What the College does

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is responsible for training, educating and representing psychiatrists in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

The College is accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) to deliver specialist medical education and training, and professional development programs.

Sets professional standards

The RANZCP develops and promotes clinical standards in the practice of psychiatry in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

More about the RANZCP's role in assessing quality and standards in training

Conducts training and exams

The Fellowship Training Program takes a minimum of 5 years (after medical training and registration), during which time trainees work in hospitals and clinics, under the supervision of experienced psychiatrists. The College also oversees training and accreditation for overseas-trained psychiatrists.

Administers the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program 

Once qualified, psychiatrists must continue to participate in medical education activities each year to ensure that they maintain high levels of skills and knowledge and to maintain their medical registration.

Represents psychiatrists

The College works with government, community and health worker groups in the interests of psychiatrists, patients and the general community.

Holds conferences and meetings 

The College's major scientific meeting is its annual congress. There are also a number of specialist conferences, educational evenings, lectures, webinars and branch events each year.

Publishes two scientific journals 

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (ANZJP) and Australasian Psychiatry. These peer-reviewed journals discuss research and developments in psychiatry. ANZJP is the leading psychiatry journal of the Asia–Pacific region.

Publishes guidelines and policy documents 

The College publishes practice guidelines for psychiatrists, and produces position statements, submissions and reports.

Produces evidence-based mental health information

Patient information about mental illness is available at yourhealthinmind.org

Commits to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori

The College is working to increase the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori workforce, teaching culturally appropriate care, reviewing and implementing our Reconciliation Action Plan and furthering our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.