Applying for specialist assessment

International psychiatrists who hold the highest psychiatry qualification in their home country (at the time of qualification) may apply for specialist assessment by the RANZCP. 

It is important to note that candidates are prioritised in accordance with the date of receipt of a complete application.

Specialist assessment specifications

This assessment: 

• has essential eligibility criteria 
• checks your qualifications as compared to a RANZCP Fellow 
• requires an application form and supporting documentation 
• takes approximately 18 weeks  
• attracts fees 
• has three possible outcomes – substantially, partially or not comparable  

Depending on the outcome of your application, you will be invited to enrol in the relevant pathway to proceed on your pathway to FRANZCP. 

Specialist assessment process 

1. Check your eligibility
2. Apply to the RANZCP
3. Pay required fees 
4. Review by panel 
5. Receive summary of preliminary review
6. Proceed to interview 
7. Outcome of application

This process takes approximately 18 weeks from the time the application is received until the outcome result.  

Check your eligibility

Your qualifications, English language skills, medical registration status and other criteria determine whether you can apply for this pathway.

You must hold the highest psychiatry qualification available in your home country at the time of qualification.

Eligibility criteria 

Apply to the College

Complete the application form and provide supporting documentation.

Application form

Pay fees

An administration fee of $473 is due on application.

If your application is incomplete, an additional fee of $236 may be charged. 

The full application fee of $6142 will be invoiced once your application is found to be complete. 

Review by panel

Applications are reviewed on set dates throughout the year. 

Assessment dates

Submit your application well ahead if you have a specific date in mind. Only a limited number of applications are reviewed on each date.

Your qualifications and experience will be compared to RANZCP standards. The panel uses a uniform assessment framework that considers: 

• training standards, quality of training and supervision 
• accreditation standards 
• health and mental health standards and systems 
• experience at a consultant psychiatrist 
• recognition of further learning. 

Interview

Interviews are conducted on one day during the assessment round.  

You will be informed of your interview date and time 21 days after the panel completes their initial assessment.  We recommended that you keep this period free of other commitments until you are notified of your date.

Interview dates and times cannot be changed. 

Outcome of application

There are three possible outcomes of the specialist assessment process: 

• Substantially Comparable 
• Partially Comparable 
• Not Comparable.

Substantially Comparable 

If you are found to be substantially comparable you will be offered a place in a Substantial Comparability Placement cohort. 

You will receive a list of your training requirements in an outcome letter. 

Orientation period

Before starting your placement, you must complete a three-month job orientation period. This is additional to the 12-month Substantial Comparability Placement. 

Partially Comparable

If you are found to be Partially Comparable, you will be offered a place on the Partial Comparability Placement.

You will receive a list of your training requirements in an outcome letter. 

Not Comparable  

If your qualifications, training and experiences are not considered equivalent to RANZCP training standards, you have the option to apply to the Fellowship Program.