Paediatrics & Child Health

Program
overview
Apply
or re-register
Program
requirements
Additional
resources

Program overview

Basic Training 2019 Handbook cover

With Basic Training in Paediatrics & Child Health, you will start the minimum six-year training program to become a Physician. This program includes a broad exposure to a comprehensive range of discipline areas that can be further developed during a subsequent Advanced Training program. Learning occurs primarily in the workplace, supported and supervised by consultants and peers.

Program updates

All our Basic Training Programs are evaluated biennially by overseeing committees to ensure they are in line with educational best practice. The Basic Training Curricula Renewal Project may result in the revision of requirements outside of this cycle. Changes to the training program that could substantially impact trainees will be implemented following an extended period of notice. Please ensure you are following the correct guidelines during your training.

About the 2017–18 program requirements

The 2017-18 program requirements apply to all Australian and New Zealand based trainees registered in a PREP program in 2017 and/or 2018, regardless of the year in which they commenced Physician Ready for Expert Practice (PREP) Basic Training.

Where not specified to either Australia or New Zealand, information applies to both countries.

Entry requirements

Prospective trainees must have:

a general medical registration with the Medical Board of Australia, or a medical registration with a general scope of practice with the Medical Council if applying in New Zealand
an appointment to an appropriate training position at an accredited training hospital or health service
approval to apply for Basic Training from the hospital (or network) Director of Paediatric Education (DPE). Approval of the DPE is subject to selection processes, training capacity and/or performance of the prospective trainee

New and current trainees need to apply prospectively for Basic Training each year.

Duration

Basic Training in Paediatrics & Child Health requires three years of full-time equivalent (FTE) training. Training completed previously outside Australia or New Zealand may be applied for as Recognition of Prior Learning. Please see the RPL Policy and contact Basic Training to confirm your eligibility before submitting your application.

Qualification

Successful trainees are permitted to enrol in Advanced Training within five years of completing Basic Training. Eligibility is dependent on the completion of all requirements of training. Once the overseeing committee has recommended you for admission, the College will invite you to apply for Fellowship of the Chapter, Faculty or Division.

All Fellows in Australia, New Zealand and overseas in active practice must meet the requirements of a Continuing Professional Development program.

Apply or re-register

When open, trainees can use Basic Training online registration.

Apply online

Both new and current trainees need to apply prospectively for Basic Training each year. Each application for re-registration must have the approval of the local DPE.

Basic Training positions

Basic Training generally needs to be undertaken at accredited training sites.

Approval and certification of training

Once you have secured a training position, you must prospectively apply for approval as per the Progression through Training Policy.

Approval of training periods will be determined by the overseeing committee. To be approved, your individual training program must be consistent with the training requirements and appropriate for the stage in training.

Upon completion of each rotation or calendar year of training, the overseeing committee considers your progress according to the program requirements. If all requirements of training have been satisfactorily completed, the overseeing committee will certify the period of training.

Variations to your training

You should inform the relevant committee as soon as possible if information outlined in your application changes. Some changes may require a revision of the approval decision and may affect the certification of training.

See flexible training options for information on part-time training, interruptions to training or withdrawing from training, exceptional circumstances and time limits.

Key dates

Closing dates for applications in Australia:

28 February: Applications for prospective approval of rotations in the current year.
31 August: Applications for prospective approval of rotations in the second half of the current year.

Closing dates for applications in New Zealand:

31 January: Applications for prospective approval of rotations in the current year.
31 July: Applications for prospective approval of rotations in the second half of the current year.

You must organise the timely submission of all necessary documentation and keep a copy of the application for future reference. See also important dates for trainees and supervisors.

Late applications

Late applications may be considered up to one month after the deadline. Applications received one month after the deadline will not be considered unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated in line with the special considerations for assessment policy. Late applications incur a late fee.

Fees

The standard annual membership fees apply to the Basic Training in Paediatrics & Child Health program.

Program requirements

By the end of Basic Training, you must have completed 36 months of certified training time consisting of several work-based learning and assessment tools. These PREP (Physician Ready for Expert Practice) teaching and learning activities are designed to support you in your reflective practice and self-directed learning. A variety of teaching and learning activities and assessments are used, catering to a range of learning needs, styles and situations that may arise in your workplace training.

