MedBA

Updated on 01 Jan 2025

Overview

International medical graduates (IMGs) whose medical qualifications are from a medical school outside of Australia or New Zealand and who are seeking registration to practise medicine in Australia must provide evidence of eligibility to undertake one of the following assessment pathways:

• Competent Authority pathway 
• Standard pathway, or 
• Specialist pathway   

The assessment process assesses the knowledge and clinical skills of IMGs seeking to qualify for medical registration in Australia.  

Competent Authority pathway :

The Competent Authority Pathway is one of the routes for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to gain medical registration in Australia. It is designed for IMGs who have been assessed and have practiced in countries recognized as having comparable standards to Australia. This pathway can lead to general registration after a period of supervised practice.

Here's a breakdown of the eligibility, requirements, and fees associated with the Competent Authority Pathway:

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the Competent Authority Pathway, you must meet the following criteria:

• Primary Medical Qualification: You must hold a primary medical qualification in medicine and surgery awarded by a training institution recognized by both the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).  
• Competent Authority Assessment and Practice: You must meet the criteria of one of the seven competent authority categories, having completed both the prescribed assessment component (a medical course or exam) and the required post-examination or post-training experience in a Competent Authority Country.  
• Competent Authority Countries: The recognized competent authority countries are currently:
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Republic of Ireland
  • United States of America
  • New Zealand
• Registration in a Competent Authority Country: In some categories, you may need to hold or have held general registration in a competent authority country.
• English Language Proficiency: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - English language skills registration standard
• Other Registration Standards: You will need to meet AHPRA's registration standards regarding criminal history, health, and professional indemnity insurance.

Requirements:

The specific requirements depend on the competent authority country where you obtained your qualification and experience. Generally, you will need to provide:

1. Proof of Identity: Certified copies of your passport and other identification documents.
2. Primary Medical Qualification Documents: Certified copy of your medical degree certificate and academic transcripts
3. Evidence of Competent Authority Assessment and Experience: This will vary depending on the country but may include:
   1. • For the UK: Evidence of completing the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test (if applicable) and completion of the Foundation Year 1 or 12 months of supervised training (internship equivalent). Graduates of UK medical programs quality assured by the GMC may also be eligible.
      • For Canada: Evidence of Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC).
      • For the Republic of Ireland: Evidence of registration with the Medical Council of Ireland.
      • For the USA: Evidence of passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1, 2 (Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Skills), and 3, and completion of at least two years of postgraduate training acceptable to the Medical Board of Australia.
      • For New Zealand: Evidence of registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV outlining your medical education
5. Primary Source Verification: Your primary medical qualification(s) must be verified through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) and an AMC portfolio.  
6. Supervised Practice Plan: You will need to secure a suitable position in Australia and develop a supervised practice plan that is approved by the Medical Board of Australia.
7. Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI): If you intend to work in general practice and are not concurrently applying for a general practice assessment on the Specialist Pathway, you may need to undertake and pass a PESCI.
8. Other Supporting Documents: This may include certificates of good standing from all medical registration authorities where you have been registered.

Fees:  

Important Considerations:

• The information provided here is a general overview. The specific requirements and fees can vary, and it is essential to consult the official websites of the Medical Board of Australia (via AHPRA) and the AMC for the most current and detailed information relevant to your individual circumstances.
• The process can take time, so it's advisable to start early.
• Securing an offer of employment in Australia is usually a prerequisite for provisional registration under this pathway.

How to Apply:

1. Self-Assess Your Eligibility: Use the self-assessment tools on the Medical Board of Australia website.
2. Apply to the AMC for Primary Source Verification (PSV): Establish an EPIC account and instruct ECFMG to verify your medical qualifications and send the report to the AMC.
3. Secure a Suitable Position in Australia: Find an employer willing to offer you a supervised practice position.
4. Develop a Supervised Practice Plan: Work with your employer to create a plan that meets the Medical Board of Australia's requirements.
5. Undertake a PESCI (if required).
6. Apply for Provisional Registration with the Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA): Submit your application online through the AHPRA portal, including all required documentation and the application fee.

