What's the role of the RACP in assessing overseas trained physicians (OTPs)?

The RACP is accredited by the Australian Medical Council and assesses international medical graduates on behalf of the Medical Board of Australia. We'll assess your international training and experience for comparability with the training and experience of Australian trained specialists, and the skills standard required to practice in that specialty in Australia. We'll inform you and the Medical Board of Australia of the outcome of your assessment.

Who's eligible to apply for the RACP Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway?

To be eligible for specialist assessment, you must hold a verified international specialist qualification (minimum 3 years of specialist training) in one or more of our specialties. Specialist training in Australia is robust and usually takes approximately 6 years. To be partially or substantially comparable, you may need significant post-training experience at the level of an independent consultant to mitigate any deficiencies in shorter training.

If you have the following qualifications, you may be eligible for the Accelerated Specialist Pathway instead:

• United Kingdom – a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST)
• Republic of Ireland – a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training (CSCST)
• Hong Kong – both Fellowship of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (FHKAM) and Fellowship of the Hong Kong College of Physicians (FHKCP)
• India – both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Doctorate of Medicine (DM)
• Sri Lanka (Adult Medicine specialties only) – both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and an Adult Medicine specialist qualification from the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) of the University of Colombo

Note: Applicants in Paediatric Emergency Medicine aren't eligible for the Accelerated Specialist Pathway.

What's the difference between the RACP Accelerated Specialist Pathway and Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway?

The RACP Accelerated Specialist Pathway is a fast-tracked assessment pathway for eligible applicants who have a substantially comparable overseas specialist qualification and consultant experience from the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, India, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.

Applicants who are eligible for this pathway don't normally need to be interviewed, so they receive their outcome quicker than through the Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway (which involves an interview). Successful applicants on the Accelerated Specialist Pathway may also need less time under supervised practice before they're eligible for full specialist recognition in Australia.

I have experience working in Australia under the Medical Board of Australia’s Short-Term Training in a Medical Specialty pathway, Standard pathway or Competent Authority pathway. Will that count towards my specialist assessment?

No. Training or work completed on these pathways is not considered towards your eligibility or your comparability for specialist assessment. This experience is unaccredited training and can't be completed at the level of an Australian trained physician or paediatrician.

It can't be counted as accredited specialist training or consultant experience.

Can I apply in more than one specialty?

Yes. You may apply for specialist assessment in more than one of our specialties if you hold a verified international specialist qualification (minimum 3 years of specialist training) in each specialty and have sufficient consultant experience to mitigate any gaps in training. There's no additional application fee if you apply in multiple specialties at the same time.

What’s the first step to apply for specialist assessment?

The first step is to apply to the AMC for primary source verification (PSV) of your primary and specialist medical qualifications. The AMC uses the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) verification services.

See EPIC: Special Instructions for Physicians Applying to Practice in Australia for further details. Once your qualifications are verified, follow the instructions at Australia | Specialist assessment to apply for specialist assessment through the RACP.

Do I need to take an English language test before applying?

To be eligible for specialist registration, you must meet the English language skills requirements in the Medical Board of Australia’s English Language Skills Registration Standard.

You may already meet the English language skills education pathway or you may need to sit a test before applying for specialist assessment. See Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - English language skills for further details.

Who can I nominate as my referee?

When filling in your application form, you'll need to nominate at least 3 referees for each specialty you're applying for, who can comment on your recent practice as a consultant physician or paediatrician in that specialty. One of your referees needs to be your current supervisor, clinical lead or direct line manager. All referees must have a professional email address; we don't accept references from personal email accounts.

Does it matter if I haven’t been practising in my specialty for a few years?

Yes. When assessing recency of practice, we adhere to the Medical Board of Australia’s Recency of Practice registration standard.

If you don't meet this standard, you may be found to be partially comparable or not comparable. See Medical Board of Australia - FAQ: Recency of practice for further information.

How much is the initial application fee?

The 2025 initial application fee is $1,054 AUD (including GST). We’ll invoice you for this fee after you've submitted your application.

