A Guide for Emergency Medicine doctors Navigating the ACEM Specialist Assessment Pathway

The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) offers an established Specialist Assessment Pathway for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs), including UK-trained emergency physicians, who wish to gain recognition and practice as specialists in Emergency Medicine in Australia. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of how UK SIMGs can obtain recognition, complete the assessment process, and achieve specialist registration.

Step 1: Eligibility

Before applying, prospective SIMGs should ensure they meet ACEM’s eligibility criteria. The Specialist Assessment pathway is for doctors who:

• Have completed specialist training in Emergency Medicine outside of Australia.
• Are recognized as a specialist in their country of training. 
• Are seeking specialist registration with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA).

To receive a psoitive outcome in this process, you must have completed a structured postgraduate program of at least 3 years, comparable to the FACEM program (this will be directly compared with Australian standards). 

Step 2: Application

To apply, you’ll need to submit the following:  

• Australian Medical Council: apply to the AMC for primary source verification of both your primary and specialist qualifications.
• Complete Application Form (download from ACEM website)
• Complete CV template (download from ACEM website)
• Complete List of Rotations Completed Form (download from ACEM website)
• Complete Consultant Post Form (download from ACEM website)
• Evidence of English Languageproficiency.
• On the application form, a checklist is provided of further mandatory documents to submit including: Copy of passport, medical degree, medical registration and certificate of Good Standing, certificate of internship, Emergency Medicine specialist qualifications and fellowships, specialist training completion certificates, evidence of CPD, logbooks and details for 3x specialist clinical referees etc.
• Payment of Assessment Fee. 

Once you’ve gathered all documents, submit your application online via the ACEM Specialist Assessment Portal. ACEM will conduct a paper-based assessment to confirm your eligibility and may request an interview.

Timeline:

• Standard assessments take several months.
• No expedited pathways are available for Emergency Medicine.

Step 3: Initial Assessment

Initial Assessment Process

• After you submit your application and evidence of PSV, ACEM sends you a Summary of Preliminary Review (SPR) to confirm your details. Your application then goes to the ACEM SIMG Assessment Committee Chairs for a paper-based review. 

Following this you will receive one of the following outcomes:

1. Eligible for Interview 

2. Not Comparable 

Step 4: Assessment Interview

The ACEM Specialist Assessment Committee evaluates the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and scope of practice compared to the competencies expected of a newly elected Fellow (FACEM).

• Eligible applicants are invited for a formal interview
• Interviews are usually conducted online
• The interview panel will consist of three FACEMs
• The interview assesses:

1. Clinical knowledge and decision-making
2. Procedural skills and emergency management
3. Communication, leadership, and teamwork
4. Experience across adult, paediatric, and trauma care

Step 5: Assessment Outcomes

After the interview, ACEM determines comparability to FACEM standards. Possible outcomes:

Substantially Comparable

• Training and experience closely match Australian standards
• May require a supervised placement in an emergency department with workplace-based assessments

Partially Comparable

• Training meets high standards but with some gaps
• Requires additional supervised practice and targeted assessments

Not Comparable

• Training does not align with ACEM standards
• Applicant will need to undertake ACEM Fellowship training from the beginning

Placement Requirements for Substantial/Partial Comparability:

• Employment in an emergency department under supervision by FACEMs
• Submission of workplace-based assessments
• Periodic performance reviews

Placements can occur in public or private emergency departments that are approved by ACEM.

Associated Costs

Applicants should be prepared for financial commitments, which may include: Application Fees, Assessment & Interview Fees, Supervised Placement Fees (workplace-based assessments, supervision), Fellowship and membership fees

For a full breakdown of costs and the latest information, please refer to the ACEM website.

Final Thoughts

The ACEM Specialist Assessment Pathway provides UK-trained emergency physicians with a clear route to recognition and specialist registration in Australia. Preparing early, understanding the comparability process, and budgeting for associated costs ensures a smooth transition to clinical practice abroad.

Want to Know More?

Emergency Medicine roles are in high demand across Australia. For personalised guidance or to start your application:

📩 Email your CV to: aus@bdiresourcing.com

 A member of the team will reach out to help you take the next step.