Frequently asked questions


Last updated 21 February 2023

Eligiblity requirements


The Certificate of Primary Care Dermatology is open to all GPs and GPs in training.  If you are unsure if you are eligible to register for the program, please email dermcert@racgp.org.au to seek further clarification.


  • DermCert 4: Practical procedures in dermatology, must be completed prior to attending the dermatological surgery two day workshop
  • Participants must complete all 25 online courses and the dermatological surgery two day workshop, prior to undertaking the clinical experience


Yes, international doctors are eligible to register for all courses except for the clinical placement which requires Medical Board (AHPRA) registration. This includes:

  • IMGs based in Australia if they are in general practice
  • those that have had their qualifications accepted by the AMC and are moving into general practice in Australia

Internationally based doctors may also apply for enrolment but the College will review these applications on an individual basis.

 

Certification and accreditation


You will be awarded a Certificate through the RACGP which is accredited under the Australian Medical Council. This is not a diploma course.


The course allows participant GPs to be better equipped to properly utilise the item numbers through the MBS relating to skin investigation and management. It will allow GPs to be able to fully investigate common skin diseases without the necessity to always refer. This provides both professional satisfaction for the GP and also provides best quality care for the patient.


The course provides the GP with the confidence to utilise the range of MBS item numbers within their practice to assist their patients.


This program is not recognised internationally.


RPL is considered on a case-by-case basis. Please email dermcert@racgp.org.au outlining your current work situation such as where are you working, what duties you are currently undertaking etc.


Yes, there are CPD hours for each online course and the workshop.

  • 2 day dermatological surgery workshop has been approved by the RACGP CPD program for 5 educational activity hours and 9 reviewing performance hours in the 2023-2025 triennium.  Attendance is required on both days
  • All  the online courses are CPD activities with the number of hours varying depending on the number of hours for each activity.
  • CPD hours will be allocated once all components of the course are completed.


Yes, once all of the 25 components of the program have been completed you will receive a certificate. If you complete any of the online courses you can download a certificate through your MyRACGP account.

 

Course information


The RACGP Certificate of Primary Care Dermatology original content was developed by the RACGP and the Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD). The 2018/2019 review was managed by Dr Morton Rawlin, Chair of the RACGP Dermatology Specific Interest Group and the content review was conducted by GPs with specific interest in dermatology.

 

The Certificate consists of:

  • 25 online courses delivered online through gplearning
  • a two day dermatological surgery workshop
  • three full days or six half days of clinical experience

The Certificate does not include:

  • Half day workshop Introduction to dermoscopy – all you wanted to know but were afraid to ask

Browse the syllabus here.


We allow 3 years to complete the Certificate. You can complete the certificate at your own pace – sign up per course or register for the whole certificate. Some participants finish it within 12 months and others have needed the 3 years to get through it.

Each course differs in how many hours it takes to complete it – some only require one hour of core education, while others can extend to 12 hours once you include the recommended reading and any predisposing/reflective activities. Refer to syllabus here.


The key references below contain essential pre-reading for each course:

  • DermCert 1-23
    • Habif T, Chapman S, Dinulos J, Zug K. Skin disease. Diagnosis and treatment. 4th ed: Elsevier Saunders, 2018
  • DermCert 24
    • Delves et al 2017. Roitt’s Essential Immunology. 13th edition, Wiley Blackwell; Pages 4-10 and 12-13.
  • DermCert 25
    • Rosendahl, C & Marozava 2019, A. Dermatoscopy and Skin Cancer: A handbook for hunters of skin cancer and melanoma, Scion Publishing
  • Recommended further reading
    • Robinson J, Hanke C, Siegel D, Fratila A. Surgery of the skin. Procedural dermatology: 2nd edition Elsevier Mosby, 2010

We recommend that you purchase the textbooks to assist with your learning. Take advantage of the special offer with Macquarie Medical Systems and receive 20% discount off the RRP of the course references. Discount codes will be provided after courses have been paid for.

The 3 major course references will be complimentary if registering for the full certificate.


RACGP members can access limited pages of some of these course references from the RACGP John Murtagh Library. Please note: copyright laws prevent the Library from supplying more than 10% of a resource.


Once you register and your payment has been received, the courses will be added into your gplearning account. You will be advised via email how to access these courses within 3 working days of receipt of payment.


You can do the courses in any order, apart from the clinical attachment placement. The placement can only be attended once all of the other components have been completed.


Completed courses will sit in your gplearning account and you can review them at any time. The courses will not be removed from your account.

 

Introduction to dermoscopy
(not part of the Certificate)

2 day Dermatological surgery workshop

Venue

Sydney

2 June 2023

(12.30pm-5.00pm)

3-4 June 2023 TBC
Melbourne

24 November 2023

(12.30pm-5.00pm)

25-26 November 2023 TBC
Find out more Introduction to dermoscopy 2 day dermatological surgery workshop  


Yes – all surgical instruments and consumables will be provided at the workshop. Please do not bring your own surgical instruments.


When you register for the clinical experience, you will be asked to complete a few questions via the registration portal. This information is sent through to the Program Administrator who will arrange the placement with your mentoring dermatologist. We do our best to place you close to your practice or your home.


Course costs


You may be eligible to claim for the Dermatological surgery workshop. The Rural Procedural Grants Program (RPGP) provides financial assistance for procedural GPs in rural and remote areas (RA 2-5) to access relevant activities in order to assist them in maintaining or updating their skills.

Please note that you must register in the Rural Procedural Grants Program prior to undertaking any educational activities, which you would like to claim. You must be credentialed as a GP Surgeon and working in a rural location to be eligible to claim for the workshop. 

For more information email rural.procedural.grants@racgp.org.au or call 1800 636 764.

Component

Description

Cost (incl GST)

Online courses

 

There are 25 online courses included in the certificate and the cost per course differs.

Please refer to the fee schedule for pricing details for each course.

Workshops

 

The two-day dermatological surgery workshop.

The workshop on its own costs $2640, but a discount is available if you bundle it with pre-requisite course DermCert 4.

The half day workshop  ‘Introduction to dermoscopy - all you wanted to know but were afraid to ask’ 

(Please note that this workshop is not a compulsory requirement to complete the Certificate of Primary Care Dermatology)

The workshop on its own costs $400, but a discount is available if you bundle it with pre-requisite course DermCert 4 & 2 day dermatological surgery workshop

Clinical experience

 

Clinical experience is offered to those who have completed all online courses and attended a face-to-face workshop.

The three full days or six half days of hosted attachment costs $1210.

 

Full certificate

 

You can bundle up all elements and pay for the full certificate in advance. (This includes all 25 online courses, 2 day dermatological surgery workshop, clinical experience and 3 major course references.).

Participants will have three years to complete the full certificate.

This will cost $13,500, which is a saving of $1418.


No, you cannot pay in instalments but we do offer PAYG. Further information can be found here.


For further information regarding the cancellation and refund policy, please check here.

You can also email as refunds are considered on a case by case basis.

 

Special Partner Offer

 

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Macquarie Medical Systems to provide the following special offers:

  • 20% discount off the RRP on the course references
  • Discounts on specific DermLite dermatascopes (save up to $334 RRP)
  • 5% discount off all products purchased through their online store

Discount codes will be provided after courses have been paid for.

View special offer savings

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