SIMG preliminary review (SPR)

The SPR is prepared for all applicants in Australia and summarises the initial assessment of an SIMG’s suitability to enter the SIMG process. You are able to provide further information in response if you so wish. 

During the SIMG preliminary review we will take the following details into consideration:

Comparable health systems

We'll take the comparability of the health system(s) you've trained and worked in into consideration throughout your SIMG assessment. The college relies on the MCNZ's list of comparable health system and MBA comparability

English language proficiency

You must supply evidence of English language proficiency unless you qualify for an exemption from this requirement. ANZCA relies on the MBA (AU) and MCNZ (NZ) rules and exemption criteria for English language proficiency. 

While we base our exemption criteria on that of the MBA/MCNZ, please be aware that an ANZCA-granted exemption will only apply to ANZCA processes and is not indicative of MBA or MCNZ requirements. If you believe you may be eligible for this exemption please complete the exemption section on your application requesting an exemption from this requirement.

Until you achieve the required English language test scores you will be unable to continue with the SPR.
 

Certificate of registration status (CORS)

You need to submit an original or original certified certificate of registration status from the country in which you gained your specialist anaesthesia/pain medicine qualification. This certificate must show that you are registered (or eligible to be registered) as a specialist in that country.

The body that registers medical practitioners in the country of your specialist training should be able to supply you with a CORS. If you are unable to obtain this document please contact us to discuss your options.

Any notes, conditions or warnings on a CORS will be taken into account during your assessment. If there are notes, conditions or warnings on your CORS, you may be asked to provide additional information on the note, condition or warning.
 

Certificate of good standing (COGS)

You need to submit an original or original certified COGS for the 10 years preceding your application. If you've worked in more than one country during this period you must obtain COGS from each country in which you've worked. If you have been working for less than 10 years you should provide COGS for the entire period you have been registered to practise medicine.

The COGS must be valid at the time of application (expired certificates won't be accepted). Any notes, conditions or warnings on a COGS will be taken into account during your assessment. If there are notes, conditions or warnings on your COGS, you may be asked to provide additional information on the note, condition or warning.

The body that registers medical practitioners within your country of practice should be able to supply you with a COGS. If you aren't able to obtain these documents please contact us to discuss your options.
 

Recency of practice

Pain Medicine

If you haven't practised in pain medicine for at least two months of the 12 months preceding your application, you won't be able to continue in the SIMG assessment process.

Anaesthesia

If you haven't practised anaesthesia in the 12 months immediately prior to your application you may be required to complete a return to practice (RTP) period before you can attend an interview at the college. We'll determine this during the preliminary review of your application and will contact you if necessary. You must start the RTP period within 12 months of that advice.

The overall aim of RTP is to ensure that an anaesthetist who has been absent from clinical practice for a period of time provides safe and up-to-date care. It's your responsibility to ensure that this is the case.


The RTP period must comply with the MBA's recency of practice standard and the ANZCA professional document PG50(A) (anaesthesia) and/or PG13(PM) (pain medicine). It's the responsibility of you and your supervisor to write the RTP program together. You should obtain a copy of the program template us and refer to ANZCA professional document PG50(A) (anaesthesia) and/or PG13(PM) (pain medicine) for guidance on writing the program. Your return to practice plan must be approved by ANZCA’s director of professional affairs.

Last updated 14:27 21.03.2024