2016 AGPT
Applicant Frequently Asked Questions
Current as at 8 April 2015
Using this document:
You can navigate this document by clicking on headings in the table of contents.
Please read the answers carefully and if you have any further questions please contact the AGPT
Selection team on 1800 DR AGPT (1800 37 2478) or +61 2 6289 2666 if calling from overseas, or
email AGPTSelection@health.gov.au
Contents
1.
The Application Process ..................................................................................................... 6
Has the process changed from last year? ............................................................................................... 6
I’ve registered with the online application system but have not received my registration email – what
do I do? .................................................................................................................................................... 6
I’ve forgotten my password and/or applicant ID – what do I do? .......................................................... 6
I'm reapplying, but can’t find my previous applicant ID ......................................................................... 7
I’m having technical difficulties with the online application system ...................................................... 7
How do I make changes to my submitted application? .......................................................................... 7
My name has changed – what do I do?................................................................................................... 7
I want to withdraw my application – what do I do? ............................................................................... 8
I've submitted my application but have not received the confirmation email – what do I do? ............. 8
What am I agreeing to in the applicant declaration?.............................................................................. 8
I’ve missed the application deadline of 10:00 am 8 May 2015 – can I submit a late application?......... 9
Is there only one intake per year?........................................................................................................... 9
2.
The Application Process – Your Documents ...................................................................... 10
Do I have to get uploaded documents certified first? .......................................................................... 10
Do I have to get my photo certified before I upload it?........................................................................ 10
I don’t have a scanner – how can I digitise my documents?................................................................. 10
How do I get my scanned documents small enough to upload? .......................................................... 10
What is an academic transcript? ........................................................................................................... 10
I don’t have an academic transcript – what do I do? ............................................................................ 10
Does my medical registration have to be certified? ............................................................................. 11
I've submitted my application but I need to upload an extra document – what do I do?.................... 11
3.
Eligibility ......................................................................................................................... 12
Am I eligible to apply for the AGPT program?....................................................................................... 12
If I send you my CV, can you tell me if I’m eligible to apply? ................................................................ 12
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Does the AGPT Selection team need to confirm my eligibility before I can be booked to attend either
of the national assessments? ................................................................................................................ 12
I obtained my medical degree in Australia – do I have to be an Australian citizen or permanent
resident to apply for the AGPT program? ............................................................................................. 12
I have a 457 subclass visa – am I eligible to apply for the AGPT program? .......................................... 13
I'm not a permanent resident or citizen of Australia – can I apply for the 2016 AGPT program?........ 13
I'm already enrolled in the AGPT program or in another general practice vocational training program
– can I apply for the 2016 AGPT program? ........................................................................................... 14
I’m already enrolled in a program not leading to specialist general practitioner registration – do I
have to resign before entering the AGPT program? ............................................................................. 14
I have recently entered into an employment contract – am I eligible to apply for the 2016 AGPT
program? ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Are there any charges or fess for applying to the AGPT program? ...................................................... 14
4.
Eligibility – Qualifications and Experience ........................................................................ 15
I am an overseas-trained doctor (OTD) and expect to have general registration late in 2015, am I
eligible to apply for 2016 AGPT? ........................................................................................................... 15
What is the difference between an AMC candidate and an AMC graduate? ....................................... 15
I am currently completing my AMC examinations and will be sitting my final clinical examination after
the application closing date; can I still apply for 2016 AGPT? .............................................................. 15
I have a question about mandatory hospital rotations ......................................................................... 15
I have a question about recognition of prior learning (RPL) ................................................................. 16
5.
Pathway Choices ............................................................................................................. 17
What are the pathway choices? ............................................................................................................ 17
If I gain a position in a rural pathway, do I have to complete four years of training towards FACRRM
or FARGP? .............................................................................................................................................. 17
Are there any factors which would affect which fellowship/s I can train towards? ............................. 17
Does section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 apply to me? ..................................................... 17
Am I exempt from section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973?.................................................... 17
Can I reduce my moratorium requirement through scaling? ............................................................... 18
I don’t have a drivers licence – is this a problem? ................................................................................ 18
Do I have to make more than one geographic training region preference?......................................... 18
How many geographic training region preferences can I make?.......................................................... 18
Can I change my geographic training region preferences? ................................................................... 18
6.
Referees.......................................................................................................................... 19
Who can be my referee? ....................................................................................................................... 19
Do I need a referee’s permission to include them in my application? ................................................. 19
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Do I need to ask my referees to provide a written letter?.................................................................... 19
Can I use referees from overseas? ........................................................................................................ 19
Can my supervisor from a student clinical placement be a referee?.................................................... 19
Can I change one or both of my referees after submitting my application? ........................................ 20
7.