Requirements overview — Australia

Go to Additional resources for this program's curricula

Required rotations
(minimum 18 months)

Supervision

Per rotation:

Director of Paediatric Education
Educational Supervisor
Professional Development Advisor
Ward/Service Consultant (i.e. term supervisor, one per training rotation)

More on Supervision

Teaching and learning requirements

Per year:

4 Learning Needs Analysis (ideally one per rotation of 10 weeks or more)
Professional Qualities Reflection (optional)

Assessments

Per rotation:

1 Ward/Service Consultant Report

Per year:

4 Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises (one per rotation)
2 Progress Reports (1 Mid-Year (optional), 1 Annual)

Optional rotations
(maximum 18 months)

Supervision

Per rotation:

Director of Paediatric Education
Educational Supervisor
Professional Development Advisor
Ward/Service Consultant (i.e. term supervisor, one per training rotation)

More on Supervision

Teaching and learning requirements

Per year:

4 Learning Needs Analysis (ideally one per rotation of 10 weeks or more)
Professional Qualities Reflection (optional)

Assessments

Per rotation:

1 Ward/Service Consultant Report

Per year:

4 Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises (one per rotation)
2 Progress Reports (1 Mid-Year (optional), 1 Annual)

By the end of Basic Training

You will have completed 36 months of certified training time consisting of:

A minimum of 18 months of the following required paediatric rotations:
- 9 months minimum in general paediatric medicine
- 3 months minimum in paediatric emergency medicine
- 3 months minimum in neonatology in a perinatal unit (maximum total of 12 months across both perinatal and non-perinatal units)
- 3 months minimum in a paediatric medical specialty
At least 9 months at a Level 3 Teaching Hospital
Remaining 18 months may be spent completing either ‘required’ or optional’ training rotations
Completion of a Paediatric Advanced Life Support course (or equivalent)

Before admission to Fellowship:

Completion of Developmental and Psychosocial Training (can be completed during Basic or Advanced Training)

Before commencing Advanced Training

To be eligible to enter Advanced Training, you must successfully complete both the Written Examination and Clinical Examination in Paediatrics & Child Health. No exemptions are offered for RACP Written and Clinical Exams.

Requirements overview — New Zealand

Go to Additional resources for this program's curricula

Required rotations
(minimum 24 months)

Supervision

Per rotation:

Director of Physician Education
Educational Supervisor
Professional Development Advisor
Ward/Service Consultant (i.e. term supervisor, one per training rotation)

More on Supervision

Teaching and learning requirements

Per rotation:

1 Learning Needs Analysis (minimum 2 per year)

Per year:

1 Professional Qualities Reflection

Assessments

Per rotation:

1 Ward/Service Consultant Report

Per year:

1 Annual Progress Report
4 Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises (one per rotation)

Optional rotations
(maximum 12 months)

Supervision

Per rotation:

Director of Physician Education
Educational Supervisor
Professional Development Advisor
Ward/Service Consultant (i.e. term supervisor, one per training rotation)

More on Supervision

Teaching and learning requirements

Per rotation:

1 Learning Needs Analysis (minimum 2 per year)

Per year:

1 Professional Qualities Reflection

Assessments

Per rotation:

1 Ward/Service Consultant Report

Per year:

1 Annual Progress Report
4 Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises (one per rotation)

By the end of Basic Training

You will have completed 36 months of certified training time consisting of:

A minimum of 24 months in required paediatric rotations:
- 6 months minimum in general paediatric medicine
- 3 months minimum in paediatric emergency medicine
- 3 months minimum in neonatology
- 3 months minimum in a paediatric medical specialty (6 months maximum in any one paediatric specialty, except general paediatric medicine)
Remaining 12 months may be spent completing either ‘required’ or optional’ training rotations
Completion of a Paediatric Advanced Life Support course (or equivalent).

Before admission to Fellowship:

Completion of Developmental and Psychosocial Training (can be completed during Basic or Advanced Training)

Before commencing Advanced Training

Time-based requirements — Australia

This program ensures adequate time for you to gain the necessary learning experiences across a range of relevant rotations during the total training time of three years (36 months FTE).

Required rotations

Minimum of 18 months of Basic Training must be spent in specified required rotations. All rotations must be approved by the DPE.

Please also refer to the Location of Training to ensure you are aware of the minimum and maximum amount of time a trainee may spend at various accredited hospitals.

