A Guide for UK Psychiatrists Navigating the RANZCP Specialist Assessment Pathway

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) offer an established Specialist Assessment Pathway for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) including psychiatrists trained in the UK who wish to gain recognition and practice 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 psychiatrists should confirm that their qualifications and experience align with RANZCP’s requirements. Applications are submitted online via the RANZCP website. 

Visual Guide: The RANZCP provides a flowchart that illustrates the Specialist Assessment pathways, including accelerated, standard, and trainee routes to Fellowship. This can be viewed here

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.
• Qualifications: Certified copies of postgraduate psychiatry qualifications (MRC Psych, CCT/CCST, etc.)
• CV: A detailed CV with your medical school, postgraduate training, specialist experience, and subspecialty exposure (child/adolescent, old age, addiction, etc.)
• 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 (AUD $511 or latest amount)

New for 2025 – Accelerated Pathway

RANZCP now offers an Accelerated Specialist Pathway for psychiatrists who have:

• Completed MRC Psych (UK) and hold a CCT or CCST in Psychiatry, and
• Gained at least three years of post-qualification experience.

Benefits of Accelerated Pathway:

• Reduced documentation requirements
• Sometimes no interview required
• Application possible without a confirmed job offer (position required before placement)

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

Timeline: Standard assessments may take up to 18 weeks; accelerated pathway is usually shorter.

Step 2: Initial Assessment and Interview

The RANZCP Specialist Assessment Committee evaluates your 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 3: Assessment Outcomes

Following the review, RANZCP will determine your comparability status to the local standard of specialist training. There are three possible outcomes:

Substantially Comparable

• Training and experience closely match Australian/New Zealand 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:
• Observed Clinical Activities (OCAs)
• Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs)
• Modified Essay Question (MEQ)
• Clinical Competency Assessment – Modified Portfolio Review (CCA-MPR)

Not Comparable

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

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

 Step 4: Curriculum Standards and Supervised Placement

RANZCP Fellowship training is based on a competency-based curriculum, emphasising:

• Clinical assessment and management
• Psychotherapy and communication skills
• Cultural competence
• Leadership and advocacy

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

• Minimum 0.6 FTE employment, with at least 0.3 FTE in direct patient care
• Ongoing supervision by RANZCP-accredited Fellows
• Periodic performance reviews and submission of workplace-based assessments

Placements are approved by RANZCP and can be undertaken in both public and private healthcare settings.

Step 5: Fellowship and Specialist Registration

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

Fellowship allows registration with:

• Medical Board of Australia (practice in Australia)

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

Final Thoughts

The RANZCP Specialist Assessment Pathway offers UK-trained psychiatrists a clear route to recognition in Australia. The Accelerated Pathway (2025) allows MRC Psych-qualified doctors to navigate the process more efficiently.

Preparing early, understanding comparability outcomes, and budgeting for costs ensures a smooth transition to clinical practice abroad.

Want to Know More?

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

📩 Email your CV to: aus@bdireourcing.com
A member of the team will be in touch to provide guidance on the application process.