Registration policy

Our policies set out the rules and criteria we use to make decisions on applications for registration. These policies will also be referenced on the pages that provide detail on how to apply for registration.

  • Policy on registration in New Zealand

    Last updated 1 March 2018

    This policy gives an overview of the rules we apply in deciding whether to register a doctor in New Zealand. There will also be a specific policy that applies to the pathway you are registering under and the two policies should be read together.

  • Policy on the General scope

    Last updated 1 November 2016

    This policy outlines the requirements you must meet before you can be registered in the General scope of practice.This policy should be read alongside Council's Policy on registration in New Zealand.

  • Policy on registration in a vocational scope

    Last updated 1 December 2016

    If you're applying for registration in the vocational scope and did your postgraduate training outside of New Zealand and Australia, this policy outlines the rules that will apply when we considering your application.

  • Policy on vocational practice assessments

    Last updated 1 June 2011

    The vocational practice assessment (VPA) is Council’s preferred tool for assessing competence and applies specifically to IMGs that Council deem eligible for registration within a provisional vocational scope of practice (assessment pathway).

  • Policy on registration in a special purpose scope

    Last updated 1 April 2015

    The special purpose scope of practice is a temporary form of registration in New Zealand, specific to a particular purpose which has been identified by Council.

  • Policy on practising certificates

    Last updated 1 July 2016

    In order to practise medicine in New Zealand you must be both registered and hold a current practising certificate. This policy outlines Council's rules around practising certificates.

  • Approved Australasian qualifications

    Last updated 1 April 2019

    Here you'll find the approved New Zealand/Australian postgraduate qualifications for registration in a vocational scope of practice. If a postgraduate qualification isn't listed here, we consider it to be an "overseas postgraduate qualification".

  • Reference requirements

    Last updated 1 January 2015

    Authentic references from your senior medical colleagues who are familiar with your current professional practice and have worked with you recently, are the best way to determine if you are fit and competent to practise medicine.

  • English language requirements

    23 May 2019

    Applicants for registration as well as candidates applying for the New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX Clinical) must satisfy Council that they are able to comprehend and communicate effectively in English in the medical workplace, as one of the prerequisites for registration. This policy sets out the specific requirements that must be met.

  • Policy on recognition of internships

    Last updated 1 May 2012

    Some pathways to registration require doctors to have completed their internship in a particular country. If you are applying for registration and did your internship somewhere else, this policy outlines how we will assess your suitability for registration.

  • Competent authority criteria

    Last updated 1 January 2014

    Council recognises some registration authorities as having equivalent systems to our own. We call these "competent authorities". Currently we recognise the General Medical Council in the UK and the Irish Medical Council as competent within the criteria we apply.

  • Comparable health system criteria

    Last updated 6 April 2019

    For a country to be recognised as having a comparable health system to ours it must fit within our criteria. We consider a mix of public health, practice environment and registration indicators.

  • Policy on registration in the General scope without limitations

    Last updated 1 October 2011

    We set requirements for doctors to meet before they may be registered to work in New Zealand within a general scope of practice. We may propose to put limitations (conditions) on a doctor's general scope of practice where this is considered necessary in the interests of public health and safety.

  • Approved qualifications for locum tenens specialist appointments

    Last updated 1 February 2015

    To apply for registration within a special purpose (locum tenens) scope of practice, you must first hold an approved postgraduate qualification in the branch of medicine in which you want to work, and then meet remaining requirements outlined in the registration policy.

  • NZREX policies

    23 May 2019

    See all the policies relating to our registration exam (NZREX Clinical) here.