Required rotations	Minimum time required
General paediatric medicine	9 months
Neonatology The neonatology rotation must be completed in a perinatal unit that includes the long-term management of ventilated babies. Training in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that does not have inborn facilities does not satisfy this requirement.	3 months
Paediatric Specialty rotations adolescent health cardiology clinical genetics clinical pharmacology endocrinology gastroenterology/hepatology haematology immunology/allergy infectious diseases medical oncology nephrology neurology palliative medicine rehabilitation respiratory and sleep medicine rheumatology	3 months

Developmental and Psychosocial Training

Developmental and Psychosocial Training may be completed during either Basic Training or Advanced Training:

No minimum during Basic Training (optional in Basic Training)
18 months in total required by the end of Advanced Training
Maximum of 6 months in any one specialty

Allowed rotations:

Developmental/behavioural paediatrics
Community paediatrics
Disability/rehabilitation paediatrics
Child protection
Child and adolescent mental health
Palliative medicine

Note: Rotations can only be certified towards one requirement. For example, rehabilitation would be considered for either Developmental and Psychosocial Training or paediatric specialty training. If you would like this counted towards a particular requirement, please state this clearly on your application form for Basic Training.

Optional rotations

The remainder of the 36 months of Basic Training may be made up of required or optional training rotations, specified below. All rotations must be approved by the DPE.

Please also refer to the Location of Training to ensure you are aware of the minimum and maximum amount of time a trainee may spend at various accredited hospitals.

Optional rotations	Maximum time allowed
Paediatric Intensive Care (PICU)	6 months
Neonatology in a non-perinatal unit (NICU)	Maximum total of 12 months across both perinatal and non-perinatal NICU
Supervised research	6 months
Paediatric surgery	6 months
Paediatric nights	6 months
Paediatric relieving	6 months
Adult medicine rotations, including the following rotations provided that the rotations are supervised and prospectively approved by the DPE: General practice Obstrectics and gynaecology	Maximum of 3 months per rotation 6 months in total

Training time in Australia/New Zealand

At least 24 of the 36 months of training must be undertaken in Australasia. This is to ensure that trainees receive adequate exposure to local practices and health services.

If training overseas, you must comply with all requirements for Basic Training, including completion of assessment, achieving learning objectives and receiving appropriate supervision.

Time-based requirements — New Zealand

This program ensures adequate time for you to gain the necessary learning experiences across a range of relevant rotations during the total training time of three years (36 months FTE).

Required rotations

The remainder of the 36 months of Basic Training may be made up of required or optional training rotations, specified below. All rotations must be approved by the DPE.

Please also refer to the Location of Training to ensure you are aware of the minimum and maximum amount of time a trainee may spend at various accredited hospitals.

Required rotations	Time required
General paediatric medicine	6 months minimum 27 months maximum time allowed
Neonatology Maximum 12 months in neonatology including skills in neonatal resuscitation and intensive care OR sufficient experience in neonatal training to acquire the appropriate skills to manage neonatal emergencies and provide consultation to primary care providers, as determined by the DPE, based on a review of logbook experience or other sources	3 months minimum 12 months maximum time allowed
Paediatric emergency medicine OR sufficient experience in acute general paediatrics to manage common emergencies, as determined by the DPE	3 months minimum 3 months maximum (any further time counts as optional training rotations)
Paediatric specialty rotations OR sufficient exposure as determined by the DPE	3 months minimum 6 months maximum in ant one specialty (except general paediatric medicine)

Optional rotations

The remainder of the 36 months of Basic Training may be made up of required or optional training rotations, specified below. All rotations must be approved by the DPE.

Please also refer to the Location of Training to ensure you are aware of the minimum and maximum amount of time a trainee may spend at various accredited hospitals.

Optional rotations	Maximum time allowed
Paediatric emergency medicine or neonatology (in addition to that counted towards required training rotations)	6 months in total
Adult medicine rotations May include up to three months of adult medicine, obstetrics, supervised general practice	6 months in total
Paediatric anaesthetics	3 months
Supervised research	6 months
Paediatrics nights	6 months
Paediatrics relieving	6 months
Paediatric surgery	3 months

Training time in Australia/New Zealand

At least 24 of the 36 months of training must be undertaken in Australasia. This is to ensure that trainees receive adequate exposure to local practices and health services.

If training overseas, you must comply with all requirements for Basic Training, including completion of assessment, achieving learning objectives and receiving appropriate supervision.

Location of training

Australia

Basic Training in Paediatrics & Child Health takes place at accredited training sites.

