Rules and limits

The following conditions apply to all RPL applications. 

Maximum RPL allowed

RPL can't exceed two-thirds of your total program length. This ensures the College maintains oversight of training quality and that all trainees have enough exposure to local healthcare systems.

Currency

Your experience must have been completed within 5 years of entering the training program.

Professional experience completed more than 5 years ago may still be eligible if:

• the gap was due to flexible training arrangements (part-time, parental or medical leave), and
• you can show your skills and knowledge are still current.

General questions

What if I didn't complete any workplace assessments during my experience?

You don't need to have completed workplace assessments — but including evidence of equivalent educational activities will strengthen your application.

If you did complete College workplace assessments during the experience, submit these with your application. If you didn't, a letter of support from a supervisor or referee can be used instead.

Letters of support must:

• be written on hospital letterhead
• describe the type of position you held
• confirm that your work or training was satisfactory
• include the dates and subspecialty of the position
• include details of any relevant accreditation held by the hospital

If you're unable to provide evidence of equivalent educational activities, the assessor may ask you to complete additional assessments before you finish your training program. 

Is prevocational training eligible for RPL?

No. From 1 January 2015, the second year of the NSW Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) intern program can no longer be counted towards Basic Training through RPL. If you are entering Basic Training after completing this program, you are encouraged to apply prospectively for BPT1 instead. 

I'm an IMG who recently gained general registration. Can I apply for RPL for time worked while waiting for my registration?

No. Time worked in Australia while waiting to sit the AMC Part II Examination is not eligible for RPL.

Similarly, time worked in Aotearoa New Zealand before gaining registration in a general scope of practice is not eligible for RPL. You may, however, apply for that time prospectively.

Professional experience questions 

What evidence generally strengthens a professional experience application?

Supervisor, progress or assessor reports covering the period of experience

Completed workplace-based assessments (e.g. mini-CEX, DOPS, multisource feedback, learning and observation captures)

Logbooks or records of clinical activity

Certificates of completion or formal training records

Confirmation of level of responsibility and supervision arrangements

Evidence of ongoing educational activities during the experience

Can I use overseas qualifications as evidence?

What is the limit to the amount of RPL that can be granted under Professional Experience?

• 12 months in most cases (1 phase of training)
• In exceptional circumstances up to 24 months if the experience was part of a formal specialty training program (2 phases)

What won't be considered under Professional Experience?

• The intern year (PGY1)
• PGY2, unless you couldn't have applied prospectively
• Experience taken during an interruption to RACP training
• Experience in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand before you held general registration (AHPRA or MCNZ)
• Basic Training experience completed before completing all Basic Training requirements