RACGP PEP Program – Your Complete Guide

For more than 60 years now, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has been at the forefront of setting standards for GP practice and education in Australia.

The RACGP continues to assist general practitioners – whether medical students, GPs in training or experienced GPs – in their profession, by developing resources and guidelines that enable them to provide top-notch healthcare to their patients and resolve particular problems that arise in their practices.

In January 2019, the RACGP introduced the Practice Experience Program (PEP) as a pathway to support non-vocationally registered doctors working toward Fellowship. This program is designed to assist non-vocationally registered (non-VR) practitioners on their road to RACGP Fellowship.

The RACGP PEP is one of the 3GA programs under Section 19AA of the Health Insurance Act. Under Section 19AA of the Health Insurance Act, eligible doctors may access Medicare billing through approved training and workforce programs (such as PEP Specialist), subject to location, pathway eligibility, and RACGP approval. Medicare access, provider number type, and billing arrangements vary depending on the individual’s pathway, Modified Monash Model (MMM) location, and approval status.

If you’re an IMG or non-VR GP, Alecto can assist you in several ways. We can help you navigate what could seem to be complicated processes, including:

• Commencing the registration process through the Australian Medical Council
• Finding an attractive GP Job in Australia.
• Attaining fellowship status with the RACGP or ACRRM.

What Is PEP?

As previously mentioned, the PEP by RACGP is a self-directed education program designed for non-VR doctors in their pursuit of an RACGP fellowship.

The PEP was previously funded under the Australian Government’s Non-Vocationally Registered Fellowship Support Program as part of the Stronger Rural Health Strategy. While government funding has since concluded, the program continues to be delivered nationally by the RACGP in collaboration with accredited training organisations.

The program lets participants concentrate on their unique learning requirements and the aspects of Australian general practice that are of the greatest relevance to them.

The program material consists of numerous online learning courses, many of which are practice-based, and several workplace-based assessments (WBA). Although the learning units are not compulsory, the WBA components are required.

Aside from equipping non-VR GPs with the tools and information they need to succeed in their fellowship goals and practice, participants benefit from the PEP in Australia in another way. Seasoned specialist GP medical educators in designated training organisations also provide participants support, direction, and educational advice.

PEP Streams

Historically, the RACGP Practice Experience Program (PEP) included both a Standard stream and a Specialist stream. Today, the PEP Specialist stream remains active, while non-VR doctors now progress through the RACGP Fellowship Support Program (FSP).

PEP Standard Stream (Closed to New Entrants)

The RACGP PEP standard stream was introduced in January 2019. It was a pilot program meant to help non-VR doctors, providing them access to a self-directed, partially subsidised education program as part of their progression toward RACGP fellowship.

Doctors must complete the program in a minimum of two terms (12 months) and a maximum of five terms, depending on their particular learning needs.

Government funding for the PEP Standard stream ended on 30 June 2023, and the program is now closed to new applicants. In view of this, the RACGP introduced the Fellowship Support Program (FSP).

Following the closure of the PEP Standard stream, the RACGP Fellowship Support Program (FSP) became the primary pathway for non-vocationally registered doctors seeking Fellowship. The FSP has different eligibility criteria, assessment requirements, and funding arrangements compared to PEP.

PEP Specialist Stream

The RACGP PEP specialist stream is a 3GA program supported by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). It offers international medical graduates with overseas specialist qualifications, structured education and peer assistance.

For specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs), the RACGP PEP specialist pathway is a recognised pathway toward RACGP Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

At the end of 2019, the PEP specialist stream replaced the Specialist Recognition Program (SRP).

Each specialist international medical graduate is issued a unique PEP 3GA provider number under the PEP specialist stream in order to bill Medicare at the full item rates.

In this blog post, our main focus would be the PEP specialist stream, and the entire discussion below will be centred on it exclusively.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for the PEP Specialist Stream?

To be considered for the RACGP PEP Specialist stream, applicants must submit a PEP Specialist application and undergo a formal comparability assessment. Eligibility is determined on an individual basis and depends on qualifications, training, recency of practice, and assessment outcomes.