National Assessments (SJT and MMI) ............................................................................... 21
How many national assessments must I attend? .................................................................................. 21
How long with the process take for the SJT and MMI? ........................................................................ 21
What do I need to bring to both the SJT and MMI?.............................................................................. 21
What if I am unable to attend the SJT or the MMI? ............................................................................. 21
What if I am late on the day to either assessment? ............................................................................. 21
What do I do if on the day I am unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances? ........................ 22
I have a disability which might prevent me from participating fully – what should I do? .................... 22
Can I claim travel (or any other) expenses to attend either the SJT or MMI? ...................................... 22
Where can I find example questions for the SJT and MMI? ................................................................. 22
Are there any study or preparation courses you can recommend? ..................................................... 22
8.
National Assessment (SJT and MMI) – Bookings ............................................................... 23
I have limited availability to attend the SJT and MMI – what should I do? .......................................... 23
Do I have to attend the SJT or MMI in a particular place? .................................................................... 23
I attended the national assessments last year; do I have to re-sit them this year? ............................. 23
How soon after making my booking will I receive confirmation? ......................................................... 23
9.
National Assessments (SJT and MMI) – Scoring ................................................................ 24
When am I told my total AGPT Selection score?................................................................................... 24
I've been emailed my score – do I have to change my geographic training region preferences? ........ 24
What is a ranking band? ........................................................................................................................ 24
I am in ranking band 8 – is that good? .................................................................................................. 24
How do I know how I have rated against other applicants? ................................................................. 24
How does shortlisting work? Who gets priority? .................................................................................. 25
Can I get feedback on my performance at national assessment? ........................................................ 25
10. Geographic Training Regions / Training Providers............................................................. 26
How will the placement assessments be undertaken if the training providers for next year aren’t
known yet? ............................................................................................................................................ 26
I’ve been shortlisted – does that mean I have confirmed a training place on the AGPT program? ..... 26
When will I get a decision from my shortlisted geographic training region? ....................................... 26
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I haven’t heard from my geographic training region – does that mean I won’t be offered a training
place? .................................................................................................................................................... 26
How do I know if I have successfully obtained a training place on the AGPT program? ...................... 26
Why haven’t I been shortlisted? ........................................................................................................... 27
I still have a question regarding the shortlisting process. ..................................................................... 27
When does the training year begin? ..................................................................................................... 27
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1. The Application Process
Has the process changed from last year?
Consistent with past practice, a three stage selection process will be adopted for 2016 AGPT, but
there are some changes that will affect current training providers and prospective applicants. The
revised process for this year will be as follows:
1. 13 April – 8 May: Applicants for the AGPT program will initially be asked to express
preferences against geographic training regions rather than training providers, as has
occurred in the past:
a. New geographic training regions are expected to be announced by the Minister for
Health prior to applications opening, and will be posted on the AGPT website as soon
as they are available
b. The new training organisation for each region will not have been finalised at this
time.
2. 10 – 17 August: Applicants will have an opportunity to review and adjust their preferences
once they have received their total AGPT Selection score from the MMI and SJT. By this
stage, it is expected that the training organisations for each region will have been
announced.
3. 21 August – 18 September: As part of their obligations in 2015, existing training providers will
be finalising the selection of registrars and making placement offers for each region for 2016.
a. Where multiple training providers currently operate in the same geographic training
region, they will work together to make placement offers. The affected training
providers will be identified once the new geographic training regions are announced
(the AGPT website will map all current training providers to the new geographic
training regions).
I’ve registered with the online application system but have not
received my registration email – what do I do?
You should receive an email confirming your registration promptly after registering. If you have not
received your email within 24 hours, please contact the AGPT Selection team on 1800 DR AGPT (1800
37 2478) or AGPTSelection@health.gov.au ; do not re-register unless requested to do so.
Please ensure you have checked your junk and spam email folders.
I’ve forgotten my password and/or applicant ID – what do I do?
If you have forgotten your applicant ID (which is also your username) email
AGPTSelection@health.gov.au with:
 Full name registered under
 Email address used to register
 Date of birth
And we will email you your applicant ID number.
If you have forgotten your password, please visit the application login page and click the ‘Forgot
Password?’ button.
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This will generate a code for you to enter. Enter the code and your applicant ID and click the ‘Reset’
button. This will send an email to your nominated email address with a link to reset your password.
To complete the process you will need to access the link through your email account and input:
 First name
 Last name
 Date of birth
 Answer to your identity question
Once you have completed all of the fields, click the ‘Reset’ button and you will be emailed a new
password.
Please note: You are able to change your password from within your applicant portal by logging in
and selecting ‘Change Password’ on the left side of the screen.
I'm reapplying, but can’t find my previous applicant ID
Email AGPTSelection@health.gov.au with the following information:
 Full name you previously applied under
 Date of birth
 Email address used to register previously
We will email you your previous applicant ID number.
I’m having technical difficulties with the online application system
Contact the AGPT Selection team on 1800 DR AGPT (1800 37 2478) or email
AGPTSelection@health.gov.au Please have the following information ready:
 Applicant ID
 Any error messages
 Preferably be online when you call
How do I make changes to my submitted application?
