Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) is recognised by the Australian Medical Council as a standard medical practitioners must attain to be recognised for the specialty of general practice. 

The Fellowship program has been developed by rural doctors for generalists working in a rural or remote context equipping them for rural and urban practice. 

FACRRM demonstrates you can confidently and competently work independently in the broadest range of locations and environments. Fellowship provides access to the maximum benefits available under Medicare’s A1 items for you and your patients. 

FACRRM is identified as a preferred qualification by recruiters.

All pathways lead to Vocational Recognition as a Specialist (General Practice) through the Australian Medical Council (AMC) with reciprocal arrangements through other medical colleges. 

Independent Pathway registrars are offered greater flexibility and input into planning their education, meeting their Fellowship requirements and accessing individualised training placements. Registrars train directly through the College and are supported by a dedicated team of Training Officers and Medical Educators. Independent Pathway registrars are not restricted by Government funding requirements and policy. 

AGPT or RVTS education, training and support is provided by Regional Training Organisations (RTOs). Registrars on these pathways must meet ACRRM Fellowship requirements whilst also adhering to policies and procedures, as stipulated by the RTO and Government. 

It is highly recommended registrars complete the majority of their training in a rural or remote area. The focus must be on gaining a broad scope of skills and knowledge required to practice independently in rural and remote settings. Some skills may be developed in metropolitan or regional facilities. A sound knowledge and broad experience of rural medicine, practised in a rural and remote context, is essential. For Fellowship purposes, there is a minimum requirement of 12 months living and working in a rural or remote community. 

For further information please refer to the Fellowship Training Handbook. 

This is not a barrier to your training progression. There are a range of alternatives available to gain experience as you work through training. For further information please refer to the Fellowship Training Handbook.

The standard for all Fellowship assessments is of a doctor practising safely, confidently and independently in a full and diverse range of healthcare settings across Australia, with particular focus on rural and remote settings.

While you may attempt an assessment once the minimum training time eligibility, or equivalent Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) has been met for that modality, it is important to be well prepared prior to enrolling. Your Training Officer and Medical Educator will provide personalised advice on when, and in what training post, an assessment attempt is recommended.

A programmatic approach to the assessment requirements is also strongly recommended. For further information please refer to the Fellowship Training Handbook.

There are several of modality specific assessment support programs offered to registrars by the College and Regional Training Organisations (RTOs). Some of these include formal study groups, mock exams and face to face workshops. 

The College recommends completion of the relevant support program the semester prior to the planned attempt, to allow familiarisation with the context and format of the assessment. Assessment support programs allow participants to receive individualised feedback on their performance and guidance on their continued preparation. 

The Registrar Committee also provides registrars with a guide for all ACRRM assessments. 

RPL can be applied for once you have commenced training. Your Training Officer and Medical Educator will work with you to develop your training plan, provide guidance and assist you with your RPL application.

Please refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy 2020

The policy provides guidelines for granting recognition of prior learning (RPL) that are deemed comparable to training time and the program requirements for training, education and assessment. Recognition of prior learning is assessed with consideration of currency of experience, skills and knowledge.

Your application requires

• Complete the Recognition of Prior Learning Application
• Complete the Curriculum Vitae template available on the College website if required
• Supporting documentation including where required a Verification of Clinical Experience
  • All applications must be supported by authentic, relevant and verifiable documentation. Documentation must evidence currency of experience, skills and knowledge against each training requirements and curriculum area for which recognition is being sought. IMPORTANT* certified copies of original certificates must be provided
• Submit your application and documentation to RPL@acrrm.org.au
• Once you have submitted your documentation you will be contact to complete the fee payment prior to the application being processed