Level 3 teaching hospitals

Up to 36 months of Basic Training may be undertaken in Level 3 paediatric teaching hospitals
At least nine of the 36 months of Basic Training must be spent in a Level 3 paediatric teaching hospital

Level 2 teaching hospitals

Up to 27 months may be spent in Level 2 paediatric teaching hospitals

Secondment hospitals

Training in a paediatric secondment hospital is on rotation from a Level 3 or Level 2 paediatric teaching hospital
A maximum of 12 months may be undertaken per paediatric secondment hospital

New Zealand

Basic Training in Paediatrics & Child Health takes place at accredited training sites.

Basic Training must be undertaken in an accredited training hospital. Before beginning training at a new training site, trainees should confirm with their DPE the maximum period of Basic Training permitted in their hospital.

Supervision Requirements

Supervisors provide you with appropriate support and guidance to complete your training program. For more information see Basic Training Supervision.

Requirements for Continuing Basic Trainees

Continuing Basic Trainees are those who have completed the time-based training requirements but have other requirements (such as examinations) to complete before progressing to Advanced Training.

Unless in a period of approved interruption, Continuing Basic Trainees must continue to complete training requirements, including assessments and learning activities under supervision, until they pass the Clinical Examination.

Work-based learning and assessment tools

Open All

Paediatric Advanced Life Support (ALS) course or equivalent

This ensures that you have the skills to support patients requiring resuscitation.

Requirement

You must submit a certified copy of your Paediatric Advanced Life Support (ALS) certificate before completing Basic Training
The College recommends you complete an ALS course within the first year of Basic Training
You may submit a certificate earned in the 12 months before entering Basic Training.

Developmental and Psychosocial Training

This assists you to develop a sophisticated understanding of child development, encompassing physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social areas, which should be gained from the perspective of the child within the family and in the context of the community.

Requirement

Australia: once over entire training period (Basic Training and Advanced Training) for six months due by the end of Advanced Training.

New Zealand: Once over entire training period (Basic Training and Advanced Training) for three months due by the end of Advanced Training.

More information

More information on Developmental and Psychosocial Training

Learning Needs Analysis (LNA)

This formative assessment assists you to identify your learning needs, plan your learning objectives, and evaluate your progress in your practice.

Requirement

The LNA is initiated at the beginning of the rotation, with the self-evaluation completed at the end of the rotation. Pro-rata tools apply for partial training.

Australia: Four per year (one per training rotation) due by the end of each rotation, no later than 31 January of the following year.
New Zealand: Two per year One per training rotation, due by 20 December.

More information

Complete and submit the LNA via the Basic Training Portal
See Learning Needs Analysis for information sheets and other resources

Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX)

This formative assessment is used to evaluate your clinical performance in real life settings. The mini-CEX ensures you receive timely, structured feedback on how to improve your practice in areas such as communication, history taking, physical examination and professional practice.

Requirement

A minimum of four mini-CEX are to be completed per year, one per quarter or rotation. Pro-rata tools apply for partial learning.

Australia: Due by the end of each rotation, no later than 31 January of the following year.
New Zealand: Due by the end of each rotation, no later than 20 December.

More information

Complete and submit the mini-CEX via the Basic Training Portal
See Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises for information sheet, workflow, rating forms and other resources

Professional Qualities Reflection (PQR)

This formative assessment helps you articulate and formalise ideas and insights about your professional development through the process of reflection.

Requirement

Australia: optional and Due no later than 31 January of the following year (recommended due date is at the end of each six-month period).
New Zealand: one per training year due by 20 December.

More information

Complete and submit the PQR via the Basic Training Portal
See Professional Qualities Reflection for information sheet, workflow and other resources

Progress Report

This summative assessment evaluates and provides feedback on your progress, which informs the certification of training decision.

Requirement

Australia: one per year due by 31 January of the following year. Mid-Year Progress Report is optional; due 31 August.
New Zealand: one per year due by 20 December.

More information

Access the Progress Report via the Basic Training Portal
Progress Report information sheet
Progress Report workflow
Progression through Training policy

Ward/Service Consultant Report

This formative assessment will guide your learning through structured feedback and help the Educational Supervisor to complete the Mid-Year and Annual Progress Reports.

Requirement

One per rotation, due at the end of each rotation. You don’t need to submit this to the College, however you should retain a copy for your records.

Australia: due at the end of each rotation.
New Zealand: due by 20 December.

More information

Access the Ward/Service Consultant Report via the Basic Training Portal
See Basic Training progress reports for information sheets, workflow and other resources

Examinations

Written Examination

This summative assessment ensures that you have achieved a standard of knowledge that allows you to progress to an Advanced Training Program.