Email AGPTSelection@health.gov.au with the changes you wish to make. Some changes may not be
possible, depending on the current status of your application.
My name has changed – what do I do?
If your name has changed since you submitted your online application and you wish to update it,
please email the following information to AGPTSelection@health.gov.au :
 Applicant ID
 Proof of your name change, such as marriage certificate or deed poll
 Your authorisation for us to change your application
If your name has previously changed resulting in your mandatory documents varying from each
other, it is an eligibility requirement that you provide certified evidence of your name change. The
AGPT Selection team is unable to fully assess your application without this verification.
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If you do not provide sufficient evidence of your name change you may be required to submit a
statutory declaration, which can be found on the AGPT website at www.agpt.com.au
Please note: If needed, the statutory declaration is a mandatory document and without it your
application may be deemed ineligible.
I want to withdraw my application – what do I do?
Email AGPTSelection@health.gov.au instructing us to withdraw your application. You will receive a
confirmation email once your application has been withdrawn.
I've submitted my application but have not received the
confirmation email – what do I do?
You should receive a confirmation email promptly after submitting your application. If you have not
received your confirmation email within 24 hours, please contact the AGPT Selection team on 1800
DR AGPT (1800 37 2478) or AGPTSelection@health.gov.au .
Please note: If applications are due to close within the next 24 hours, contact the AGPT Selection
team immediately.
Please ensure you check your junk and spam email folders.
What am I agreeing to in the applicant declaration?
The applicant declaration is an agreement between yourself and the Department of Health involving
a series of permissions and commitments that allow the AGPT Selection team to assess your
application and, if you are offered a place on the AGPT program, to properly support your training.
The privacy notice contains information that the Department of Health is required under Australian
Privacy Principles (under the Privacy Act 1988) to provide to individuals who are providing personal
information to the Department of Health.
The privacy consent is to obtain your approval in relation to the matters under that heading. This
includes authorising the Department of Health to obtain, provide and share your personal
information with a number of other organisations for the purposes listed under the heading.
The applicant declaration asks you to declare a number of matters (listed as items 1 to 3). This
includes that you understand the ramifications of not providing true, accurate and complete
information.
It then asks you to agree to a number of matters (listed as items 1 to 6). This includes your
agreement to cooperate fully with the Department of Health and your training provider, including
complying with their policies.
The full applicant declaration can be found in the 2016 AGPT Applicant Guide from page 42, as well
as on the AGPT website (www.agpt.com.au )
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I’ve missed the application deadline of 10:00 am 8 May 2015 – can I
submit a late application?
No. The AGPT Selection dates are publicised months in advance and late applications will not be
accepted.
Is there only one intake per year?
Due to the highly competitiveness of the AGPT Selection process, there is generally only one intake
each year.
If training places remain at the conclusion of the first intake, a second intake of applications may be
required. If a second intake is announced, information will become available on the AGPT website
(www.agpt.com.au )
Please note: not all training providers participate in a second intake, as their training places may
have been filled in the first intake.
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2. The Application Process – Your Documents
Do I have to get uploaded documents certified first?
Each applicant is required to upload all of their supporting documentation, and certification is not
required if the original documents are scanned in colour and uploaded. If your original document is
black and white, this will require certification prior to being uploaded to your online application.
The 2016 AGPT Application Guide provides further guidance on certification requirements.
The AGPT Selection team can only accept certified documents that adhere to these requirements.
Do I have to get my photo certified before I upload it?
No. Your recent colour photo does not need to be certified.
I don’t have a scanner – how can I digitise my documents?
Clear, digital photographs of your documents can be submitted, however ensure that the images are
sufficiently sharp and detailed for the AGPT Selection team to establish authenticity and validity.
How do I get my scanned documents small enough to upload?
Scanned documents must each be 2MB or less.
JPG and GIF file formats usually allow the user to set the resolution and colour depth. Scans should
not need to be more than 300dpi. The colour depth does not need to be any more than 16 bit.
Scanning to PDF often gives a good result and a small file size.
Please note: the AGPT Selection cannot offer any further technical support in the preparation of your
scanned documents.
What is an academic transcript?
In addition to your degree certificate, your academic transcript contains a detailed list of the courses
or modules you completed and when you completed them. An academic transcript can also be
known as an ‘academic record’ or a ‘marks sheet’.
If your academic transcript (or your degree certificate) is not in English, you must provide a certified
English translation along with the original language document.
I don’t have an academic transcript – what do I do?
If you don’t have an academic transcript, you can usually request a copy from the institution which
originally awarded your qualification.
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Overseas-trained doctors (OTDs) who cannot produce an academic transcript may provide an EICS
(primary source verification of medical qualification) completed through the Australian Medical
Council (AMC). Find out more about EICS verification at www.amc.org.au
Does my medical registration have to be certified?
You may provide proof of listing from the AHPRA online register of practitioners that is black and
white and not certified. The AGPT Selection team can accept non-certified screen captures, provided
the information on the AHPRA listing matches the document provided. If you are providing your
AHPRA registration certificate or card you must provide a clear, colour scan of the original document.
