Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Doctors who have completed general practice vocational training outside New Zealand or have experience of working in general practice may apply to have this recognised as contributing to their pathway to Fellowship with RNZCGP and registration in the vocational scope of general practice.

Doctors with General Practice Vocational Training outside New Zealand

The following overseas general practice vocational programmes have been assessed as being comparable to part or all of the General Practice Education Programme.

Doctors who hold the following qualification and gained this qualification by passing the RACGP assessment in Australia are eligible for Fellowship by reciprocity:

• Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Doctors who hold the following qualifications by passing the assessment requirements of that country may apply for exemption from GPEP1 and Primex:

• Members or Fellows of the Royal College of General Practitioners
• Members or Fellows of the Irish College of General Practitioners
• Fellows of the Hong Kong College of General Practitioners
• Certificants in General Practice, Netherlands

Doctors who hold the following qualifications are exempt from GPEP1 and Primex written papers, but not the clinical examinations section:

• Certificants in Family Medicine, College of Family Physicians of Canada (if gained following introduction of clinical exam, both exempt)
• Diplomates of the American Board of Family Medicine (current certification not essential)

Doctors who have completed other overseas general practice vocational training programmes and/or summative assessments which have not been assessed by the RNZCGP may apply for recognition of prior training to determine if they are eligible for an exemption from components of training and/or assessment.  There is a fee for this service.

Recognition of prior training Frequently Asked Questions

Recognition of prior training Application Form

Contact Sarah Partridge, Vocational Registration Advisor vradvisor@rnzcgp.org.nz for further information.

Doctors with general practice experience

All doctors are required to undertake GPEP1 or comparable training prior to sitting Primex.  However previous general practice experience will reduce the amount of time it takes to complete GPEP2.  Recognition of prior general practice experience is part of the regular application process for the General Practice Education programme.  Record your experience on the application form and it will be taken into account when you enter GPEP2.