Comparing the Registration Pathways
Choosing the right registration pathway is one of the most important decisions you will make as an overseas doctor planning to work in Australia. Each pathway has different eligibility criteria, examination requirements, timelines, and outcomes. The table below provides a side-by-side comparison to help you identify which route best matches your situation.
Side-by-Side Pathway Comparison
| Feature | Competent Authority | Standard Pathway | Specialist Pathway | GP Pathway | Limited Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best suited for | Doctors from recognised countries (UK, Ireland, US, Canada, NZ) | IMGs from any country seeking general registration | Overseas-trained specialists with postgraduate qualifications | Doctors wanting to practise as a GP in Australia | Doctors willing to work under supervision in areas of need |
| AMC exams required | No (exempted) | Yes — AMC MCQ and Clinical Exam | No (college assessment instead) | May be required depending on college assessment | Not required initially, but needed for progression |
| Assessing body | AMC + AHPRA | AMC + AHPRA | Specialist medical college + AHPRA | RACGP or ACRRM + AHPRA | AHPRA + state/territory health authority |
| Supervised practice | Generally not required | May be required after exams | Often required (peer review period) | Yes — supervised practice in GP setting | Yes — mandatory throughout |
| Typical timeline | 3 to 6 months | 12 to 24 months | 6 to 24 months (varies by college) | 12 to 36 months | Ongoing (renewed annually) |
| Registration outcome | General registration | General registration (may start as provisional) | Specialist registration | Specialist registration (GP) | Limited registration (position-specific) |
| Location restrictions | None | None (after full registration) | None (after full registration) | May have moratorium requirements | Yes — tied to specific area of need position |
| English language requirement | Yes (exemptions may apply) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost estimate | Lower (no exam fees) | Moderate (exam + application fees) | Moderate to high (college fees vary) | Moderate to high (college + exam fees) | Lower initial cost |
Which Pathway Should You Choose?
Use the following guide to narrow down your options:
- If you trained in the UK, Ireland, US, Canada, or NZ — Start with the Competent Authority Pathway. It is the fastest route and exempts you from AMC examinations.
- If you are an IMG from another country without specialist qualifications — The Standard Pathway is your primary route. Prepare for the AMC MCQ and Clinical Examinations.
- If you hold a specialist qualification — Apply through the Specialist Pathway for assessment by the relevant Australian specialist college.
- If you want to work as a GP — The GP Pathway through RACGP or ACRRM is designed specifically for general practice.
- If you want to start working quickly while preparing for exams — Limited Registration allows you to practise under supervision in areas of need while you complete registration requirements.
Remember that these pathways are not always mutually exclusive. For example, some doctors start with Limited Registration to gain Australian clinical experience while preparing for AMC examinations on the Standard Pathway.
Next Steps
Once you have identified the most suitable pathway, begin gathering the required documentation and start the application process. The following resources will help:
Important Planning Note
This page is designed as practical guidance for overseas doctors and should be used alongside official requirements published by AHPRA, the AMC, relevant specialist colleges, and the Department of Home Affairs.
Rules, fees, and processing times can change. Before lodging any application, verify current criteria directly with official sources listed on our Resources page.