I've submitted my application but I need to upload an extra
document – what do I do?
Should additional documents be required after you have submitted your online application, you will
be able to submit the required documentation via your applicant portal. This option will only become
available when a member of the AGPT Selection team has requested a document. Once you have
submitted your document, and a member of the AGPT Selection team has reviewed the document,
you will receive a confirmation email.
Alternatively, applicants can email documents to the AGPT Selection team at
AGPTSelection@health.gov.au to be uploaded to their application.
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3. Eligibility
Am I eligible to apply for the AGPT program?
To be eligible, you must:
 Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident (or be a temporary resident
on a 457 or 820 visa subclass with a primary medical qualification from Australia or New
Zealand – you will need to become a permanent resident by the time you complete your
AGPT training)
 Have recognised medical qualifications
 Hold, or expect to hold, general medical registration prior to the commencement of the
training year (1 February 2016)
 Not be enrolled in the AGPT program or other general practice vocational training programs
 Have fulfilled all requirements of the Australian Medical Council (AMC) if you obtained your
medical qualification outside of Australia or New Zealand
If I send you my CV, can you tell me if I’m eligible to apply?
The AGPT Selection team can only authoritatively determine eligibility by examining a submitted
application. To self-assess your eligibility:
 Establish your current citizenship and/or visa status and your current medical qualifications
 Download the 2016 AGPT Applicant Guide at www.agpt.com.au
 Use the Program Eligibility Guide flowcharts at the start of the 2016 AGPT Applicant Guide to
self-assess your eligibility.
If you are still unsure about your eligibility, contact the AGPT Selection team on 1800 DR AGPT (1800
37 2478) or AGPTSelection@health.gov.au
Does the AGPT Selection team need to confirm my eligibility before
I can be booked to attend either of the national assessments?
The AGPT Selection team will endeavour to assess all applications and eligibility prior to the national
assessments commencing, however the AGPT Selection team may use its discretion to allow you to
attend both assessments on the basis that you will not be included in the ranking and shortlisting
process until your application is complete and your eligibility is confirmed.
I obtained my medical degree in Australia – do I have to be an
Australian citizen or permanent resident to apply for the AGPT
program?
No, your application can be accepted if you are a temporary resident (depending on your visa
subclass) who obtained your medical degree in Australia or New Zealand. However, you must:
 Provide your current application for Australian/ New Zealand permanent residency
 Complete the ‘Temporary resident applicant declaration’ stating that you will gain
Australian/New Zealand permanent residency prior to completing your AGPT training
Page 12 of 27

Fulfil all other eligibility requirements
If you are not yet a permanent resident it is your responsibility to ensure that your current visa
allows you to work as an AGPT registrar.
I have a 457 subclass visa – am I eligible to apply for the AGPT
program?
1. Are you an Australian trained doctor?
You may be eligible to apply if you meet the following requirements:
 Hold or expect to hold general medical registration by the commencement of the 2016
training year (1 February 2016)
 Provide a letter of support from the training provider who currently occupies the
geographic training region you wish to train in, confirming support for your training
within the restrictions of your visa
AND
 Provide a Statutory Declaration stating your intention to obtain Australian or New
Zealand permanent residency or citizenship prior to the completion of your AGPT
training
OR
 Provide evidence of an active Australian or New Zealand permanent residency
application
Please note: if you wish to nominate more than one geographic training region, you will need to
obtain letters of support from each of them.
The AGPT Selection team and training providers are not able to sponsor 457 visa holders.
2. Are you an overseas-trained doctor?
Overseas-trained doctors residing on a 457 visa are ineligible for the AGPT program, unless they
receive Australian or New Zealand permanent residency prior to the close of applications (10:00
am AEST 8 May 2015)
I'm not a permanent resident or citizen of Australia – can I apply for
the 2016 AGPT program?
Yes, but only if your temporary visa subclass is 457 and
 You obtained your primary medical qualification in Australia or New Zealand
AND
 You complete the ‘Temporary resident applicant declaration’ regarding permanent
residency or provide your current application for permanent residency and submit with
your application
AND
 You discuss your temporary visa restrictions with each of the current training provider/s
who occupy your preferred geographic training region/s and provide letters of support
from each, with your application
AND
 You submit the ‘457 visa confirmation letter’ with your application
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If any of these conditions cannot be met by 10:00 am AEST 8 May 2015 your application will be
deemed ineligible.
Please note: All forms listed above can be found on the AGPT website at www.agpt.com.au
I'm already enrolled in the AGPT program or in another general
practice vocational training program – can I apply for the 2016
AGPT program?
If you are a current registrar in the AGPT program, you must formally resign and provide evidence of
your resignation acceptance with your 2016 AGPT application.
If you are enrolled on the OTDNET programme you must provide a statutory declaration of your
intention to withdraw if placed on the AGPT program. You must then provide your resignation and
acceptance by 12 January 2016.
