The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has recently undertaken a comprehensive review of the Comparability Assessment process for the Practice Experience Program (PEP) Specialist Stream. We're excited to share some significant changes that will make the application process more accessible and efficient for overseas medical professionals aspiring to achieve vocational recognition in Australia.
Effective from 22 November 2023, the RACGP has implemented key exemptions to specific Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements within the Comparability Assessment process. These changes are designed to simplify the application procedure while maintaining the integrity of the assessment.
1. Continued Professional Development (CPD):
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- Any 50 hours of CPD completed in the 12 months prior to applying for the Comparability Assessment will now be eligible for assessment.
- The previous limits on the maximum hours per day (10 hours) and the maximum hours in each CPD area (20 hours) have been removed.
- Applicants must still provide detailed evidence (as outlined in clause 3.3.4.b) supporting their CPD activities.
2. Clinical Case Analyses (CCA):
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- The previous mandatory submission of 10 Clinical Case Analyses (CCA) has been abolished (clause 3.3.4.c).
The outlined exemptions apply to both pending and new applications. If you currently have an application pending, rest assured that the exemption to the CPD requirements will be automatically applied.
For those who have already received their Comparability Assessment outcome, this update is not applicable, and no further action is required.
These changes to the Comparability Assessment process for the PEP Specialist Stream mark a positive step forward in enhancing accessibility for medical professionals seeking recognition in the field.
For more information refer to the RACGP website: A guide to completing the PEP Specialist Stream Comparability Assessment - policy 3.3.4.