Standard Pathway:

The Standard Pathway is for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking general registration in Australia who do not qualify for the Competent Authority or Specialist Pathways. This pathway requires assessment by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).  

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the Standard Pathway, you must:

• Hold a primary medical qualification in medicine and surgery awarded by a training institution recognized by both the AMC and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).

Requirements:

IMGs on the Standard Pathway need to complete the following:

1. AMC Portfolio Establishment and Primary Source Verification (PSV):
   1. • Apply to the AMC to create an AMC candidate account and for primary source verification of your primary medical qualification. The AMC uses the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) for this.  
      • You will need to create an EPIC/MyIntealth account and authorize the verification of your qualifications.
2. Pass the AMC CAT MCQ Examination:
   1. • This is a computer-adaptive multiple-choice question exam covering a broad range of medical knowledge.
3. Pass the AMC Clinical Examination OR a Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA):
   1. • AMC Clinical Examination: This is an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) that assesses clinical skills. It can be taken before or after obtaining limited or provisional registration.
      • Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA): Instead of the clinical exam, you may be eligible to undertake a period of WBA of your clinical skills and knowledge by an AMC-accredited authority over 6 to 12 months.
4. English Language Proficiency: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - English language skills registration standard
5. Supervised Practice:
   1. • After passing the AMC CAT MCQ exam, you will typically need to apply for limited or provisional registration to complete a period of supervised practice (usually 12 months or a minimum of 47 weeks of full-time equivalent practice).
      • You will need to secure a suitable position in a hospital or general practice and develop a supervised practice plan approved by the Medical Board of Australia. For general practice positions, a Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI) might be required.
6. Meet AHPRA's Registration Standards:
   • You will need to meet all other Medical Board of Australia's registration standards, including those related to criminal history, health impairments, professional indemnity insurance, and continuing professional development.

Fees: 

Important Notes:

• Fees are subject to change. Always check the latest fee schedules on the official AMC www.amc.org.au and AHPRA www.ahpra.gov.au websites.
• AHPRA registration fees are annual fees.

How to Apply:

1. Check your eligibility using the self-assessment tools on the Medical Board of Australia and AMC websites.
2. Create an AMC candidate account and begin the primary source verification process through EPIC.
3. Prepare for and pass the AMC CAT MCQ examination.
4. Secure a suitable position for supervised practice and apply for limited or provisional registration with AHPRA after passing the MCQ. You will need to submit a supervised practice plan.
5. Complete the required period of supervised practice and either pass the AMC Clinical Examination or the WBA.
6. Apply for general registration with AHPRA once all requirements are met.

Specialist Pathway:

• The Specialist Pathway is for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who have completed specialist training overseas and are seeking specialist registration in Australia. This pathway involves assessment by the relevant specialist medical college in Australia. There are different categories within the Specialist Pathway:

  Categories within the Specialist Pathway:

  1. Specialist Recognition: For IMGs seeking to be recognized at the same level as an Australian-trained specialist in their field.
  2. Area of Need: For specialists seeking positions in specific geographical areas in Australia where there is a demonstrated shortage of specialists. This pathway may not lead to specialist registration but allows you to work in the specified position.
  3. Expedited Specialist Pathway: A faster route for specialists with qualifications from comparable health systems in certain specialties (currently including General Practice, Psychiatry, Anaesthesia, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology with more to be added). Eligibility is based on holding specific qualifications listed by the Medical Board of Australia.

  This response will focus on the Specialist Recognition pathway, as it is the most common for IMGs seeking specialist registration.

  Eligibility for Specialist Recognition:

  To be eligible for assessment under the Specialist Recognition pathway, you generally must:

  • Hold a specialist medical qualification in your field obtained outside of Australia.
  • Have completed specialist training that is recognized by the relevant Australian specialist medical college.
  • Be recognized as a consultant specialist (or equivalent) in your country of training.
  • Have current or recent registration/licensure in your specialty overseas.