In addition to this initial fee, the overall cost of the specialist assessment process varies depending on your assessment outcome and the pathway you follow. Total fees typically range from around $7,000 to $16,234 AUD (including GST), reflecting the different assessment levels such as not comparable, partially comparable, or substantially comparable, which determine the steps and requirements involved.

Because each applicant’s pathway is tailored to their training and experience, it’s difficult to provide a single average fee in general FAQs. To help you plan for estimated total costs, see the full breakdown and fee structure here.

All fees are non-refundable, so if you’re unsure about your eligibility or would like personalised guidance before applying, please don’t hesitate to contact us at OTP@racp.edu.au.

We're here to help you navigate your pathway with clarity and confidence.

How long will it take to receive my assessment decision on comparability?

RACP Accelerated Specialist Pathway (no interview) – on average, it takes approximately 6 weeks from the date that you complete your application to the date that your comparability decision is issued.

RACP Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway (involving an interview) – on average, it takes 3 to 4 months from the date that you complete your application to the date that your comparability decision is issued.

Who makes the decision on my comparability?

Comparability decisions are made by Overseas Trained Physicians (OTP) Assessment Committees, taking into account advice received from interviewers (RACP Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway) and paper-based assessors (RACP Accelerated Specialist Pathway).

Will I need an interview?

It depends whether you're eligible for the RACP Accelerated Specialist Pathway (no interview) or the RACP Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway (involving an interview).

If significant gaps or questions are identified while you’re under initial assessment on the RACP Accelerated Specialist Pathway, you may be referred for an interview and moved to the Standard Specialist Assessment Pathway.

What happens during the interview?

Interviews are conducted by video conference and last for approximately 1 hour. Several Fellows of the RACP will discuss your training and consultant experience with you, asking questions based on your application documentation.

Don’t worry, this isn't an examination and there are no clinical test questions. The interviewers will gather information about how your training and experience compares with an Australian trained physician or paediatrician in the same specialty.

What happens after the interview?

You'll have the opportunity to view your interview report and provide a response before your case is submitted to the relevant OTP Assessment Committee for their decision on whether you're not comparable, partially comparable, or substantially comparable.

I don’t agree with my comparability decision. Can I appeal it?

Yes. If you don't agree with your comparability decision, you may apply for a reconsideration by following the RACP Reconsideration, Review and Appeals Process By-Law. See Reconsideration Review or Appeal FAQs for further information.

How long is my comparability decision valid for?

The comparability decision is valid for 2 years, to ensure procedural fairness and recency of assessment. If you're found to be partially or substantially comparable, you must secure a suitable position in Australia and start your requirements within 2 years from the date that you received the RACP communication advising you of your comparability decision. If you're found to be not comparable, you may apply for re-assessment after 2 years if you've gained further accredited overseas training and/or overseas consultant experience since your previous comparability decision.

How much is the assessment of comparability fee?

The 2025 assessment of comparability fee is $5,946 AUD (including GST).

This fee covers the formal assessment of your overseas specialist training and experience to determine its comparability with Australian standards.

We understand planning for costs is important. For transparency, we provide a detailed, up-to-date fees table outlining all fees for each stage of the specialist assessment process.

You can view the full breakdown of fees here.

If you have any questions about the fees or your eligibility before applying, please don’t hesitate to contact us at OTP@racp.edu.au.

We’re here to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

How do I find a job in Australia?

Securing a suitable position is likely to be very competitive. We encourage you to research employment opportunities early in the process. If you're found to be partially or substantially comparable, you'll have 2 years from the date of your comparability decision to start your requirements in Australia.

As an education provider, we're unable to find employment for OTPs, Trainees or Fellows. Our role is limited by the Medical Board of Australia to assessing your comparability to an Australian trained physician or paediatrician in the same specialty.

We recommend that you explore: 

• medical positions vacant on our website
• state/territory recruitment webpages such as:
  • NSW Health e-recruit
  • WA Country Health Service
  • WA Department of Health
  • NT Department of Health
  • SA Health
  • Department of Health Victoria
  • QLD Health
  • ACT Health
  • Department of Health and Human Services Tasmania
• Doctor Connect
• individual hospitals
• medical recruitment agencies

What type of Ahpra registration do I need to practice in Australia?

