How to become a GP in Australia?

Steps of becoming GP

9/24/20232 min read

Becoming a General Practitioner (GP) in Australia as an international medical graduate (IMG) involves several steps and requirements. Here's a general overview of the process:

1. Medical Council of Australia (MBA) Registration:

  • Before you can practice medicine in Australia, you must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA). This registration process involves several steps:

  • Provide evidence of your primary medical qualification.

  • Prove your English language proficiency by passing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or an equivalent English language test.

  • Pass a criminal history check.

  • Demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills through the Competent Authority Pathway (CAP) or the Standard Pathway, depending on your qualifications and experience.

2. Australian Medical Council (AMC) Examinations:

  • IMGs typically need to pass the AMC examinations to demonstrate their medical knowledge and skills. These exams include:

  • AMC MCQ Exam: A multiple-choice question exam.

  • AMC Clinical Exam: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) that assesses clinical skills.

  • The AMC exams may be a prerequisite for some medical registration pathways.

3. Gain Medical Work Experience:

  • To apply for GP training programs, you'll need to gain clinical experience in Australia. This can be done through various positions, such as medical officer roles in hospitals or supervised clinical attachments.

4. Apply for a GP Training Program or find a job that supports GP training program:

  • The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) are the two main bodies responsible for GP training in Australia.

  • Apply for the appropriate GP training program based on your career goals and preferences.

  • Complete the training program, which typically includes a combination of clinical placements and coursework.

5. Fellowship Examination:

  • After completing the GP training program, you'll need to pass the RACGP Fellowship Examination or the ACRRM Fellowship Exam, depending on the college you've chosen.

6. Gain Registration as a Specialist:

  • Once you've successfully completed your GP training and passed the fellowship examination, you can apply for specialist registration with the MBA. This allows you to practice as a qualified GP in Australia.

7. Optional Rural Training:

  • If you're interested in practicing in rural or remote areas, you may consider additional training through the Rural Generalist Pathway offered by ACRRM.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and pathways may vary depending on your qualifications, experience, and the state or territory in which you intend to practice. Therefore, it's highly recommended that you contact the Medical Board of Australia and the relevant medical college (RACGP or ACRRM) for detailed guidance and to confirm the most up-to-date requirements and processes.

Additionally, the registration and training process for IMGs can be lengthy and competitive, so be prepared for a comprehensive and challenging journey towards becoming a GP in Australia.