There are 3 different kinds of registration that AHPRA offers:
Limited registration
IMGs must pass the AMC CAT MCQ Examination before they can apply to the Board for limited registration. In addition, the IMG must have secured an offer of employment.
The type of limited registration depends on the position:
- Limited registration for postgraduate training or supervised practice
- Limited registration for area of need – if working in an area of need
Further information on limited registration is available on the Board’s website.
Provisional registration
IMGs who have successfully completed both the AMC CAT MCQ and the AMC Clinical Examinations (AMC Certificate holders) must apply for provisional registration. The IMG also needs to have secured an offer of employment.
Further information on provisional registration is available on the Board’s website.
IMGs on the Standard pathway must successfully complete 12 months of supervised practice (minimum of 47 weeks full-time service) in an approved position before being eligible to apply for general registration. The requirements for general registration are outlined in the Board’s Registration standard Granting general registration to medical practitioners who hold an Australian Medical Council certificate.
Regardless of whether an IMG has completed the AMC exams or the WBA, they must demonstrate that they have achieved the expected learning outcomes – either during completion of core rotations or through other learning experiences.
All IMGs on the Standard pathway must pass the AMC CAT MCQ Examination before they can apply to the Board for registration. IMGs who have passed the AMC CAT MCQ only can apply for limited registration.
IMGs who have passed both the AMC CAT MCQ and the AMC Clinical Examinations before commencing their period of supervised practice in Australia, must apply for provisional registration (they are not eligible to apply for limited registration).
All IMGs coming via the Competent Authority pathway must apply for provisional registration.
In practice, there is no difference between limited and provisional registration
Aussie IMG 