If found to be partially or substantially comparable, most OTPs need to apply to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) for limited registration before they can start top up training or peer review. However, some OTPs may already have general registration and be practising in Australia as a non-specialist doctor. Please contact Ahpra for information on the appropriate registration pathway for you.

If your top up training or peer review position is approved, we can write to Ahpra to support your registration for this position.

What is top up training?

Top up training is a period of supervised practice at the level of a final year advanced trainee that allows a partially comparable OTP to address identified gaps in the competencies required for Australian specialist practice.

Top up training is usually required for 6 months or 12 months. Top up training positions must be prospectively approved and undertaken in a site accredited for RACP Advanced Training in your specialty. See the RACP OTP Guidelines for further details about top up training requirements.

What is peer review?

Peer review is a period of supervised practice used to ensure that your performance is comparable to locally trained physicians or paediatricians at the level of a first-year consultant. It's a supportive process that helps you become familiar with the Australian health system and connects you with experienced Australian peers who can be mentors while you are new to specialist practice in Australia.

All OTPs are required to undertake peer review in Australia for a minimum of 6 months. See the RACP OTP Guidelines for further details about peer review requirements.

After starting work, how long do I have to complete my top up training and/or peer review requirements?

Partially comparable – you have up to 4 years to complete up to 24 months (full-time equivalent) of supervised practice requirements. The starting point is the date that you start work in your first top up training position approved by the RACP.

Substantially comparable – you have up to 2 years to complete up to 12 months (full-time equivalent) of supervised practice requirements. The starting point is the date that you start work in your first peer review position approved by the RACP.

These timeframes are set by the Medical Board of Australia in Standards: Specialist medical college assessment of specialist international medical graduates.

Can my previous work experience in Australia be counted towards my top up training or peer review?

No. Training or work completed under the Medical Board of Australia’s Short-Term Training in a Medical Specialty pathway, Standard pathway or Competent Authority pathway isn't considered towards your eligibility or your comparability for specialist assessment.

Your experience under these pathways was unaccredited training; it wasn't completed at the level of an Australian trained physician or paediatrician, and was completed before your OTP comparability decision. Therefore, it can't be counted towards your top up training or peer review requirements for supervised practice under specialist assessment.

What's an Area of Need position?

Area of Need assessment is for OTPs who have been offered a position in Australia in a designated ‘area of need’, which is determined by the relevant state or territory health authority. The RACP isn't responsible for designating Area of Need positions or assisting applicants to find an Area of Need position.

If you've secured an Area of Need position, you'll need to be assessed by the RACP before you can start practising in it. Due to the demanding nature of Area of Need positions, the RACP will only support your appointment if there's suitable supervision available and you're found to be substantially comparable to an Australian trained specialist. Therefore, you need to apply for approval of your Area or Need position at the same time or after specialist assessment in the relevant specialty.

Please see Area of need positions in Australia for overseas trained physicians for further details and contact the OTP Team at OTP@racp.edu.au with any questions.

Can I work part-time?

Yes, but it'll take longer to fulfil your requirements. Top up training and peer review positions should be minimum 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) to ensure quality assessment and support. This also ensures that you'll complete your requirements for supervised practice within the regulatory timeframe.

Can I work in a private setting?

Top up training – positions must be undertaken in a site accredited for RACP Advanced Training in your specialty. These are usually public settings.

Peer review – after you've completed 6 months of satisfactory peer review in the public setting, you may be able to undertake peer review in a private setting. Peer review can be completed at unaccredited sites.

Generally, practice in a public setting is preferable as it allows OTPs to experience work in the full scope of their specialty in Australia, with exposure to a different case mix than private practice. In some cases, concurrent public and private practice may be considered.

Applications for top up training and peer review are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Can I work across multiple sites?

Yes. You can undertake top up training or peer review in multiple locations; however, we don't recommend more than 3 sites. Generally, you'll need to have 2 supervisors or peer reviewers at each site.

