In Australia, there are a range of categories in which a medical practitioner can practice medicine under the National Law.

Australian and New Zealand medical graduates who complete an accredited internship in Australia or New Zealand are not required to complete any additional supervision to become eligible for general registration.

Australian and New Zealand graduates who have successfully completed a medical internship in another country must complete 12 months (47 weeks full-time equivalent) of approved supervision practice in Australia before being eligible for general registration.

General registration can be granted to medical practitioners who have previously held general registration in Australia.  The criteria below must be met:

• English language skills
• Recency of Practice
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Criminal history check

Medical practitioners are required to provide evidence of proof of identity and details of registration history outside of Australia.

International medical graduates (IMGs) in the competent authority pathway (CAP) are IMGs who meet the eligibility criteria and who are non-specialists or specialists and deemed as competent. The Australian Medical Board (AMC) assess for general registration include:

• GMC – PLAN exam of accredited medical courses in the UK
• Medical Council of Canada (LMCC)
• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates of the United States (USMLE) Medical Council of New Zealand (NZREX)
• Medical Council of Ireland (graduates of medical courses in Ireland accredited by the Medical Council of Ireland)
• National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (COMLEX-USA)
• International medical graduates with the Australian Medical Council certificate

The AMC has an approved registration standard for IMGs who hold an AMC certificate. AMC certificate holders in the standard pathway have completed a period of approved supervised practice in Australia.

Period of general registration

When a medical practitioner is first granted general registration, registration is granted up to 30 September.  Thereafter, the medical practitioner may apply to renew registration annually by 30 September.

For more information, please visit www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/Types/General-Registration.aspx

DISCLAIMER:

Health Developments Corporation (HDC) aims to update this document regularly to ensure its information remains accurate. However, users should still check with relevant registration and visa authorities regarding the latest requirements.