Specialist Assessment in Australia

The AMC Specialist (full recognition) Pathway is intended for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) who wish to practice independently and unsupervised in Australia.  The College refers to this as the Dual Pathway as applicants can be dually assessed for suitability for employment in an Area of Need (AON).  The process of being assessed for specialist assessment (Fellowship) and suitability for employment in an Australian AON are very similar and have been combined in line with the COAG nationally consistent assessment of IMGs.  For more information on AON, please visit the Area of Need page on this website.

All applications for specialist assessment must be made through the AMC.  The AMC review the applicant's documentation to ensure they are eligible to proceed to assessment.  Information on this process is available on the AMC Website.  Once the AMC has verified the application, it is forwarded to the College to assess.  Applications should be bull-clipped or stapled.  Please do not bind your application or use folders with plastic sleeves.

The process of approval is dependent on the detail provided by the applicant, the nature of their training, qualification(s) obtained and the need for extra investigation to be conducted by the College.  The assessment process is one in which the formal training and assessment, clinical experience and standard of practice of the applicant are assessed against those of an Australasian trained psychiatrist.  The process does not solely consider formal training and assessment but takes into consideration subsequent clinical experience and the nature of the applicant's current practice including participation in continuing professional development activities and overall contribution to the profession.  Each case is considered individually and all applications are assessed in accordance with the RANZCP Training and Assessment Regulations and Equivalence Guidelines current at the time of assessment. 

The application process is a comprehensive one that involves:

- an application using a standardised pro forma and CV template;

- referee reports;

- an interview with representatives from State Assessment Panels; and

- review by the Committee for Specialist IMG Education

As part of the dual pathway application process. the College is required to determine whether an applicant has had training and a qualification which is substantially comparable, partially comparable or not comparable to that of an Australasian trained psychiatrist.  Information on comparability will be in the updated SIMG Handbook.

If an applicant is assessed as 'not comparable', there are other options that may be pursued in order to practice psychiatry in Australia.  Please see the section on Training and the DoctorConnect website for more information.

Please note: The College's Dual Pathway takes 13 weeks from the application closing date to the final assessment outcome. For AMC processing times please check directly with the AMC.

Applications direct to RANZCP

SIMGs based in New Zealand wanting to gain Fellowship of the College but not intending to practice in Australia, or SIMGs who have unconditional medical registration in Australia and are seeking exemption from training and assessment requirements, may apply directly to the College.

Applications for Extension, Renewal or Review of Exemption Status

Extension:  If an exemption status is due to expire before training and examination requirements for admission to Fellowship can be completed, an extension may be granted for a further three years.  Candidates are required to submit an application for Extension of Exemption Status directly to the Specialist IMG Education team for consideration by the Committee for Specialist IMG Education.

Renewal:  If exemption status has expired, an application for renewal may be submitted directly to the Specialist IMG Education team for consideration by the Committee for Specialist IMG Education.

Review:  If an applicant can confirm they have a new qualification or subsequent experience not obtained at the time of the original determination, an application for a new review may be submitted direclty to the Specialist IMG Education team for consideration by the Committee for Specialist IMG Education.

Application Forms - New Applicants

- Dual Pathway Application Form

Application Forms - Existing Exemption Candidates

- Extension / Review / Renewal of Exemption Status Application Form

Application Flowcharts

- Dual Pathway Application Flowchart

- Extension / Review / Renewal Application Flowchart

Fees

- Overseas Specialist Fee Schedule

Additional Documentation

- 2010 State Assessment Panel Meeting Dates

- SIMG Frequently Asked Questions

- SIMG Handbook

- Current Equivalence Guidelines

- Guidelines for determining Seniority and Eminence (Catergory III Exemption Status)

- Sample CV (using RANZCP CV Template)

- Sample Completed Application Form (coming soon)

- Sample NSW Medical Board Support Letter

For further details, please email the Specialist IMG Education staff via the Contact page.