The IAMRA Institute
Philadelphia
26 September 2010
FROM THE TRENCHES:
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS THAT PROTECT THE PUBLIC
The AMC Competent Authority Model of Assessment:
An Alternative Approach to Assessment for Licensure
Ian Frank
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Medical Council
The AMC Competent Authority Model
Overview
 Principles of the CA Assessment Model
Criteria for Approval of the Competent Authority
 Approved CA Examinations / Qualifications
 Assessment Outcomes
Characteristics of the CA Assessment Model
The AMC Competent Authority Assessment Model
Principles of CA Model:
 2005 IAMRA Review of Licensing Examinations
identified common characteristics of national
examinations
Premise –
o Identified assessments competent
evaluation of basic knowledge and skills
o If passed should exempt from local (AMC)
exam
o Requires workplace-based performance
evaluation before full licensure
The AMC Competent Authority Assessment Model
Criteria for CA Model:
 Legal authority to conduct assessment for
licensure
Healthcare system consistent with Australia
o Medical education
o Burdens of disease
o Levels of technology
o Professional standards – non-discriminatory
treatment and respect for rights of patients
Accreditation processes comply with WFME
Guidelines
The AMC Competent Authority Assessment Model
Approved Authorities and Qualifications:
 GMC – PLAB Exam and UK accredited qualifications
Qualifying Examination of the Medical Council of Canada
MCI accredited medical qualifications in Ireland
USMLE Parts 1,2 and 3
NZREX Examination Healthcare system
PLUS
Foundation Year / Residency / Rotating Internship in a CA
designated country post qualification
The AMC Competent Authority Assessment Model
Assessment Outcomes for CA Model:
 4,400 applications processes since 2007
2680 (61%) eligible to proceed (Advanced
Standing)
1,768 (40%) completed and qualified for general
registration (full licensure)
4 exam systems and 2 accreditation processes
approved – 54 countries of training
The AMC Competent Authority Assessment Model
Characteristics of the CA Assessment Model:
 Does not rely on MR, bilateral or multilateral
agreements
Recognises prior examination or assessment
Not “equivalency” but “competent” assessment
Includes final workplace-based performance
assessment prior to licensure
BUT
Not re-examination of basic knowledge and
skills
The AMC Competent Authority Assessment Model
Conclusion:
 Required “leap of faith” for regulatory bodies
Not dependent on reciprocity
Positive response by employers and health
services
Exposure to CA environment post-exam a
contributing factor to successful outcome
Implementation not possible without 2005
IAMRA Review of Licensing Examinations