What's my continuing professional development (CPD) requirement while under supervised practice?

Once approved for peer review, you'll receive access to the accredited RACP CPD Home ‘MyCPD’ to record your 50 hours of continuing professional development per year. You don't need to use MyCPD while completing top up training, because the assessments, etc. during this time fulfil your continuing professional development requirements.

Can I change jobs while under supervised practice?

Yes, but you'll need to submit a new top up training or peer review application to the RACP for approval before you can start a new position. Please contact your case officer to discuss your situation if you've any concerns. We’re here to support you.

What happens if my supervisor reports are unsatisfactory?

If your progress under top up training or peer review is unsatisfactory, the RACP may require further assessments or extend your supervised practice. It's recommended that an Improving Performance Action Plan (IPAP) be implemented by your supervisors/peer reviewers within the first 3 months of unsatisfactory progress.

If unsatisfactory progress continues and there are significant concerns for patient safety, your comparability status may be downgraded (i.e., from substantially comparable to partially comparable or not comparable, or from partially comparable to not comparable).

If you choose to move to a new site, your IPAP may be shared with the new supervisors/peer reviewers to ensure that you receive adequate support in the identified areas for improvement. The RACP may withdraw support for your specialist assessment if you don't meet RACP requirements throughout the assessment process.

Contact your case officer if you need support.

Can I apply for a reduction of my peer review?

Yes, after you've successfully completed a minimum of 6 months full-time equivalent of practice under peer review, with all reports satisfactory. For a reduction to be considered, you'll need to provide a letter of support from each peer reviewer.

Please note, the OTP workplace-based assessment annual fee is non-refundable if your peer review period is reduced.

Can I take leave during supervised practice?

Yes, you're permitted to take a total of 8 weeks (40 working days) of leave per 12 months of supervised practice during top up training or peer review. If leave is taken for 4 consecutive weeks or more, please notify your Case Officer as this time needs to be added to your reporting period. Part-time positions and OTPs completing supervision periods shorter than 12 months may take leave calculated on a pro-rata basis.

How much does supervised practice cost?

The 2025 annual workplace-based assessment fee is $4,617 AUD including GST. This fee covers up to 12 months of top up training or peer review. You'll need to pay the fee twice if you're required to complete 12 months of top up training followed by 12 months of peer review.

We understand planning for costs is important. For transparency, we provide a detailed, up-to-date fees table outlining all fees for each stage of the specialist assessment process.

You can view the full breakdown of fees here.

If you have any questions about the fees or your eligibility before applying, please don’t hesitate to contact us at OTP@racp.edu.au.

We’re here to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

I've successfully completed all of my OTP requirements. How do I apply for Fellowship of the RACP?

Congratulations! After your peer review is signed off, our Member Support Centre will contact you to provide advice and answer any questions you have about the Fellowship application process in your specialty.

If you decide to proceed, please allow up to 5 weeks for the application process to be finalised. You may apply for full specialist registration with Ahpra once you receive your Report 2 (you don't need to wait for Fellowship).

What are the benefits of Fellowship?

Benefits of Fellowship include:

• use of the RACP post-nominals
• ongoing access to RACP Online Learning resources
• access to the RACP CPD Home ‘MyCPD’
• a professional network
• RACP membership benefits
• involvement in Australian training and education, as well as advocacy for your profession

After you've been a Fellow for at least one year, we’d be grateful if you would consider becoming an assessor for future OTPs by joining the relevant OTP Assessment Committee or becoming an interviewer. If you’re interested, please contact us at OTP@racp.edu.au to discuss which roles are available at the time.

How much does it cost to become a RACP Fellow?

The 2025 Fellowship admission fee is $1,514.00 AUD including GST. This fee is payable once, when you're admitted to Fellowship of the RACP for the first time.

The 2025 annual Fellowship membership fee is $2,203.00 including GST (pro-rata will be applied for the remainder of the current calendar year). This fee is paid each year to be a Fellow of the RACP. For the full list of RACP fees, member fee breakdown and exemption forms, see the RACP Fees page.