Assessment of qualifications for the Expedited Specialist pathway

The AMC assesses each specialist medical qualification referred by the Medical Board for assessment against the Australian approved qualification. Qualifications are assessed against the following criteria:

1. Holders of the specialist qualification have eligibility for specialist recognition in the medical specialty in the country where the program leading to the qualification is completed.
2. Attaining the qualification requires completion of a specialist medical program and/or pathway which provides education and training for a medical practice and healthcare context similar to Australia.
3. The program, including the assessment, and the provider undergo external quality assurance. 
4. The program leading to the qualification is subject to monitoring and review and evolution, to reflect the specialist knowledge, skill and capabilities required for practice in the specialty.
5. The requirements to complete the pathway/program to attaining the qualification are documented, including entry requirements, learning and teaching, mandatory experience and assessment. The provider follows these requirements in deciding to grant a qualification.
6. Entry to the program leading to the qualification requires completion of a primary medical qualification.
7. Attaining the qualification requires completion of a program of supervised learning:
   • that includes observed practice-based learning
   • that requires demonstrated mandated experience similar to that required for an Australian qualification in the specialty.
     The performance expectations of supervisors are defined.
8. The program leading to the qualification has similar outcomes or capabilities to the approved Australian qualification(s) for the specialty.    
   • The time allocated to teaching and learning allows qualification holders to achieve these outcomes. 
9. Attaining the qualification requires completion of a formal program of assessment that is mapped to the learning outcomes or competencies, and assesses work-based performance and progress towards completion of requirements. 
10. Completion of the qualification is formally certified.

The process for assessing qualifications is outlined below:

1. Specialties are nominated by local jurisdictions
2. Consultation is conducted with specialist medical colleges and a list of qualifications is collated
3. The Medical Board of Australia refers the list of qualifications to the AMC for assessment
4. The AMC conducts assessment of the qualifications against the qualification assessment framework
5. The Medical Board reviews AMC findings and decides if the qualification is substantially equivalent or based on similar competencies to the approved specialist qualification in Australia
6. Qualification is added to the Expedited Specialist pathway: accepted qualifications list. Those holding the qualification are eligible to apply for specialist registration under section 58(b) of the National Law