Disputing a training and assessment decision (Early Resolution)

If you have questions about a training or assessment-related decision or outcome, speak to your supervisor, Director of Training or health service for feedback and advice. 

If you are still dissatisfied, refer to your outcome letter for guidance about how to challenge the decision via Early Resolution. 

If you didn’t receive an outcome letter, contact the relevant College team for guidance about seeking Early Resolution or follow the steps below. 

• Exams and assessment queries: assesshelp@ranzcp.org
• Training queries: traininghelp@ranzcp.org 
• Specialist assessment queries: simgehelp@ranzcp.org

Early Resolution

Early Resolution is a process designed to give you the opportunity to raise your concerns directly with the Committee that made the decision you are disputing. 

The purpose is to promptly and effectively resolve your complaint prior to accessing the RANZCP’s formal Review Reconsideration and Appeals process.

How to request Early Resolution 

Requests for Early Resolution must be made within 14 days and should only be submitted after you have read the Early Resolution Policy and Procedure (Early Resolution Policy). 

• Read the Early Resolution Policy.
• Raise your concerns with the relevant RANZCP education committee by completing the Application for Early Resolution form.
• Send your request to the relevant RANZCP education committee within 14 days of receiving the decision.

You should receive a response from the relevant education committee within 28 business days.  If the RANZCP is unable to meet this timeframe, you will be notified.  

Grounds for Early Resolution 

Examples of possible grounds for Early Resolution: 

• an error was made in the decision-making process (for example, a RANZCP policy or process has not been followed) 
• relevant information was not considered
• additional relevant information is now available 
• extenuating factors exist that the committee may need to be aware of 
• there was a delay in receiving an outcome or response
• additional feedback or further information was needed.

Decisions eligible for Early Resolution

You can seek Early Resolution in relation to decisions made by Branch Training Committees (BTCs) and the New Zealand Training Committee (NZTC), as well as committees that report directly to the Education Committee, including: 

• Committee for Specialist International Medical Graduate Education (CSIMGE)
• Committee for Training (CFT)
• Committee for Examinations (CFE)
• Committee for Continuing Professional Development (CCPD)
• Certificate of Postgraduate Training in Clinical Psychiatry Committee (Certificate of Psychiatry Committee).
• Portfolio Review Oversight Panel (PROP)

Potential outcomes

Outcomes vary depending on your circumstances, but might include: 

• an update about the status of a matter or further explanation of a decision
• a plan for progressing the matter
• changes or improvements to RANZCP processes.

The response will outline the steps which have been taken to resolve the matter and the reasons for the outcome. 

Training and assessment complaints flowchart

View or download a flowchart summarising the complaints process.

• Training and assessment complaints flowchart

If Early Resolution doesn’t resolve your concerns

If you are still dissatisfied with a decision or outcome, you can access the RANZCP Review, Reconsideration and Appeal process, which provides formal mechanisms for review.