About PESCI

The pre-employment structured clinical interview (PESCI) is a fitness-for-task assessment and interview conducted by a panel of assessors, intended specifically for non-specialist International Medical Graduates (IMGs) applying for registration in Australia via the Standard Pathway through the Medical Board of Australia (MBA).

Designed to test and measure your skills, knowledge, and relevant experience to gauge your ability to practise safely and effectively in Australia, your PESCI is tailored to you and the position for which you are seeking registration.

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PESCI with ACRRM

Accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC), the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is an approved provider of PESCI as a step towards the Standard Pathway across all Australian states and territories. ACRRM offers PESCIs for level 1 to 4 supervision. The guidelines for all supervision levels are available on the Medical Board's website.

ACRRM delivers PESCIs online for your safety and convenience. The interviews are delivered using video conferencing and can be booked online following the application process.

 

Start your application

PESCI process

  • Step 1
    Check your eligibility
    • Check your PESCI eligibility against Ahpra and MBA requirements.
    • Tip: Use ACRRM’s PESCI eligibility checklist.
  • Step 2
    Submit your PESCI application
    Submit your application online, including uploading all required documentation.
    Tip: Click the button below for a checklist of all required documentation for your application.

 

 

PESCI application checklist
  • Step 3
    Start preparing for your PESCI
    • ACRRM offers a PESCI online module to help you prepare for and understand how PESCIs are conducted.

 

 

Access the module
  • Step 4
    Wait for your PESCI application to be reviewed
    • When applying for your PESCI, your application and supporting documents will be reviewed for completeness. You will be contacted if further information is required.
    • Once the application documents have been assessed and deemed to be complete, you’ll be notified of the next available interview date. Availability is dependent on demand, so you should be prepared to sit within 2 - 3 months of submission of your application. Applicants who defer their interview may incur additional fees and/or have their application withdrawn.
  • Step 5
    Complete your PESCI interview and assessment
    • Your PESCI will be completed via video conference on Zoom.
  • Step 6
    Receive your PESCI outcome
    • You will receive an Applicant Report containing your PESCI interview results and a full Board Report to Ahpra within 14 - 21 days of the interview.
  • Step 7
    Start working in Australia
    • Successful PESCI candidates who have gained registration and complete 12-months practice in Australia may be eligible to train to become a Fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) through our Independent Pathway stream.

 

Applying for PESCI

You can apply for your PESCI through the ACRRM website. Before you do so, make sure you check your eligibility criteria and have all necessary documentation ready to upload. Once you’ve applied, ACRRM will review your application and supporting documents for completeness. If your application is approved, you’ll be provided with details on the next available* interview date.

*Note that availability is dependent on demand. Typically, you should be prepared to sit your PESCI within 2 to 3 months of submission of your application. If you find the need to defer your interview, this may incur additional fees and you may have your application withdrawn.

 

 

Preparing for PESCI

ACRRM offers an online module to assist in preparation for and understanding how PESCIs are conducted. This module is available once an application has been submitted and the PESCI is fee paid. The ACRRM PESCI Preparation Module has been designed to answer commonly asked questions about the interview structure and the assessment criteria. This module will provide an overview and understanding of:

  • What to expect during the interview
  • Format and criteria of the interview
  • The role of ACRRM and our PESCI panel members
  • The assessment criteria used during the interview
  • Steps an IMG can take to prepare for the interview

To access the ACRRM PESCI Preparation Module you must log-in to the ACRRM College portal.

 

After PESCI

ACRRM will issue you your Applicant Report containing interview results. The College will also issue a full Board Report to Ahpra within 21 days of your interview.

Applicants who have been deemed not suitable will receive feedback within their report which is based on their performance in the interview.

Whilst there is no timeframe prior to an applicant re-sitting a PESCI, it is strongly recommended that any remediation suggested in the outcome report is undertaken before submitting a new application. The College has a comprehensive reconsideration, review and appeals policy that is documented on our website here.

PESCI fees*

 

 Item Amount Payment Due
Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview $2495  Upon application
Additional Fees (if applicable)  
Administration Fee
If applicant is not scheduled		 $420* Upon request
Administration Fee
If applicant is scheduled		 $585* Upon request

*Prices shown are inclusive of GST. All fees are GST-Free unless otherwise indicated Prices are subject to change.

You can find an explanation of each fee and the PESCI refund policy here.

  • When should I submit my PESCI application?

You will need to submit your application as soon as you receive a job offer and prior to applying for registration with the Medical Board.

  • I sat my PESCI last year and want to reapply; what do I do?

You must reapply online following the same process as previously to renew your application. If you are applying for the same position, your documents must not be more than 6-months old at the time of re-application.

  • I’ve already completed a PESCI. Can I use my result for another location?

PESCI assessments are position specific, therefore if you are changing positions you will need to reapply for a new PESCI unless the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) grants an exemption. For more information on exemptions, please contact the MBA directly.

  • I’m currently overseas and want to move to Australia to practise medicine. Who do I contact for migration information?

You must meet Australian immigration requirements for temporary or permanent entry visas. For more information about visa options available to doctors seeking to work in Australia, please contact the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs directly.

  • Can I interview in person?

At ACRRM, we only offer interviews by Zoom Video Conference.

  • Can I request a feedback session?

Feedback sessions are not available. However, in the outcome report, there is a feedback section that you can discuss with your nominated supervisor.

  • How can I appeal the outcome?

If you have concerns about the interview's outcome, you may apply for reconsideration, review and appeal.

  • How long is my outcome valid?

Your PESCI outcome is valid for one year. If you experience a delay in taking up your job offer, you should contact your practice to ascertain when your offer will expire.

 

You can find additional FAQs here.