Competent Authority Pathway for Healthcare Professionals in Australia

Introduction

• Series of guideline videos for healthcare professionals
• Focus on Australia as a preferred job destination
• Previous videos covered factors for preference and available pathways
• Current video focuses on the Competent Authority Pathway

Overview of Competent Authority Pathway

• Commonly used pathway for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
• Cost-effective and easier for juniors/non-specialist doctors or GPs
• Eligibility based on experience in authorized or competent countries

Eligible Countries

• Australia recognizes 5 competent countries:
  • UK: Requires passing PLAB 1 & 2
  • Canada: Requires passing the LMCC
  • USA: Requires passing all steps of ECFMG USMLE
    • Includes COMLEX USA for osteopathic candidates
  • New Zealand: Requires passing NZREX
  • Ireland: Requires education approved by the Medical Council of Ireland

Experience Requirements

• Passing licensing exams does not guarantee eligibility
• Must fulfill experience component in the respective country:
  • UK: Complete Foundation Year 1 or 12 months supervised training
  • Canada: Complete postgraduate education or residency training
  • USA: 2 years of accredited graduate medical education after exams
  • New Zealand: Complete accredited rotating internship
  • Ireland: Complete approved internship
• If training occurs in a different competent country, it must be approved by the relevant authority (e.g., GMC UK for UK training after LMCC)

Application Process

1. Verification of Qualifications
   • Apply to the Australian Medical Council (AMC) for Primary Source Verification (PSV)
   • Set up an AMC portfolio online
2. Employment Offer
   • Required for registration in either hospital or general practice
   • General practice: 3 years of full-time experience required
   • Hospital system: 12 months in rotations, including:
     • 8 weeks in medicine
     • 8 weeks in surgery
     • 10 weeks in emergency medicine
3. PESCI Exam
   • Required for limited/provisional registration in general practice
   • Evaluates skills and ability to practice in Australia
   • IMGs advised to apply for registration before PESCI exam
   • Those with 3 years of experience must arrange PESCI before registration
   • Specialist pathway candidates are assessed by specialist medical colleges and do not need PESCI
   • PESCI can be completed with RACGP or ACRRM
4. Registration with AHPRA
   • After passing PESCI
   • Must meet criteria:
     • Current criminal history clearance
     • English proficiency (IELTS, OET, TOEFL IBT, PTE Academic)
     • Recency of practice
     • Professional indemnity insurance
   • Eligibility for general registration after 12 months minimum (47 weeks full-time service)

Conclusion

• Summary of the Competent Authority Pathway eligibility and application process
• Encouragement to watch more healthcare professional videos
• Reminder to like, share, and subscribe for more information
• Closing remarks and thank you for watching