General practice

General practice is an academic and scientific discipline with its own educational content, research, evidence base and clinical activity, and a clinical speciality orientated to primary care. It is personal, family, and community-orientated comprehensive primary care that includes diagnosis, continues over time and is anticipatory as well as responsive.

Vocational training in New Zealand

Vocational training in general practice is undertaken through the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP). Once RNZCGP training is completed, the doctor is awarded the Fellowship of the RNZCGP (FRNZCGP).

  • Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP)

    The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) is the professional body and postgraduate educational institute for general practitioners (GPs). The College strives to ensure a high standard of care in general practices across New Zealand by setting the standard for quality systems.

Am I able to apply to work as a recognised specialist in New Zealand?

To apply for vocational registration in general practice you need either:

  • the FRNZCGP qualification in general practice, or
  • an international postgraduate medical qualification in general practice, where your combination of qualifications, training and experience will then be assessed against the standard of the FRNZCGP.

What standard will my training, qualifications and experience be compared against?

Recognised specialists in New Zealand must complete a 3 year training programme and satisfy the requirements below:

  • 10 months of basic general practice training:
    • General Practice Education Programme – Stage 1 (GPEP1). This involves 42 weeks of general practice training, followed by the Primary Membership examination (PRIMEX)
  • 26 months of advanced general practice training:
    • General Practice Education Programme – Stage 2 (GPEP2). This involves:
      • practising in a collegial relationship
      • undertaking a series of activities, to assess the trainee's ability to practise independently
      • a final Fellowship assessment visit to assess their eligibility for Fellowship
  • participate in the RNZCGP maintenance of professional standards programme.

When a trainee has successfully completed all the examinations and training they will be awarded the FRNZCGP.

I want to make a vocational registration application

To make a vocational registration application, please refer to the Vocational Registration Homepage and select the option appropriate for you.

Am I able to apply for other types of registration?

You may be able to apply for more than one type of registration. To find out which is the best fit for you, please use our self assessment tool.

  • Registration self assessment tool

    19 December 2023

    Use our registration self assessment tool to determine which pathway to registration (as a medical practitioner in New Zealand) you might be eligible for. Note: we do not cover student electives.