If you are enrolled in any other vocational training program you must provide a statutory declaration
of your intention to withdraw if placed on the AGPT program.
If your training will be completed prior to the commencement of the 2016 AGPT program, then a
letter confirming this must be included in your application.
I’m already enrolled in a program not leading to specialist general
practitioner registration – do I have to resign before entering the
AGPT program?
This depends on if it will affect your training on the AGPT program. You are strongly advised to
discuss your training plans with a medical educator in your preferred geographic training region
before you apply. A list of regional contact officers, who can direct you to a relevant medical
educator, will be available on the AGPT website at www.agpt.com.au
I have recently entered into an employment contract – am I eligible
to apply for the 2016 AGPT program?
Applicants who are Rural Generalists are eligible even though they hold an employment contract.
For all other applicants, joining the AGPT program may require them to terminate their existing
contract in order to begin a new one for the AGPT program. Before applying, you should contact the
regional contact officer for your preferred geographic training region, to discuss your individual
situation.
Are there any charges or fess for applying to the AGPT program?
Applications for entry to the AGPT program do not incur any fees or charges.
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4. Eligibility – Qualifications and Experience
I am an overseas-trained doctor (OTD) and expect to have general
registration late in 2015, am I eligible to apply for 2016 AGPT?
Your application will be accepted if you expect to receive general medical registration by the
commencement of the training year (1 February 2016). However, an offer of a place on the AGPT
program will be conditional on your gaining registration by the commencement of training.
Should you be offered a training place, your training provider will require formal written
confirmation of your registration status prior to the commencement of training.
What is the difference between an AMC candidate and an AMC
graduate?
An Australian Medical Council (AMC) candidate is an OTD who is currently undertaking the AMC
exams, but has not completed all of the AMC requirements. If you have not completed all of the AMC
requirements prior to 8 May 2015 you will not be eligible to apply for a training place in the 2016
AGPT program.
An AMC graduate is an OTD who has completed all aspects of the AMC requirements and has
received their AMC certificate. AMC graduates must supply their AMC certificate – a letter from the
AMC is not sufficient.
Applicants who commenced on the AMC competent authority pathway after 1 July 2014 will not be
awarded an AMC certificate. The AGPT Selection team requires applicants to submit their 12 months
written confirmation report from their supervisors with their application, prior to 16 August 2015.
I am currently completing my AMC examinations and will be sitting
my final clinical examination after the application closing date; can I
still apply for 2016 AGPT?
No. if your medical degree was not obtained in Australia or New Zealand you must have successfully
completed and passed all the requirements of the AMC before the closing date of applications (8
May 2015). You must include an AMC certificate as part of your application.
I have a question about mandatory hospital rotations
Mandatory hospital rotations do not need to be completed prior to application and entry into to the
AGPT program. The following list provides a guide to the mandatory rotations required.
Questions about mandatory rotations are best directed towards either:
RACGP: http://www.racgp.org.au/becomingagp/students/vocational-training-pathway/
ACRRM: https://www.acrrm.org.au/vocational-training
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Alternatively contact the regional contact officer for your preferred geographic training region, who
can direct you to the relevant medical education team to discuss.
PGY 1
PGY 2
Medicine
Surgery
Emergency
Medicine
Surgery
Emergency
RACGP*
ACRRM^
Paediatrics
Three rotations of choice, relevant
to general practice
Emergency+
Paediatrics
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Anaesthetics
Emergency+
+ some applicants may be required to undergo further emergency rotations in their PGY2
and onwards
* RACGP paediatric requirements – paediatric experience may in some circumstances be achieved
through a term in an approved post in an accredited hospital with child and adolescent health
experience that includes a high proportion of paediatric emergency attendees with appropriate
supervision. If this is not possible, the requirement may be met in alternate ways. For further
information, visit the RACGP website or phone 1800 626 901.
^ ACRRM requirements – if a paediatric term has not been achieved further experience in an
emergency department where children present for treatment will meet this requirement. Obstetrics
and gynaecology and anaesthetics skills may be obtained while completing subsequent stages of
training. For further information visit the ACRRM website.
I have a question about recognition of prior learning (RPL)
Questions about RPL are best directed to the regional contact officer for the geographic training
region you are considering, or the relevant college (RACGP or ACRRM).
RPL may be approved for all, or part of, the post-intern hospital years of training in Australia, and can
reduce your total training time by a maximum of 12 months. Generally experience gained as an
intern, or prior to completing the requirements of the AMC (for OTDs), is not recognised as RPL, nor
is overseas experience.
The colleges (RACGP and ACRRM) assess and approve or decline applications for RPL; if you are
successful in gaining a training place on the 2016 AGPT program, your training organisation will assist
you in preparing an application.
Please note: decisions about RPL are made after you accept a training place offer.
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5. Pathway Choices
What are the pathway choices?
All locations in Australia are in one of five remoteness areas (RA) – RA1 (major cities) RA5 (very
remote). Doctors on the rural pathway train in rural and remote areas of Australia (RA 2 – 5) and
doctors on the general pathway may train in RA 1 – 5 locations.