Requirement

Once after certification of 24 months of Basic Training.

Timing and location

The Written Examination is held in February each year in capital cities and main centres in Australia, and in several sites in New Zealand.

Eligibility requirements

To sit the Written Examination, you must:

be registered with the College by the due date
have 24 months FTE of certified Basic Training before the beginning of the clinical year in which the exam is held
have completed all necessary training requirements
comply with the limit on the number of examination attempts and other requirements for progression through training, which are detailed in the Progression through Training policy (for trainees commencing from 2017, the limit is three attempts at the Written Examination)
comply with the relevant Written Examination application closing date
be fully current with all College training fees.

More information

Instructions to Candidates and Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical Examination

This summative assessment ensures that you have achieved a standard of knowledge and skill that allows you to progress to an Advanced Training Program.

Requirement

Once after passing the Written Examination.

Timing

Australia: July each year.
New Zealand: June each year.

Eligibility requirements

You must:

have passed the Written Examination
be registered with the College by the due date
have 24 months FTE of certified Basic Training before the beginning of the clinical year in which the exam is held
have completed all necessary training requirements
comply with the limit on the number of examination attempts and other requirements for progression through training, which are detailed in the Progression through Training policy (for trainees commencing from 2017, the limit is three attempts at the Clinical Examination)
comply with the relevant Clinical Examination application closing date
be fully current with all College training fees.

More information

Instructions to Candidates and Frequently Asked Questions

Examination Attempt Limits

As part of recent policy changes, the number of examination attempts has reduced from five to three effective from 2017. For more information please see Trainee and Supervisor Guide — Progression through Training and Flexible Training policies.

The full policy document, summary and FAQs can be found on the Education Policies page.

Course overview

About work-based learning and assessment tools

Formative assessments focus on learning through feedback and guidance. The College’s formative assessments aid you and your supervisor through a formal feedback discussion, prompting areas for discussion highlighted by your performance. The College’s formative assessments are based on existing workplace-based assessment methods and best practice in medical education.

Summative assessments focus on judgements about trainee progression, resulting in pass or fail decisions on a trainee’s performance.

Important dates — Australia

February

28 February: Applications for Approval of Basic Training (including Continuation of Registration and interruptions) due
Learning Needs Analysis
Written Examination held

March

Written Exam results released
Clinical Exam applications open and close
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

April

Learning Needs Analysis self-evaluation

May

1^st May — Applications for assessment of recognition of prior learning close. Refer to the RPL Policy
Clinical Exam
Learning Needs Analysis

June

Clinical Exam results released
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise
Mid-year applications for Basic Training open

July

Learning Needs Analysis self-evaluation

August

31 August: Applications for Approval of Basic Training for the second half of the year due
Learning Needs Analysis
Mid-Year Progress Report (optional)

September

1 September: Applications for assessment of recognition of prior learning close. Refer to the RPL Policy.
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

October

Professional Qualities Reflection

November

1 November: Annual Applications for Basic Training for the following year open
Written Exam applications for following year open
Learning Needs Analysis

December

Written Exam applications for following year close
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

January

31 January: Previous year's Annual Progress Report and all PREP tools due

Important dates — New Zealand

February

Written Examination held

March

Clinical Exam applications open and close
Written Exam results released
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

April

Learning Needs Analysis self-evaluation

May

Clinical Exam held

June

Clinical Exam results released
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

July

31 July: Applications for second half of the year for Basic Training due
Learning Needs Analysis

August

Professional Qualities Reflection

September

Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

October

Learning Needs Analysis self-evaluation

November

Written Exam applications for following year open
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise

December

20 December: PREP assignments due
20 December: Annual Progress report due
Written Exam applications for following year close

January

31 January: Applications for Basic Training in the first half of the year
Learning Needs Analysis to be completed

More information

Curricula, docs and assessment tools

Curricula / handbooks

Program & Professional Curriculum

Program Handbook

RACP initiatives

Curated Collections are learning resource guides based on the contributions and peer review of RACP Fellows and other experts
Pomegranate Podcasts is a monthly medical podcast created by physicians, for physicians
Evolve is a physician-led initiative to ensure the highest quality patient care through the identification and reduction of low-value practices and interventions
College Learning Series is an interactive online resource specifically targeted to the needs of basic trainees.

Paediatrics & Child Health

Program overview

Program updates

About the 2017–18 program ​requirements

Entry requirements

Duration

Qualification

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About the 2017–18 program requirements