ACRRM vs the RACGP pathway for South African trained Family Medical Specialists seeking registration in Australia

Australia is unique in that it has two general practice colleges: ACRRM and the RACGP. Both offer specialist pathways to registration for doctors who completed specialist family medicine training in South Africa. But they have very different requirements despite leading to the same outcome; gaining Fellowship and specialist registration status with AHPRA. So which one could be best for you?

Qualification check; key South African (SA) qualifications recognised

• ACRRM codified list includes both SA qualifications: Master of Family Medicine (SA) and Fellowship of the College of Family Physicians (FCFP(SA)).
• RACGP PEP Specialist list: FCFP(SA) eligible (reviewed June 2023).

ACRRM – Specialist Pathway

Pros

• Accepts MMed Family Medicine and FCFP(SA).
• SA family medicine training (district hospitals, emergency, procedures) fits ACRRM rural generalist scope.
• Substantially comparable: 6–12 months FTE supervised practice (max 2 yrs).
• Partially comparable: 6–24 months FTE + further training (max 4 yrs).
• Supervision at least Level 3 – doctor takes primary responsibility for patients.
• Lower upfront fees: application $800, paper assessment $680, interview $2,295, ME session $1,535, quarterly support $735, membership $495/yr.
• Leads to FACRRM + specialist registration in General Practice.

Cons

• Need ≥3 yrs clinical care away from ready specialist/diagnostic/allied health access – evidence required.
• Must work in ACRRM-approved MM4–7 rural service during pathway and must have this approved as part of the comparability assessment.
• Advanced Life Support course + ACRRM Professional Development Program enrolment required.
• Workplace-based assessments, plus extras if panel requires, must be completed within 12 months of arriving in Australia.
• Smaller college than RACGP.

RACGP – PEP Specialist Stream

Pros

• FCFP(SA) is on RACGP’s eligible list.
• Most widely recognised GP fellowship.
• No rural experience needed: 12 months FTE GP in last 4 yrs (+4 weeks in last year), 50 hrs CPD.
• You can apply for you comparability assessment which is valid for 12 months and then find a position. The position still must be RACGP-approved which is a quick application
•  More approved job locations MMM2+.

Cons

• MMed-only doctors are not currently eligible.
• FCFP is partialy comparable: AKT, KFP, CCE exams are mandatory, ~24 months FT (48 PT).
• Higher costs: program fee ~$12,500 + exams $2,868 –$5,866 each (2026/27 rates)
• Rural/emergency/procedural skills less specifically credited.

Both

• 10-year moratorium: Medicare billing generally limited to DPAs.
• “Not comparable” outcome = can’t use that college’s specialist pathway.
• Primary source verification via AMC/EPIC needed for both pathways.

Rough guide: ACRRM usually fits rural South African family physicians best, especially those with only an MMed(FamMed) qualification. RACGP suits FCFP(SA) holders without 3 years of rural experience, or those who don’t want to stay rural during the pathway.

For the latest costs and requirements get in touch with me today or check out the following resources:

• ACRRM – Specialist Pathway
• ACRRM – Specialist Pathway Guide (PDF)
• RACGP – PEP Specialist Stream eligibility (eligible qualifications list)