTP orientation program

Enter your RACP Login ID and password to access the program.

Start

Topics covered:

Australian healthcare setting (4 hours)
cultural competency (4 hours)
broader context of health (2.5 hours)
communication (5 hours)
quality and safety (4.5 hours)
ethics (4.5 hours)
teaching and learning (3 hours)

IMGs, trainees and Fellows interested in learning more about the Australian healthcare system can also use the program.

Continuing professional development

When you’re undertaking clinical practice with peer review, you must participate in MyCPD, our continuing professional development program. There’s no additional cost. You’ll record learning in MyCPD at regular intervals. Your participation will be monitored and form part of your peer review assessment.

Many activities undertaken during peer review can be claimed as CPD:

OTP orientation program
peer review meetings
teaching
research
self-assessment activities

See the Interactive Handbook for more on the CPD Framework and program.

You can also access MyCPD during top-up training although it's not a mandatory requirement at that time.

Additional requirements

There will be additional requirements, depending on your specialty, such as long or short courses, assessments, research project and logbooks.

Learn more about requirements in our Advanced Training Programs.

Unsatisfactory progress

If your progress with requirements is unsatisfactory or you fail an assessment, you may need to complete further assessments (in addition to or instead of satisfactorily completing the failed assessment). The interim assessment of your comparability may be revised. Additional fees for further assessments may apply.

We may withdraw support for your specialist assessment if you don’t meet the requirements throughout the assessment process.

Definitions

AHPRA | Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

AMC | Australian Medical Council

Area of need | Area of need positions are declared by Australian state or territory governments in locations where there’s a shortage of medical specialists.

Chapters | Chapters of the RACP include Addiction Medicine, Palliative Medicine and Sexual Health Medicine. Chapters award distinct Fellowships, for example Fellow of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine, FAChPM.

Comparability | A determination of how your training, qualifications, experience and achievements compare to the standard of an Australian trained specialist in the same specialty entering the workforce.

Competency | An assessment of your level of clinical practice compared with the standard of an Australian trained specialist in the same specialty entering the workforce.

CPD | Continuing professional development

Divisions | Divisions of the RACP are Adult Medicine Division and Paediatrics & Child Health Division.

Faculties | Faculties of the RACP are Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Public Health Medicine and Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. Faculties award distinct Fellowships, for example Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine, FAPHM.

FTE | Full-time equivalent practice is defined by AHPRA as 38 hours per week within your scope of practice. This is the maximum number of hours that can be counted per week. If you undertake supervised practice in a part-time position, you must complete the same minimum number of hours of practice and this can be completed part-time. Twelve months of practice means a minimum of 47 weeks FTE practice.

MBA | Medical Board of Australia

MyCPD | The RACP’s continuing professional development program

OTP | Overseas trained physician or paediatrician

Peer review | Supervised work in a field for a specified duration and at a specified level of professional responsibility.

PSV | Primary source verification of qualifications

Practice visit | A one-day site visit by 2 assessors who assess your practice. This visit includes a review of records, observation of procedures, observation of interactions with patients and a discussion with you and your peer reviewers.

RACP | Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Also referred to as ‘the College’.

Registration body | Medical Board of Australia, the Government body empowered by law to register medical practitioners.

Top-up training | If you’re deemed partially comparable in your interim assessment, you're required to undertake top-up training (supervised practice). It's a period of advanced training that allows you to address identified gaps in your competencies.

Resources

The MBA publishes annual reports on specialist pathway data. It details applicants’ comparability to Australian trained specialists including the number of OTPs assessed by us each year by specialty, country and level of comparability.

The Australian Government publishes national health workforce data and statistics including the distribution of clinicians by state, number of new Fellows and vocational trainees and a workforce dynamic indicator that highlights areas of concern in the future. See the Australian Government Health Workforce Data for your specialty workforce data fact sheet.

Requirements for translating documents (PDF) | Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

Primary source verification | Australian Medical Council

Medical Board of Australia

Medical Board of Australia's 'Guide to the Specialist pathway'

Supervised practice for international medical graduates

English language skills registration standard FAQ

RACP

Specialist assessment of overseas trained physicians and paediatricians — guidelines for applicants (PDF)

Curricula

Fees

RACP Academic Integrity Policy and process

RACP policy on assessment of Overseas Trained Physicians and Paediatricians (OTP) (PDF)

Professional Practice Framework

Reconsideration review and appeals process by-law (PDF)

Supervised practice

College Learning Series

Curated Collections

Interview resource

Journals

Physician Health and Wellbeing

Pomegranate Health podcast

Overseas Trained Physicians Orientation eResource

Supervisor Professional Developmental Program

Review date: 2021

These guidelines were developed in line with the Medical Board of Australia’s (MBA) Standards: Specialist medical college assessment of specialist international medical graduates (PDF).

We undertake the specialist assessment process on behalf of the MBA, following their guiding principles of fairness, transparency, efficiency, effectiveness and accountability. We can amend these guidelines at any time. Amendments will comply with applicable law and RACP policies, guidelines and related documents.