Assessment

An IMG following the Competent Authority pathway who has been granted advanced standing towards their AMC certificate can undergo assessment of his/her clinical performance within the healthcare context. SA IMET has been accredited by the Australian Medical Council to undertake the assessment of Competent Authority doctors.

What is the Competent Authority pathway?

As part of a nationally consistent assessment process for IMGs a new AMC pathway has been developed – the 'Competent Authority Pathway'. This means that there are now three recognised AMC pathways.

The Competent Authority pathway – IMGs applying for non-specialist positions who have completed training and assessment through AMC designated and approved Competent Authorities are eligible to apply for 'advanced standing' toward the AMC certificate. If the AMC grants advanced standing status to the individual, he or she is not required to sit the AMC Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) or AMC clinical examinations, but is required to undertake a workplace based assessment whilst working under supervision. The process of assessment will occur at 3 levels. These form an integrated assessment model and consist of; hospital supervisors reports, structured observed 'long cases' in the workplace with a SA IMET independent assessor in medicine, surgery and emergency department disciplines and a 360° workplace profile from doctor's colleagues.
The Standard pathway – IMGs applying for non-specialist positions that are not eligible for registration under the Competent Authority pathway. Doctors who have obtained qualifications from authorities who are not presently on the AMC Competent Authority list will be required to sit the AMC MCQ and AMC clinical examinations plus complete 12 months accredited training. (Workplace based assessment is not yet available to IMGs in this pathway).
The Specialist pathway – Overseas Trained Specialists (OTS) applying for specialist positions who are eligible for registration under the specialist pathway. This pathway is intended for the range of available specialist positions.

At the moment the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland have been recognised by the AMC for Competent authority status.

What if I didn't train in those countries but I've worked in them and gained the equivalent qualifications?

You may also be eligible for advanced standing towards your AMC certificate.

Please see the AMC website and do the self assessment to determine your eligibility status.

If I am eligible how do I apply for assessment under the Competent Authority model?

Please see the AMC website and complete the Competent Authority Form.

What happens once I've received my certificate of advanced standing?

The SA IMET has been accredited by the AMC to undertake workplace based assessment of doctors on the Competent Authority Pathway. For more information and an application form click here. Enquiries can be directed to joanna.krips@health.sa.gov.au or telephone 8226 7123.

I have been on the waiting list for the clinical exam for a long time. When can I do workplace based training instead of the clinical exam?

It is proposed that workplace based training will become available to IMGs in the current Standard Pathway however this has not yet been confirmed. Further advice will be provided as it becomes available.