If I gain a position in a rural pathway, do I have to complete four
years of training towards FACRRM or FARGP?
No. Both general and rural pathway applicants can elect to train towards the three-year FRACGP, or
the four-year FACRRM. The FARGP is an additional fellowship offered by the RACGP.
FARGP allows applicants to continue their training through the RACGP for an additional 6 – 12
months.
If you wish to complete your training part-time, the duration of your training will increase.
Are there any factors which would affect which fellowship/s I can
train towards?
FACRRM training is usually undertaken in RA 3 – 5 locations, with very limited opportunities for
FACRRM training in RA 1 or 2 locations. All training must occur in a college accredited training post,
i.e. either both RACGP or ACRRM accredited.
Does section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 apply to me?
Use the ‘Pathway Eligibility Guide’ in the 2016 AGPT Applicant Guide, available at www.agpt.com.au
to determine which pathways you are eligible for.
If you are subject to section 19AB, you are restricted to nominating rural pathway preferences only.
Am I exempt from section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973?
The Department of Health - Workforce Access Section makes all 19AB exemption decisions.
To apply for an exemption, contact the Department of Health – Workforce Access Section via
19AB@health.gov.au
Please note: Be sure to advise them you are applying for the AGPT program.
Decisions on exemptions may take some time (a statutory timeframe of 28 days to process); the
AGPT Selection team advises applicants who wish to apply for an exemption, to do so prior to
applying.
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Can I reduce my moratorium requirement through scaling?
Doctors subject to section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 can reduce their moratorium
requirements (currently 10 years) by up to five years, depending on the remoteness area (RA) of the
location where they practice.
For more information, refer to the DoctorConnect website:
www.doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/otd/publishing.nsf/Content/section19AB
I don’t have a drivers licence – is this a problem?
It is not an eligibility requirement for you to have driver’s licence; however placement in some
practices may not be available if you do not hold a current Australian drivers licence and/or
independent means of transport.
You should discuss this with the regional contact officer for any of the geographic training regions
you are considering nominating, to establish the restrictions this may place on you.
Do I have to make more than one geographic training region
preference?
No, you may choose to only nominate one geographic training region pathway preference.
How many geographic training region preferences can I make?
You are able to nominate up to four geographic training region preferences within your application.
Ensure your choices are listed in preference order. Nominating the same geographic training region
and pathway for all four preferences will not increase the likelihood of bring shortlisted; however,
you are able to nominate the same geographic training region twice, on different pathways (where
available).
Can I change my geographic training region preferences?
Yes. All applicants will have an opportunity to update their geographic training region preferences for
a one week period between 10:00 am AEST 10 August – 10:00 am AEST 17 August 2015, once total
AGPT Selection scores and rankings are released.
After 10:00 am AEST 17August 2015 not further changes to preferences can be made.
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6. Referees
Who can be my referee?
Ideally a referee should be a medical practitioner who has supervised you for at least a period of four
weeks within the past three years.
You will need to select referees who are able to confidently make judgements about your
professional capabilities and suitability for general practice. Registrars are also suitable as referees,
as long as they meet the above criteria.
If you are unable to nominate referees who meet the above criteria you should contact the AGPT
Selection team at AGPTSelection@health.gov.au to discuss your particular circumstances.
Please note: A referee request via phone cannot be accepted
Do I need a referee’s permission to include them in my application?
Yes. You will be giving us personal information about referees, such as their contact details. They
must give you permission to share that personal information. The AGPT Selection team recommends
that you obtain permission from your referees as soon as possible.
You will be required to declare this in your application.
Do I need to ask my referees to provide a written letter?
No. Referees may only be contacted by a training provider during stage three - placement
assessments, if you are shortlisted.
Regional contact officers for your preferred geographic training region will be able to provide further
information on how placement assessments will be conducted.
Can I use referees from overseas?
Yes, however overseas referees are required to provide evidence that they are registered medical
practitioner, with an English translation if required. It is also advisable that your referee be wellspoken in English, as they may need to communicate via telephone or email.
Can my supervisor from a student clinical placement be a referee?
For applicants who are interns, referees can be supervisors from clinical placements, including
placements under the Prevocational General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP).
For applicants who are not interns, it is preferable to have a referee who has fully supervised them
for a placement of four weeks.
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For other applicants who have difficulties with referees, contact the AGPT Selection team on 1800 DR
AGPT (1800 37 2478) or AGPTSelection@health.gov.au . Each request will be reviewed on a case-bycase basis.
Can I change one or both of my referees after submitting my
application?
Yes, but only until 10:00 am AEST 17 August 2015.
Ensure you email the AGPT Selection team at AGPTSelection@health.gov.au with the referees
following information:
 Full name
 Contact number
 Second contact number (optional)
 Email address (optional)
 Hospital or practice name
 Referee’s position in current employment
 Applicant relationship to referee and length of supervision
 Which referee you wish tor replace
You will also need to indicate that you have their permission to share their personal information with
the AGPT Selection team and training providers.
