The Competent Authority Pathway for IMGs: A Route to General Registration in Australia

The Competent Authority Pathway is a streamlined registration option for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who have completed qualifications or assessments through an approved international medical authority. This article outlines the pathway's eligibility criteria, registration process, and steps to work as a doctor in Australia.

Who Is This Pathway For?

This pathway is intended for IMGs, both general practitioners and non-specialists—who are seeking general registration in Australia after completing medical education and training in a competent authority country.

What Is a Competent Authority?

A competent authority is an international medical body approved by the Medical Board of Australia to assess an IMG’s clinical knowledge and skills to a standard comparable to Australian requirements.

Approved Competent Authorities

The following organisations are recognised under the Competent Authority Pathway:

• General Medical Council (GMC), UK
• Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), USA
• Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ)
• Medical Council of Ireland (MCI)
• National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), USA

Competent Authority Categories and Eligibility

You may be eligible if you meet both the qualification/assessment requirement and the required clinical experience outlined in one of the following categories:

CAT A – United Kingdom (GMC – PLAB)

• Passed the PLAB test
• Completed Foundation Year 1 or 12 months of supervised training in the UK

CAT B – UK Medical Graduate

• Graduate of a GMC-accredited UK medical program (including recognised offshore campuses)
• Completed Foundation Year 1 or equivalent

CAT C – Canada (MCC)

• Passed the LMCC exams
• Completed 12 months of residency training in Canada

CAT D – United States (ECFMG/USMLE)

• Passed USMLE Step   s 1–3 or older NBME exams
• Completed 2 years of ACGME-accredited residency training

CAT E – New Zealand (MCNZ)

• Passed the NZREX
• Completed the required accredited rotating internship

CAT F – Ireland (MCI)

• Graduate of an MCI-accredited course (including offshore programs)
• Completed internship in Ireland

CAT G – USA (NBOME/COMLEX-USA)

• Passed all levels of COMLEX-USA
• Completed 2 years of ACGME/AOA-accredited residency

Combined Experience Rules

The Medical Board may allow experience from another competent authority country to fulfil the clinical component, as long as it meets the exact criteria outlined for that category.

Examples:

• LMCC (Canada) + 12 months supervised training in the UK (GMC-approved)
• LMCC (Canada) + 2 years ACGME residency (USA)

Does This Pathway Lead to General Registration?

Yes. The Competent Authority Pathway leads to general registration, allowing IMGs to practise unsupervised in Australia following the completion of 12 months of supervised practice.

What Type of Registration Do I Apply for First?

You must apply for provisional registration first. This allows you to complete your required 12 months of supervised practice (minimum 47 weeks full-time equivalent).

Requirements While Provisionally Registered

Once provisionally registered, you must:

• Complete an orientation to the Australian health system
• Submit supervision reports after 3 months and at the end of the supervised period
• Satisfactorily complete 12 months of supervised practice
• Apply for general registration

How to Apply for the Competent Authority Pathway

1. Verify Qualifications: Apply to the AMC for Primary Source Verification using ECFMG's EPIC service
2. Create EPIC Account: Set up a MyIntealth/EPIC profile
3. Secure a Job Offer: This could be in a hospital or an Area of Need
4. Complete PESCI (if required for general practice): Learn more about PESCI assessments
5. Apply for Provisional Registration with the Medical Board of Australia, including supervision details

Additional Notes

• Australian clinical experience may be accepted as a substitute for the post-exam training component in some cases
• Experience and qualifications must match the definitions in each category to ensure eligibility

For more information, consult the Medical Board’s official Competent Authority Pathway page

Ready to Work in Australia?

At Globe Healthcare, we specialise in helping IMGs transition smoothly into the Australian healthcare system. Whether you’re looking for a locum, fixed-term, or permanent role, we can support you from registration through to placement.

Contact our team today to start your journey.