Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs - OTP Assessment
Who is eligible for assessment?
Those Overseas Trained Physicians or Paediatricians (OTPs) who hold qualifications that allow practice and recognition as a specialist physician/paediatrician in the country of training may apply to have their specialist training and experience assessed by the RACP.
The process is one in which the formal training and assessment, clinical experience and standard of practice of the applicant are assessed against those of an Australian consultant physician or paediatrician. The process does not solely consider formal training and assessment but takes into consideration subsequent clinical experience and the nature of the OTP’s current practice including participation in continuing professional development activities and contribution to the profession.
How do I begin the process for gaining specialist registration in Australia?
An OTP who holds a primary qualification from outside of Australia or New Zealand, and who has not successfully completed the Australian Medical Council (AMC) examinations, may apply via the AMC for assessment for specialist registration in Australia. Applications cannot be made directly to the RACP. Please click here for a full guide to the Specialist Registration assessment process.
Please note that due to the unavoidable amount of paperwork involved in the assessment procedure, applicants should allow plenty of time to undertake an assessment for specialist registration. Please visit the AMC website for more information on this process: http://www.amc.org.au/.
Am I able to take the College exams without coming through any of the assessment pathways?
No. You must have formally applied either via the training pathway of the College (to become a trainee) or via the OTP Assessment Unit pathway (for applicants who are registered as specialists overseas) in order to be able to take the RACP Examinations.
Can the College advise of a possible outcome of my assessment before a formal application is made?
No. All applications must be formally reviewed by the Board of Censors, Adult Medicine or Paediatrics & Child Health Division before an outcome to be reached, as per the established procedure. An outcome can only be advised once the application has been discussed by Board. All applications will be advised in writing and no application decision will be advised over the phone.
What are the possible outcomes of a specialist registration assessment via the AMC?
Once the Board of Censors has reviewed an application a number of recommendations may be made:
1. The OTP’s training and experience seems comparable and the OTP is required to;
- successfully complete a period of practice under peer review;
- successfully complete the Written and/or Clinical Examinations of the College;
- undertake a Practice Visit at the completion of the period of peer review;
- a combination of these requirements;
2. The OTP’s training and experience does not seem comparable and the OTP is not eligible for specialist registration.
How much does it cost to be assessed by the RACP?
The OTP Assessment fee is $4400. This must be paid when the Application Form and Form SC are forwarded to the College (following the preliminary assessment by the AMC). This fee covers vetting of the documentation, the interview, cost of any required period of peer review and any other requirements other than the RACP examinations (e.g. a Practice Visit).
The cost of the RACP Written Examination is $1347 and the RACP Clinical Examination fee is $2593 and these fees must be paid by any applicant who is required to successfully complete the Written and/or Clinical Examination of the College.
What is the difference between a Specialist Registration and Area of Need application?
An Area of Need assessment relates solely to the suitability of the applicant for the position applied for and is undertaken by the College’s OTP Assessment Panel. If the applicant is approved to work in the Area of Need position they are required to successfully complete a period of 12 months practice under peer review in that position. If this period is completed satisfactorily then the College will then have no further involvement. If the applicant then wishes to apply for specialist registration or FRACP, this would involve a new application procedure.
An applicant who is approved for an Area of Need position is only permitted to work in the position applied for, and cannot work in other centres in Australia without undertaking further assessment by the RACP. The College discourages applicants from applying concurrently for both Area of Need and specialist registration.
An application for specialist registration involves a more thorough assessment of an OTP’s overseas training, qualifications and experience. Applications for specialist registration are currently assessed the Board of Censors and more information is available on the College’s website. Once specialist registration has been granted the OTP is able to apply for any position within Australia (in the sub speciality in which they were assessed).
What is the application procedure for an Area of Need assessment?
An OTP who holds a primary qualification from outside Australia or New Zealand, and who has not successfully completed the AMC examinations, may apply for consideration to fill a designated specialist Area of Need position in Australia. The OTP must first apply for an advertised Area of Need position (see http://www.doctorconnect.gov.au/). Once an OTP has been offered an Area of Need position and it has been declared an Area of Need by the relevant state/territory Department of Health applications are made to the AMC and the RACP by the potential employing body.
(Employing bodies should contact the AMC, or access its website, for further information relating to the application procedure). Please click here for a full guide to the Area of Need assessment process.
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