The College is inviting nominations from eligible Fellows in Australia and New Zealand to become accredited Substantial Comparability Assessors.

Background

Specialist international medical graduates deemed Substantially Comparable must complete workplace-based assessments regularly over their 12-month placement to be eligible for RANZCP Fellowship. Case Based Discussions (CbD) serve as an assessment method, carried out independently by qualified Assessors who are Fellows of the RANZCP and not the candidate's Supervisor.

Following the introduction of the RANZCP Accelerated Pathway, an increasing number of psychiatrists have joined the Substantial Comparability Pathway to Fellowship. To uphold standards and ensure timely completion of CbDs, the College is inviting nominations for accredited Substantial Comparability Assessors.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Substantial Comparability Assessors will include:

• Examining three patient summaries and synopses provided by the candidate prior to the CbD.
• Selecting one case as the focus for CbD.
• Facilitating the discussion following the candidate's presentation of the case.
• Evaluating performance across five domains and assigning an overall CbD rating.
• Communicating the results and offering feedback to the candidate.
• Collaborate with the candidate to develop a remediation plan (if required) in response to unsatisfactory performance prior to the next CbD.
• Submitting the CbD outcome including any remediation plans for consideration by the Substantial Comparability Assessment Review Panel.

Training

Approved assessors will be invited to attend the Substantial Comparability Pathway Assessor training on Sunday 3 May at the RANZCP 2026 Congress. Members of Substantial Comparability Assessment Review Panel will assist with queries and provide guidance and advice on the assessments conducted.

Substantial Comparability Assessors also receive an honorarium for each CbD completed.

Express your interest 

Please read the  Assessor Role Description, Substantial Comparability Pathway for further information.

Submit your completed Substantial Comparability nomination form and CV to comparability@ranzcp.org.

For further information, contact comparability@ranzcp.org.