The College has approximately 3600 members, representing around 94 percent of all general practitioners in New Zealand, providing a strong mandate to speak and act on behalf of the profession.

Full Membership and Fellowship is attainable only by examination and assessment. Associate membership of the College is open to any registered medical practitioner who is working in general practice in New Zealand. Associates may take a full part in College affairs, except that they may not vote at the Annual General Meeting of the College. Associate membership therefore carries no implication of academic or professional achievement or status.