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7. National Assessments (SJT and MMI)
How many national assessments must I attend?
All eligible applicants are required to attend both an online Situational Judgement Test (SJT) and face
to face Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) during June/July 2015.
SJTs will be held at National Testing Centres (NTCs) and MMIs will be held at National Assessment
Centres (NACs).
Please note: the SJT and MMI will take place at different locations. For a list of dates, times and
locations please visit the AGPT website www.agpt.com.au
How long with the process take for the SJT and MMI?
The duration of the SJT is approximately 2 hours, which includes time for applicants to provide their
feedback on their experience with the SJT.
The MMIs will last approximately 1 – 2 hours.
What do I need to bring to both the SJT and MMI?
Bring the following to both assessments:
 Current photo identification (passport, drivers licence)
 Applicant ID
 Booking confirmation email (either printout or displayed on smart phone/tablet, etc.)
All other required equipment will be provided.
What if I am unable to attend the SJT or the MMI?
If you are unable to attend your scheduled assessment/s you must call the contact person listed on
the venue information sheet and the AGPT Selection team on 1800 DR AGPT (1800 37 2478) as soon
as possible. The AGPT Selection team will try to reschedule your assessment, however this cannot be
guaranteed.
If you cannot attend another session, unfortunately your application for 2016 AGPT will not proceed.
What if I am late on the day to either assessment?
If an applicant is running late they should call the contact person listed on the venue information
sheet for that location. Whilst they will endeavour to accommodate you and your situation, no
guarantees can be given.
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What do I do if on the day I am unable to attend due to unforeseen
circumstances?
SJT: You should call the AGPT Selection team on 1800 DR AGPT (1800 37 2478) as soon as possible.
If you are scheduled to attend on a weekend, please email AGPTSelection@health.gov.au
MMI: You should call the contact person listed on the venue information sheet for that location, as
well as the AGPT Selection team on 1800 DR AGPT (1800 37 2478). If you are scheduled to attend on
a weekend, please email the AGPT Selection team at AGPTSelection@health.gov.au as well as calling
the contact person for the location.
Please note: Treat this as a matter of urgency as an alternate time will need to be arranged for you
to attend another assessment, if available.
I have a disability which might prevent me from participating fully –
what should I do?
In section D5 of your online application you are able to list any disabilities or special considerations
you may have, which may impact on your ability to fully participate in the national assessments.
If you have a disability please try and explain the nature of your disability and we will try to make
arrangements to ensure you are able to participate fully in both the SJT and MMI.
If you have any special considerations, such as time required for breastfeeding, please include this in
your online application, section D5 – Special Considerations, not in the disabilities section.
Can I claim travel (or any other) expenses to attend either the SJT
or MMI?
No.
Where can I find example questions for the SJT and MMI?
The practice questions in the 2016 AGPT Applicant Guide are provided to ensure applicants
understand the mechanics of the test, not necessarily the topics covered.
There will be a practice version of the SJT available, which will be emailed to you prior to the SJT
dates.
Are there any study or preparation courses you can recommend?
We are not aware of, or do we endorse, any study or preparation courses. You can prepare by:
 Recalling good examples of patients you have dealt with, which illustrate your abilities
 Considering and understanding the assessment criteria for the SJT and MMI, which are
available on page 65 of the 2016 AGPT Applicant Guide at www.agpt.com.au
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8. National Assessment (SJT and MMI) – Bookings
I have limited availability to attend the SJT and MMI – what should I
do?
The AGPT Selection process provides a range of dates, times and locations, however if it is critical
that you attend a particular session you should complete and submit your application for 2016 AGPT
as soon as possible. Once your online application has been submitted your national assessments can
be booked. You must ensure you book into both an SJT and MMI.
The booking process is done on a first come, first served basis. The AGPT Selection team is unable to
book an applicant into a session for either the SJT or MMI that is fully booked.
Please note: the AGPT Selection team does not hold a waiting list, so ensure you book a preferred
session as soon as possible.
Do I have to attend the SJT or MMI in a particular place?
No, applicants have the option to sit the SJT or MMI at any scheduled location across location.
I attended the national assessments last year; do I have to re-sit
them this year?
Yes. Applicants must attend both national assessments in the year they apply. Previous year’s scores
cannot be used for subsequent applications.
How soon after making my booking will I receive confirmation?
You should receive a booking confirmation email within 24 hours. If you do not receive it please
contact a member of the AGPT Selection team on 1800 DR AGPT (1800 37 2478) or email
AGPTSelection@health.gov.au
Applicants can book into the SJT and MMI sessions once an online application for 2016 AGPT has
been completed and submitted.
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9. National Assessments (SJT and MMI) – Scoring
When am I told my total AGPT Selection score?
You will be notified of your total AGPT Selection score and ranking band via email by close of
business 10 August 2015.
