What is the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) Expedited Specialist Pathway?
The MBA Expedited Specialist Pathway is a route to specialist medical registration in Australia. It is available to specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs) whose qualifications are deemed by the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) to be substantially equivalent, or based on similar competencies, to an approved Australian specialist qualification. It is run entirely by the (MBA) – not the RACGP.

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How does RACGP support overseas-trained GPs?
There is an exclusive orientation package for RACGP Members who are participants in the Medical Board of Australia’s (MBA) Expedited Specialist Pathway.
Support is also available in areas such as CPD, advocacy, clinical and practice resources, and professional networks.

Who is eligible for the MBA Expedited Specialist Pathway?
Specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs) with qualifications recognised by the Medical Board of Australia as substantially equivalent are eligible. Refer to the MBA website for the list of accepted qualifications.  MBA.

Why aren't all countries or qualifications included in the MBA Expedited Specialist Pathway?
This decision is made by the Medical Board of Australia, not the RACGP.
The MBA Expedited Specialist pathway accepted qualification list details eligibility.

What other pathways to specialist registration are available for SIMGs?
The RACGP’s Practice Experience Program – Specialist Stream (PEP-SP) is the recommended option for general practice specialists seeking Fellowship (FRACGP) and includes comprehensive support and guidance.

Why should I choose PEP-SP over the MBA Expedited Specialist Pathway?
Benefits of PEP-SP include:

• Medical educator support
• Extensive online resources
• Preparation for Medicare and cultural competency
• Access to the Rural Generalist Fellowship (higher remuneration)
• Opportunities in medical education and leadership
• Streamlined CPD hours

If You’re Not Eligible for MBA Expedited Specialist Pathway, you may be eligible to apply to the RACGP’s Practice Experience Program PEP Specialist Stream
Check the RACGP Roadmap to Fellowship for alternative options.

What if I’m not eligible for either pathway?
Check the RACGP Roadmap to Fellowship for alternative options.

Can I do both the PEP-SP and MBA Expedited Specialist Pathway simultaneously?
No. Under legislation, you cannot be vocationally registered and enrolled in a training program at the same time.

Why should I become an RACGP member?
Membership provides the foundation for a confident, connected and supported career in Australian general practice.

Benefits include:  

• CPD Home with curated learning - Make Continuing Professional Development (CPD) easier with access to high-quality activities, personalised learning plans, and tools to track progress — all mapped to Medical Board requirements. All registered Specialist General Practitioners in Australia must have a CPD Home.
• Pathway to Fellowship
• Recognition of extended skills - We support you to grow and be recognised in areas of special interest — like rural health, mental health, procedural skills, and more — through structured programs, peer networks, and learning opportunities.
• Leadership opportunities – There are tailored leadership programs to support career growth — whether you're interested in clinical leadership, teaching, or shaping policy.
• Access to clinical and educational resources - Including guidelines, checklists, practice tools and member-only updates to support quality patient care.
• Advocacy, policy and research- We advocate for GPs on issues that matter — including Medicare reform, funding, workforce, and policy change — and membership helps amplify that voice.
• Connection to a supportive community - Whether you’re new to Australia or experienced, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive network of peers — with local faculty events, webinars, and opportunities to share knowledge and experiences.

For more information, see: RACGP membership

Do I need to be a member to access CPD?
Yes, having a CPD Home is also a requirement of all registered medical practitioners in Australia. If you are on the MBA’s Expedited Specialist Pathway, you must have an Australian  CPD Home.  

What type of membership do I need?
Overseas  participants on the MBA Expedited Specialist Pathway can join the RACGP as an Associate Member (Overseas). Upon arrival in Australia, membership will need to be updated to either Associate Member - Concession or Full fee (which is dependent on estimated and actual income).
 

Any questions: Contact Member Services on 1800 472 247 or membership@racgp.org.au. We’re here to help.

What are the CPD requirements under the MBA Expedited Specialist Pathway?

As a doctor on the MBA Expedited Specialist Pathway, you have a CPD requirement now.

