Understanding the Competent Authority Pathway
The Competent Authority pathway is for non-specialist and specialist IMGs, including general practitioners, who seek general registration with the Medical Board of Australia. This pathway is based on the recognition that certain international medical authorities have challenging assessment systems equivalent to those in Australia.
By aligning with these authorities, Australia ensures that only well-qualified and competent doctors are allowed to practice.
Approved Competent Authorities
The Board has approved several international authorities as competent to assess the medical knowledge and clinical skills of IMGs. These authorities include:
Competent Authority | Accepted Qualification/Examination |
| General Medical Council (United Kingdom) | PLAB examination Graduates of GMC-accredited medical courses in the United Kingdom |
| Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) | Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) |
| Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates of the United States (USMLE) | United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) |
| Medical Council of New Zealand (NZREX) | New Zealand Registration Examination (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) | Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA) |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Competent Authority pathway, IMGs must meet specific criteria. They must have:
Registration Process
Once the eligibility criteria are met, the registration process involves several steps:
1. Primary Source Verification (PSV)
IMGs must apply to the Australian Medical Council (AMC) for primary source verification of their qualifications through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC).
2. Provisional Registration
Eligible IMGs apply directly to the Board for provisional registration via the Competent Authority pathway, providing evidence of meeting the criteria of one of the competent authority categories.
3. Supervised Practice
IMGs granted provisional registration must complete a minimum of 12 months (47 weeks) of supervised practice in an approved hospital-based or general practice position in Australia.
4. General Registration
Upon satisfactory completion of the supervised practice, IMGs can apply for general registration. They must submit specific work performance reports approved by the Medical Board of Australia and a letter of recommendation from an authorised individual.
Benefits of the Competent Authority Pathway
The Competent Authority pathway offers numerous benefits:
- Streamlined Process: IMGs from approved countries can avoid taking additional exams, making the registration process faster and more straightforward.
- Recognised Competence: By aligning with internationally recognised authorities, Australia ensures that incoming doctors meet high medical education and training standards.
- Career Advancement: Doctors can quickly transition into the Australian healthcare system, filling essential roles and advancing their medical careers.
Parting Thoughts
For IMGs looking to make Australia their professional home, understanding and navigating this pathway can be the key to a successful and fulfilling medical career.
If you are an international medical graduate who has not completed your degree in one of these countries, you must follow the standard pathway and pass all required exams before qualifying for registration and securing employment.
You can take the standard pathway and clear the AMC exam with Academically’s AMC Exam Preparation Course.
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