PESCI - Pre – Employment Structured Clinical Interview Process Explained
If you are eligible for AHPRA Limited registration via the Standard Pathway and want to work as a GP in Australia, a mandatory step in the process after securing a position is the Pre-employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI).
The PESCI is a panel interview with Australian Fellowed GPs that assess you in clinical scenarios to make sure that you have the necessary skills, knowledge, and attributes to provide safe and effective patient care following Australian standards and regulations.
Why you need to undertake a PESCI?
The PESCI for International Medical Students serves several purposes and is considered necessary for these important reasons:
- Evaluation of Skills and Competencies: The PESCI assesses the clinical skills, knowledge, and competencies of international medical graduates to ensure they meet the standards needed for medical practice in Australia.
- Suitability Assessment: It helps figure out the suitability of international medical graduates for specific positions within the Australian healthcare system, considering factors such as clinical experience, communication skills, and cultural competency.
- Compliance with Regulatory Standards: The PESCI ensures compliance with regulatory requirements set by Australian medical authorities, such as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Medical Board of Australia.
- Ensuring Patient Safety: By evaluating the capabilities of international medical graduates, the PESCI helps maintain patient safety and quality of care within the Australian healthcare system.
- Standardisation of Assessment: The structured nature of the PESCI ensures consistency and fairness in the assessment process, providing reliable and valid evaluations of candidates.
What’s involved in the PESCI?
The PESCI for International Medical Students serves several purposes and is considered neaaaavessary for these important reasons:
Submit your application: To begin your PESCI application, you’ll need to decide which provider you want to proceed with. The options are via The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) or the Institute of Medical Education (IME). You will then need to start the registration process for free on their website. Each organisation will have a fee involved. Check the fee at each organisation’s website here: RACGP | ACRRM | IME
Your application document is reviewed: Your application documents, including medical qualifications and experience, are reviewed.
The Interview: You’ll undergo structured clinical interview conducted by three qualified assessors. Usually, you’ll be given five clinical scenarios and asked questions to assess your knowledge, skills, experience, and your expectations of working in Australia. The interview will last approximately 1.5 hours.
Assessment: The interview assesses your clinical skills, knowledge, communication abilities, and suitability for the intended position.
You receive feedback: After the interview, you’ll receive feedback on your performance and areas for improvement.
A decision is made: Based on the assessment, a decision is made about your suitability for employment in the medical field in Australia.
PESCI: Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), to be eligible to apply for PESCI, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Meet the requirements set by the Medical Board of Australia (MBA).
- Have passed the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Computer Adaptive Test Multiple Choice Questionnaire (CAT MCQ) Examination or qualified for the Competent Authority pathway.
- Hold a primary medical qualification listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
- Have a valid job offer in Australian general practice.
Note: While passing the AMC Clinical Examination is beneficial, it is not mandatory for PESCI eligibility.
If you’re applying from overseas, you have the possibility to have your PESCI conducted via video conference with an accredited facilitator or to travel to Australia for an in-person assessment.
Opting for an in-person assessment allows us to arrange a visit to the practice. This is a good opportunity to see how the practice works before you accept a position there. Please note that all travel expenses are your responsibility.
We’ve collaborated with many International Medical Practitioners and Students to guide them through the process. But if you need a deep dive into PESCI, you can download the Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI) Handbook here.
Your PESCI outcome stays valid for one year. If there’s a delay in accepting your job offer, please check with your practice to figure out the expiration date of the offer.
Once you have secured and confirmed a date for your PESCI, we’ll provide you with a PESCI preparation kit to help you with your studies.
Trust Medical Recruitment can help you find an alternative position and apply for a PESCI exemption for the new clinic.
Good luck with your preparations!