• Finish a comparability assessment
• Possess a recognised general practice specialty qualification
• A qualification classified as Substantially or partially comparable

The qualifications listed below are examples of overseas general practice qualifications that have previously been assessed by the RACGP. Inclusion on this list does not guarantee eligibility or comparability, as outcomes depend on individual training pathways, recency of practice, and supporting documentation.

How to Apply for PEP

While the PEP Specialist application process follows a defined structure, it involves multiple steps and approvals that must be carefully coordinated. But first, you need to have your RACGP ID ready. If you don’t have an RACGP account yet, you’ll need to register to get a special user ID. Beginning the process to become a bona fide fellow through RACGP PEP application comprises the following basic steps:

• Comparability Assessment: Determines whether the applicant is substantially, partially, or not comparable.
• Approval of Job Offer: RACGP reviews the proposed role, location, and scope of practice to confirm suitability under the pathway.
• Right to Work & Provider Number Request: Visa details are submitted and, if approved, a pathway-specific Medicare provider number is requested.

Medicare provider numbers issued under the PEP Specialist stream are location- and pathway-specific and do not provide unrestricted Medicare access. Billing arrangements depend on the approved role, Modified Monash Model (MMM) location, and compliance with RACGP and Medicare requirements.

For the uninitiated, the PEP specialist application process can feel overwhelming. Candidates with Alecto can expect to get guidance and support throughout their application to the PEP specialist stream.

PEP Program Fees and Costs

The RACGP PEP Specialist stream was previously co-funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Stronger Rural Health Strategy. Government funding concluded on 30 June 2023, and the program is now delivered on a self-funded basis. The fees below are indicative only and reflect typical costs associated with the PEP Specialist stream. Fees are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances.*Fees are subject to change without notice. Individual circumstances may affect applicable membership fees. Aside from the aforementioned PEP specialist stream fees, applicants should also be prepared for other expenses. These include expenses involving applications support assistance, documentation, visa processing, migration agency or lawyer services, accommodation and relocation.

Comparability Assessment

The comparability assessment is required of specialist international medical graduates who wish to qualify for the PEP specialist stream. Comparability refers to the extent by which an SIMG’s recent training, continuity of practice, ongoing professional development, assessment methods, credentials, and clinical experience are deemed to be comparable to those of an Australian-trained general practitioner at the stage of attaining fellowship.

• Recency and continuity of practice: As part of the comparability assessment, the RACGP considers recency and continuity of practice. Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate recent and ongoing general practice experience, with explanations required for any extended breaks in clinical practice. (Indicative benchmarks may include recent FTE general practice experience within the last 12–48 months.)
• Continuing professional development (CPD): Applicants are expected to demonstrate ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to Australian general practice. This typically includes evidence of recent CPD activities and case-based learning, in line with RACGP requirements at the time of assessment.
• Assessment type: The RACGP assesses whether an applicant’s previous training and assessment processes are broadly comparable to Australian general practice standards, including both theoretical knowledge and clinical competence.
• Training route: Candidates must hold a qualification in specialist general practice and provide documentation of the training route they finished.
• Curriculum: The RACGP reviews the applicant’s training pathway and curriculum to determine whether it aligns with Australian general practice standards.

Comparability outcomes are determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary depending on individual training history, documentation, and RACGP policy at the time of assessment.

Comparability Assessment Outcome

Applicants who undergo the comparability assessment may fall within three distinct categories:  substantially comparable, partially comparable, or not comparable.

