Taking a break from training
Sometimes life or circumstances outside training can take priority. If you need to step away for more than 8 consecutive weeks, you'll need to formally interrupt your training.
Key things to know about an interruption of training
Interrupted training refers to taking an absence from your training rotations for more than 8 weeks consecutively in a training year.
You’ll need to let us know about your interruption
If possible, let us know about your planned interruption before it begins. This helps ensure your training record remains accurate.
Interruptions are flexible, within time limits
You can interrupt training as often and for as long as needed, provided you complete your program within the allowed
time limits.
Parental and medical leave is supported
You can take medical or parental leave at any time. This includes leave for your own health needs, maternity, paternity, adoptive leave, whāngai, or pregnancy loss.
This is outlined in the Flexible Training Policy.
Apply for an interruption of training
How you apply depends on which training program you’re in. Choose the option below that matches your start date.
Basic Training
This form is for trainees who started Basic Training before 2024.
If you started from 2024, submit your interruption rotation plan under Training Rotation Plan in the Training Management Portal.
Advanced Training
This form is for trainees who started Advanced Training before 2024.
If you started from 2024 onwards in a new curricula program, submit your interruption rotation plan under Training Rotation Plan in the Training Management Portal.
What happens during an approved interruption
Taking time out from training doesn’t mean losing your place in the program. Your training requirements are simply paused, with flexibility built in to support your circumstances.
Certification and assessments
- training time isn't eligible for certification during an approved interruption
- you don’t need to complete work-based learning and assessment tools, including supervisor reports
- if training is interrupted partway through a year, assessment requirements for the rest of that year are set on a pro-rata basis by your training program committee
- if you interrupt during a previously approved training period, any successfully completed training is eligible for certification
What you can keep working on during interruption
You can keep working on research projects or other written requirements if you choose to.
Continuing Professional Development requirements
From January 2024, all trainees in Australia must meet the updated Continuing Professional Development guidelines from the Medical Board of Australia (MBA).
If you're currently training
Your training meets the new CPD requirements. We'll take care of the admin and reporting for you.
If you interrupt your training for 6 months or more
You'll need to:
- nominate a CPD Home to continue meeting CPD requirements
- this includes using MyCPD if you choose RACP as your CPD Home (a small fee applies)
You may be exempt if your interruption is due to:
- Parental or carer leave
- Serious illness
- Other approved circumstances
See the MBA Registration Standards for more information.
Learn about RACP CPD
Return to Training Pathway
If you’ve had a break from training for more than 12 continuous months, support is available to help you return to training.
12
months
If you feel that you'd benefit from extra support, we recommend working with your DPE/Supervisor to create a Return to Training Plan.
24 months
You must complete a Return to Training Plan with your DPE/Supervisor, and get it approved by your training committee.
Learn more about the
Return to Training Pathway and how to start the process.
Leave during training — less than 8 weeks
We encourage trainees to take leave when they need it. In addition to interrupting training, you can take different types of leave during your training period including:
- annual leave
- study leave
- sick or carer’s leave
- conference leave
- long service leave
- leave due to industrial action
Full-time trainees can take up to eight weeks (40 working days) of leave per year without it affecting certifiable training time. Part-time trainees have this calculated on a pro-rata basis. On top of this, eligible trainees may also access up to two
weeks (10 working days) of Isolation Leave if required to isolate under workplace or jurisdictional policies.
If your leave goes beyond 8 weeks, you’ll need to apply for an Interruption of Training.
For the full details, see the Progression Through Training Policy.
Withdrawing from training
Sometimes circumstances change, and taking a break isn't the right option, you may need to withdraw from training entirely.
Whether you're stepping away from a particular specialty or exiting the program completely, we're here to support you through the process. If you've decided that withdrawal is the best path forward, find out what you need to do and access the necessary
forms on our Withdrawing from Training page.