  Requirements for Specialist Recognition:

  The specific requirements are determined by the Australian specialist medical college relevant to your specialty. However, the general process involves:

  Primary Source Verification: You will need to have your primary medical qualification and specialist qualifications verified through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) via their EPIC service. This verification is requested by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) as part of your application to the specialist college.

  Application to the Specialist Medical College: You need to obtain the application form from the relevant specialist medical college and submit it along with all required supporting documentation. This typically includes:

  1. • Certified copies of your primary and specialist medical qualifications and academic transcripts.
     • Evidence of your specialist registration/licensure in your country of training (Certificates of Good Standing).
     • Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) outlining your training and experience.
     • Information about your training program, including syllabus and duration.
     • Logbooks of procedures and case summaries.
     • Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
     • References from senior colleagues or supervisors.
     • Proof of identity (passport).
     • English language proficiency test results (if required by the Medical Board of Australia for registration).
     • AMC EPIC verification report details.

  Assessment by the Specialist Medical College: The college will assess your qualifications, training, and experience to determine your comparability to an Australian-trained specialist. This assessment often involves:

  1. • Document Review: A thorough review of all submitted documents.
     • Interviews: You will likely be required to attend one or more interviews with a panel of specialists in your field.
     • Practice Visits (in some cases): The college may arrange a visit to your current or previous practice to observe your clinical skills and interactions.

  Assessment Outcome: The specialist college will determine one of the following outcomes regarding your comparability:

  1. • Substantially Comparable: Your qualifications and experience are largely equivalent to an Australian-trained specialist. You will likely be required to undergo a period of supervised practice (peer review) for a specified time (e.g., 3-12 months) before being eligible for specialist registration.
     • Partially Comparable: Your qualifications and experience are not fully equivalent to an Australian-trained specialist. You will likely be required to undertake a period of further training and assessment (top-up training) and supervised practice, potentially including examinations, to meet the Australian standard. This period can be up to 24 months.
     • Not Comparable: Your qualifications and experience are not considered comparable to the Australian standard for specialist registration. You may be advised to pursue alternative pathways to medical registration in Australia.

  Registration with AHPRA: Once the specialist college has provided its assessment outcome, you can apply for the appropriate type of medical registration with the Medical Board of Australia (supported by AHPRA). This will likely be provisional or limited registration initially, allowing you to undertake the required supervised practice or further training. Upon satisfactory completion of the college requirements, you can then apply for specialist registration.

  Fees 

  How to Apply:

  • Identify the relevant specialist medical college for your specialty in Australia.
  • Visit the website of the specialist medical college to thoroughly understand their specific eligibility criteria, requirements, application process, and fee structure for IMGs seeking specialist recognition.
  • Contact the specialist medical college directly if you have specific questions or need clarification.
  • Start the primary source verification process through EPIC/AMC.
  • Prepare your application to the specialist medical college with all the required documentation.
  • Undergo the assessment process conducted by the college.
  • Apply for the appropriate medical registration with AHPRA based on the outcome of your college assessment.
  • Complete any supervised practice or further training required by the college and the Medical Board of Australia.
  • Apply for specialist registration with AHPRA upon successful completion of all requirements.

Apply Online:

Please note that:

• There are no fees for the registration of students.  
• There is no application fee to change registration type from provisional registration to general registration.
• There is no application fee to change registration type to ‘non-practising’.   
• Only one fee for annual renewal of registration applies to general registrants and specialists. A medical practitioner who holds both general registration and specialist registration is required to pay only the fee for annual renewal of general registration.  
• Medical practitioners with general and specialist registration are only required to pay one late renewal fee.
• If you are required to apply for an international history check from an approved supplier, you will be responsible for the cost of the check.

FAQ

Contact Details:

 

National

Street address:

Level 7
111 Bourke Street
Melbourne
VIC 3000

Mailing address:

AHPRA
GPO Box 9958
Melbourne
VIC 3001