• Substantially comparable: The applicant has been found qualified to practice within the intended practice scope, taking full responsibility for all patients, with minimal supervision from a supervisor (peer review). After meeting the requirements of the PEP Specialist Stream Substantially Comparable Entry Policy and the applicable Requirements for Fellowship, the candidate may be eligible to submit an application for RACGP Fellowship, subject to successful completion of all required assessments.
• Partially comparable: The applicant has been determined to be qualified to engage in a specific scope of practice under supervision and work toward Fellowship, typically within up to 24 months of full-time equivalent (FTE) practice, depending on individual progress and assessment outcomes. Following their compliance with the PEP Specialist Stream Partially Comparable Entry Policy and PEP Specialist Stream Partially Comparable Requirements for Fellowship, the applicant may then apply for fellowship.
• Not comparable: The candidate doesn’t meet the PEP specialist stream comparability criteria or has been determined to be unable to do so within 24 months of FTE practice. Applicants assessed as not comparable may be eligible to pursue RACGP Fellowship through alternative pathways, such as the RACGP Fellowship Support Program (FSP), subject to meeting the relevant eligibility and entry requirements.

Timeframes to Fellowship vary between individuals and depend on assessment outcomes, supervision requirements, examination schedules, and successful completion of all RACGP requirements.

Finding RACGP-Approved GP Jobs

SIMGs who have decided to migrate to Australia and find RACGP-approved GP positions need all the help they can get to maximise their time, effort and financial investment. With Alecto, you know you’re getting expert assistance every step of the way as you navigate the complicated process of finding work and relocating. Before you move, we will assist you with the necessary documentation work, such as those involving passports, application numbers, visas, and many more. More importantly, Alecto can help you find RACGP-approved GP jobs. In fact, you can check out our website to find Australian GP jobs offered from across the country.

Application for Registration and Provider Number

Before a Medicare provider number can be issued, specialist international medical graduates must have an RACGP-approved job offer and hold appropriate registration with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) via AHPRA. International medical graduates seeking registration to practise medicine in Australia must demonstrate their eligibility to follow one of the assessment pathways listed below:

• Competent authority pathway
• Standard pathway
• Specialist pathway

The appropriate registration pathway depends on the applicant’s qualifications, training background, and comparability outcome.

The evaluation process measures the knowledge and clinical abilities of IMGs aspiring for Australian medical registration eligibility. MBA registration and provider number applications can take several weeks to process and are only granted for the applicant’s authorised practice. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to work with an establishment like Alecto to get the support and guidance you need to undergo the necessary processes and meet all requirements.

Program Completion and RACGP Fellowship

Participants assessed as substantially or partially comparable may be eligible to apply for RACGP Fellowship after successfully completing all required program components, assessments, and examinations.

• Participants who complete the PEP Specialist Stream Substantially Comparable Entry Policy and PEP Specialist Stream Substantially Comparable Requirements for Fellowship Policy may submit an application for RACGP fellowship.
• Candidates who complete the PEP Specialist Stream Partially Comparable Entry Policy and PEP Specialist Stream Partially Comparable Requirements for Fellowship may apply for RACGP fellowship.

The road to RACGP fellowship is by no means an easy one. But once RACGP Fellowship is awarded, doctors can access a range of professional and career benefits associated with specialist general practice recognition. The FRACGP credential demonstrates that a GP has completed the highest level of training and has been deemed competent to practice independently. The FRACGP qualification also offers the following benefits:

• GPs can use the letters FRACGP after their name.
• They can access unrestricted Medicare item numbers applicable to specialist general practitioners.
• RACGP Fellowship may support recognition or further assessment with overseas colleges such as those in New Zealand, Ireland, or Canada, subject to the requirements of the relevant regulatory bodies.

Having a FRACGP credential also gives you access to many excellent career opportunities as a GP in Australia. Alecto provides ongoing career guidance and recruitment support for doctors progressing through RACGP pathways, including assistance for candidates preparing for or awaiting fellowship examination outcomes. Get in touch with Alecto today!

The following costs are indicative only and provided for general guidance. RACGP fees, examination costs, and membership charges are subject to change and should be confirmed directly with the RACGP at the time of application.

Actual costs vary depending on comparability outcome, examination requirements, RACGP membership category, and timing of applications. Additional costs may include visa processing, relocation, professional indemnity insurance, and migration or legal assistance.