A Guide for UK Physicians in Medicine Navigating the RACP Specialist Assessment Pathway

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) offers an established Specialist Assessment Pathway for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs), including physicians and paediatricians trained in the UK, who wish to gain recognition and practice long-term in Australia. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how UK SIMGs can obtain recognition, complete the assessment process, and achieve specialist registration.

Step 1: Eligibility/Documents 

Before applying, UK Physicians and Paediatricians should confirm that their qualifications and experience align with RACP’s requirements.

Primary Source Verification (PSV):

• Complete PSV through the Australian Medical Council (AMC).

You’ll need the following documents:

• Identity & Registration: Certified copy of passport, medical registration certificates (e.g., GMC), and AMC verification of your medical degree.
• Certified copies of postgraduate psychiatry qualifications (MRCPCH, CCT/CCST, etc.)
• CV: A detailed CV with your medical school, postgraduate training, specialist experience, and Subspecialty exposure (e.g., cardiology, neonatology, endocrinology.)
• References: 2–3 references from senior physicians confirming your competence and professionalism.
• Clinical Experience: Logbooks, case summaries, or performance evaluations.
• English Proficiency (if required): IELTS, OET, or equivalent (usually not required for UK-trained doctors).
• Certificates of rotations, attachments, or subspecialty training
• Past performance evaluations or supervisor reports
• Payment: Proof of application fee payment 

Accelerated Specialist Pathway Eligibility:

• For eligible SIMGs from the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, India, and Sri Lanka
• Reduces documentation requirements
• Sometimes removes the need for an interview
• Application possible without a confirmed job offer (position required before placement)

Step 2: Submit an Application

Applications are submitted online via the RACP website. Applicants must provide:

• Proof of primary and postgraduate medical qualifications
• Detailed CV outlining training and experience
• Certified evidence of registration and employment
• Recent references (usually from senior physicians/paediatricians)
• Verification through EPIC/AMC (Australia) 
• Payment of the application fee

RACP reviews documents to confirm eligibility before progressing to the comparability assessment stage.

Timeline: Standard assessments may take several months; accelerated pathway is usually shorter.

Step 3: Initial Assessment and Interview

The RACP Specialist Assessment Committee evaluates qualifications, experience, and scope of practice compared to Fellowship standards.

Depending on the pathway:

• Accelerated Pathway: Interview may not be required
• Standard Pathway: Typically, an online or in-person interview reviewing training, competencies, and clinical exposure

Step 4: Assessment Outcomes

Following the review, RACP will determine comparability to Australian standards. There are three possible outcomes:

Substantially Comparable

• Training and experience closely match Australian standards
• Typically requires a 12-month supervised placement, including workplace-based assessments (e.g., Case-Based Discussions, supervisor reports, 360° feedback)

Partially Comparable

• High-quality training but with identified gaps
• Requires a 2-year placement and additional assessments, such as:

1. Observed Clinical Activities (OCAs)
2. Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs)
3. Portfolio review and peer assessments

Not Comparable

• Training does not meet RACP standards
• Must undertake the full RACP training program as a new trainee

Appeals: Decisions can be appealed through the RACP Appeals process.

 Step 5: Curriculum Standards and Supervised Placement

RACP Fellowship training is competency-based, emphasising:

• Clinical assessment and management
• Communication, leadership, and teaching skills
• Cultural competence
• Research and advocacy

Applicants under substantial or partial comparability pathways will complete supervised placements that include:

• Minimum 0.6 FTE employment, with at least 0.3 FTE in direct patient care
• Supervision by RACP-accredited Fellows
• Periodic performance reviews and submission of workplace-based assessments
• Placements approved in public or private hospitals

Step 6: Fellowship and Specialist Registration

After completing placement and assessments, candidates can apply for Fellowship of the RACP (FRACP).

Fellowship allows registration with:

• Medical Board of Australia (practice in Australia)

 For the latest fee schedule, refer to the RACP official website.

 Step 7: Maintaining Comparability and Extensions

• During placements, SIMGs must maintain comparability status by meeting performance and assessment requirements
• Extensions possible for part-time work or personal circumstances (usually up to 4 years for partially comparable candidates)
• Failure to meet requirements can result in withdrawal of status

Optional Pathways to Know

Short-Term Training in a Medical Specialty

• For international specialists or specialists-in-training who want to complete up to 24 months of training and then leave Australia
• Requires separate application and fees

Area of Need Assessment

• For substantially comparable specialists who want to work in locations with a shortage of medical specialists
• Separate application, fees, and placement approvals

Final Thoughts

The RACP Specialist Assessment Pathway offers UK-trained physicians and paediatricians a clear route to recognition in Australia. Understanding eligibility, comparability outcomes, and associated costs ensures a smooth transition to clinical practice abroad.

Want to Know More?

With medicine and paediatrics roles in high demand across Australia, now is the perfect time to advance your career overseas.

Email your CV to: aus@bdirecruiting.com

A member of the team will be in touch to provide guidance on the application process.