The standardised results of your Situational Judgement Test (SJT) and Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)
form your total AGPT Selection score.
I've been emailed my score – do I have to change my geographic
training region preferences?
No, however this is an opportunity for you to increase your chances of being shortlisted to a
geographic training region. If you wish to change your preferences, this must be done between 10
August – 10:00 am AEST 17 August 2015.
Please note: no preference changes are permitted after this time.
What is a ranking band?
Ranking bands are used to interpret the preference distribution matrix only. Your ranking band gives
you an understanding of how you have performed against other applicants. By assessing how many
applicants are above or below you in the band structure you can make decisions about your
geographic training region preference.
Applicants who scored in the top 10 percentile are assigned to ranking band 1, and applicants who
scored in the lowest 10 percentile are assigned to ranking band 10.
For further examples see pages 74 – 77 of the 2016 AGPT Applicant Guide, available at
www.agpt.com.au
I am in ranking band 8 – is that good?
As ranking band 1 has the highest scoring 10% of applicants in it, therefore band 8 contains lower
scoring applicants.
How do I know how I have rated against other applicants?
All scores are banded. Your ranking band is your indication of your relative performance. Between 10
August and 10:00 am AEST 17 August 2015 you will be able to generate a preference distribution
matrix through your applicant portal.
The matrix shows, for each geographic training region and pathway:
 How many applicants have nominated them
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


Which preference it was (first, second third or fourth preference)
The ranking band in which those applicants fall
Ranking band score thresholds
How does shortlisting work? Who gets priority?
Every eligible applicant who attends both the SJT and MMI will receive a total AGPT Selection score.
Each applicant has also nominated up to four geographic training region preferences. Each
geographic training region has a fixed number of places on their shortlist.
Once all total AGPT Selection scores have been calculated, applicants are placed in merit order, with
the highest score first. Shortlisting then considers the preferences of applicants in this merit order.
With each applicant, the AGPT Selection team establishes if their first preference has shortlist
positions available. If it does, the applicant is shortlisted to that geographic training region
preference. If there are no shortlist places available for the first preference, the second preference is
then considered. If there are no shortlist places available for the second preference, the third
preference is then considered, and so on.
As lower scoring applicants are considered, it is likely that some geographic training region shortlists
will be full. Therefore, it is more likely that lower scoring applicants may not get shortlisted to their
first preference.
If shortlists of all their geographic training region preferences are full, that applicant will not be
shortlisted, and their application will not proceed.
Can I get feedback on my performance at national assessment?
Feedback from your performance in the MMIs will be available after the 2016 AGPT Selection
process is completed. If you wish to obtain feedback, email the AGPT Selection team at
AGPTSelection@health.gov.au with your request, from 7 December 2015.
Unfortunately feedback from the SJT is not available.
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10. Geographic Training Regions / Training Providers
How will the placement assessments be undertaken if the training
providers for next year aren’t known yet?
Existing training providers who currently occupy each geographic training region will be finalising the
selection of registrars and making placement offers for each geographic training region for 2016.
Where multiple training providers currently operate in the same geographic training region, they will
work together to make placement offers.
Regional contact officers will be able to provide further information on the placement assessment
process to be conducted in each geographic training region.
I’ve been shortlisted – does that mean I have confirmed a training
place on the AGPT program?
No, you are on the shortlist of that geographic training region, and there are more shortlisted
applicants than training places available.
A training place is not guaranteed until a written letter of offer of a training place is made, and it is
accepted by the applicant.
When will I get a decision from my shortlisted geographic training
region?
Successful applicants will receive their offer of an AGPT training place between 21 August – 18
September 2015. All offers will be finalised before the end of September 2015. Unsuccessful
applicants will also be advised during this period.
Once you receive a training place offer, you have seven days in which to accept or decline the offer.
I haven’t heard from my geographic training region – does that
mean I won’t be offered a training place?
Questions regarding the placement assessment processes and offers should be directed to the
relevant regional contact officer for your preferred/shortlisted geographic training region.
How do I know if I have successfully obtained a training place on
the AGPT program?
You will have been successful when a written offer has been made, which you have accepted.
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Why haven’t I been shortlisted?
Selection into the AGPT program is a merit-based, competitive and multi-staged process used to
determine which applicants are best suited to general practice training.
As shortlisting is done in merit order of your total AGPT Selection score, the highest scoring applicant
will be shortlisted first. If your first preference is full, your second preference is considered, and so
on. If you have nominated an over-subscribed geographic training region as your first preference,
and you have a lower score, you may not be shortlisted.
Please note: If you are subject to section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 you will be unable to
nominate general pathway preferences.
I still have a question regarding the shortlisting process.
For further information please visit the AGPT website www.agpt.com.au or contact the AGPT
Selection team at 1800 DR AGPT (1800 37 2478) or AGPTSelection@health.gov.au
When does the training year begin?
The AGPT training year begins in January/February 2016. Please contact the regional contact officer
for your preferred geographic training region for specific start dates for that region.
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