• All doctors with active medical registration with AHPRA must meet the MBA CPD Registration Standard requirements. 
• You must join a CPD Home – The RACGP can be your CPD Home for curated CPD to meet your learning needs. 
  • Members will be supported to have their CPD recognised  by the RACGP while they are completing the MBA Expedited Specialist Pathway.  
• Dependent on registration date, doctors will have varying CPD requirements. i.e. Doctors who received their first Australian medical registration by 30 June will have to meet their full CPD requirements for that year. However, doctors who received their first Australian medical registration from 1 July are entitled to a CPD variation for that year. The CPD team will help members with this.
• Doctors who have an Australian medical registration have a CPD requirement, irrespective of whether they are overseas and/or working.

Should I apply for Fellowship of the RACGP? 

Yes – Fellowship is the next step in your career. It gives you the professional recognition that comes with the post-nominals FRACGP and connects you to a respected community of specialist GPs across Australia. As a Fellow, you’ll have access to education, resources and advocacy that support you at every stage of practice. You’ll be able to take on rewarding roles such as supervision and training, expand your professional network, and help shape the future of general practice. 

How do I apply? 

When you apply, we’ll ask you to share evidence of your registration, including your letter from Ahpra confirming completion of the MBA Expedited Specialist Pathway (titled, Notice of decision to grant application). You will also need to provide evidence of current life support training and your CV, along with a proposal from an RACGP Fellow. As part of the process, you will take part in a member welcome discussion with RACGP representatives. Once approved, you will be welcomed as a Fellow of the RACGP. 

Please read our Fellowship policy and MBA Expedited Specialist Pathway Fellowship policy before submitting your application. 

Can I complete the Rural Generalist Fellowship without FRACGP? 

Fellowship of the RACGP (FRACGP) is the first step. It gives you the professional recognition and strong foundation you’ll need before moving on to the Rural Generalist Fellowship. Together, these Fellowships strengthen your skills, expand your opportunities and support you to make an even greater impact in rural and remote communities. 

I am an active SC participant who has commenced but not completed my PEP SP program (either not commenced assessments or partially commenced), can I transfer to expedited pathways? 
You can apply to the MBA to join the Expedited Specialist Pathway whilst you are still on the PEP SP program.
If you commence on the Expedited Specialist Pathway, you must withdraw from the PEP SP program.
You can continue on the PEP SP whilst you are awaiting an outcome of your application.
Please be aware that an outcome from the MBA may take several months. If you are not accepted on the Expedited Specialist Pathway, you still have the option to continue on the PEP SP but you will still be bound by the maximum PEP SP program timeframes.

Will I be given credit for the time and assessment I have done on the PEP SP program?
This is a decision that will be made by Ahpra.  

I have been assessed as SC but not signed my agreement with RACGP PEP SP program, will I be eligible for the MBA’s Expedited Specialist Pathway?
Please check the MBA’s Expedited Specialist Pathway requirements.

Does Ahpra collect information from the RACGP about my performance on the PEP SP?
Yes

When would Aphra request this information?
If you are on the PEP SP and apply for the MBA's Expedited Specialist Pathway

What information does the RACGP supply?
The RACGP supplies a letter of status to Ahpra which contains details of what an individual has completed on the PEP program. Ahpra may ask for further details relating to that letter including the Workplace Based Assessment that has been completed and the outcome of that assessment."

What if I want to withdraw from PEP-SP? See policy
Before you withdraw consider;

• Your RACGP membership status changes which attracts a new fee
• You become solely responsible for completing and recording your CPD requirements
• You will lose access to the supports in the PEP-SP. You will no longer be on a training pathway and the benefits associated with this cease to exist for you – for example, you will not have a mentor any longer and you will still need to complete the MBA’s orientation.
• There are other fees required by the MBA to complete their orientation. These include Cultural Safety Training, and a multi-source feedback process.
• The RACGP may be required to send a Letter of Status to the MBA/ Ahpra. A letter of status includes information about progression in the PEP Specialist pathway. This may include a copy of the most recent progression letter sent to the participant and could indicate if work-based assessment is at the required standard, needs repeating, or if the participant is moving to a different stream of the Practice Experience Program (PEP).

withdrawal policy

Submit a written request to: pepspecialistadmin@racgp.org.au

Can I re-enrol in PEP-SP after I have been registered on the MBA Expedited Specialist Pathway?
No. It is a legislative requirement that once you have specialist registration you cannot also be on a pathway to registration. Please make your decision carefully and ensure you are informed of the supports and costs beforehand.

Further information on the MBA’s Expedited Specialist Pathway
MBA FAQs