What is the difference between RACGP and ACRRM?

RACGP (FRACGP) is the larger college, minimum 3 years training, suited to all settings including metropolitan. Exams: AKT (MCQ), KFP (written), CCE (clinical OSCE). ACRRM (FACRRM) is designed for rural and remote medicine, minimum 4 years training, broader procedural scope. Exams: MCQ and StAMPS (oral). Both lead to AHPRA specialist registration as a GP. Source: GPRA, RACGP, ACRRM.

Can I do both RACGP and ACRRM?

Yes, dual fellowship (FRACGP + FACRRM) is possible and increasingly common among rural GPs. It typically extends training to 4–5 years. Since 2022 it has become harder to train concurrently for both, but sequential completion is still achievable. Source: GPRA.

Do I have to choose RACGP or ACRRM before starting training?

You do not need to decide before applying for AGPT, but you do need to enrol with a college early in your training. GPRA recommends enrolling early to avoid rejection of prior experience. The general AGPT pathway allows RACGP only; the rural pathway allows either college. Source: GPRA, RACGP.

RACGP vs ACRRM — Which GP Fellowship Pathway? Interactive Decision Tool

Are you an IMG? If you trained overseas, the bigger question isn’t RACGP vs ACRRM — it’s which pathway within a given college (AGPT, FSP, PEP Specialist Stream, RVTS). Use our FRACGP pathway selector for the IMG-specific routes, then come back here once you’ve narrowed it down.

📋 Sources: GPRA — ACRRM vs RACGP comparison ↗. RACGP Fellowship Pathways — racgp.org.au ↗. ACRRM Training Towards Fellowship — acrrm.org.au ↗. AHCRA ACRRM vs RACGP guide, April 2026. Always verify with your RLO and the relevant college before making your decision.

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RACGP vs ACRRM — Which Fellowship?

Answer 6 questions about your goals and get a personalised pathway recommendation.

Registrars AU RACGP · ACRRM · GPRA 2025

ℹ️ This tool helps you think through the decision — it is not an admissions system. Both colleges are excellent. Speak to your RLO, GPRA, and current registrars in each pathway before deciding.

Full comparison

CollegeRACGP (FRACGP) vs ACRRM (FACRRM)

Min trainingRACGP: 3 years | ACRRM: 4 years

Best suited toRACGP: metro, regional, and rural | ACRRM: rural and remote focus

ExamsRACGP: AKT (MCQ) + KFP (written) + CCE (OSCE) | ACRRM: MCQ + StAMPS (oral)

Exam format prefKFP = written; StAMPS = oral. Choose based on your strengths

Procedural scopeRACGP: standard GP procedures | ACRRM: broader — emergency, O&G, anaesthetics, surgery

Rural training reqRACGP rural: some rural time + rural pathway option | ACRRM: significant rural/remote time required

General pathwayRACGP only (non-rural AGPT)

Rural AGPT pathwayEither RACGP or ACRRM

Dual fellowshipPossible (FRACGP + FACRRM), typically 4–5 years total. Harder since 2022 but achievable sequentially

CPD requirementRACGP: 150 hrs per triennium | ACRRM: 50 hrs per year

AHPRA recognitionBoth lead to specialist GP registration. Equivalent for Medicare purposes

College sizeRACGP: ~40,000 members (larger) | ACRRM: smaller, rural-focused community

SourceGPRA comparison ↗ | RACGP ↗ | ACRRM ↗

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