What Is a GP Registrar? A Complete Guide for Future GPs in Australia
Jul 01, 2025
Becoming a GP registrar marks a critical milestone on the journey to becoming a fully qualified general practitioner in Australia. Yet for many aspiring doctors — particularly International Medical Graduates (IMGs) — the term “registrar” can feel like a mystery wrapped in bureaucracy.
Let’s break it down clearly.
What Is a GP Registrar?
A GP registrar is a doctor undertaking supervised training to become a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
Registrars work in accredited general practices, seeing real patients under the guidance of an experienced GP supervisor. They gradually take on more responsibility as their skills and confidence grow — all while being paid and supported.
The GP Training Pathway: Step by Step
Here’s a simplified version of the training journey:
|
Step |
What Happens? |
|
1. Eligibility Check |
Most registrars have passed their AMC exams and hold General Registration. Some enter via the PEP program (RACGP) or IP pathway (ACRRM). |
|
2. Apply for Fellowship Training |
Doctors apply via RACGP or ACRRM directly. Some may join under the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program. |
|
3. Placement and Supervision |
You’ll be placed in an accredited general practice, usually in a regional or rural location. |
|
4. In-Practice Training |
You see patients, complete education modules, and are supervised by a Fellowed GP. |
|
5. Fellowship Exams |
RACGP registrars sit the AKT, KFP and CCE exams. ACRRM registrars sit multiple assessments including MCQs, mini-CEX and StAMPS. |
|
6. Fellowship Awarded |
On passing all assessments and completing training, you receive your FRACGP or FACRRM. |
How Long Does It Take?
- RACGP pathway: Usually 3 years (or longer if part-time or rural pathway).
- ACRRM: Generally 4 years, due to additional rural skills training.
Registrars can train part-time or take parental leave during the program, depending on college rules.
What Does a Registrar Actually Do?
As a GP registrar, you will:
- Consult with patients (under supervision)
- Prescribe medications
- Perform minor procedures
- Manage chronic diseases
- Participate in on-call or after-hours services (in some regions)
- Attend educational workshops and tutorials
You’ll also have access to practice support staff, nurses, and sometimes Aboriginal Health Workers in rural placements.
Insights from Real Registrars
At PassGP, we’ve supported thousands of GP registrars through their training and exams. Here’s what they tell us:
"I underestimated how important it is to practise exam technique — not just know the content."
"Rural training gave me so much autonomy — but I needed strong case-based feedback."
That’s why we've built our resources around exam-readiness — with AKT, KFP, and CCE mocks tailored to your actual training journey. PassGP was created by A/Prof George Eskander, former RACGP National Lead Examiner, to provide genuine insight into exam success.
RACGP vs ACRRM: What’s the Difference?
|
Feature |
RACGP |
ACRRM |
|
Focus |
Urban and regional GP |
Rural and remote medicine |
|
Training Time |
3 years (standard) |
4 years (with rural skills) |
|
Assessments |
AKT, KFP, CCE |
MCQs, mini-CEX, StAMPS, MSF |
|
Support |
PEP, AGPT, FSP |
IP, RVTS, AGPT |
Choose the pathway that best matches your career goals and preferred practice setting.
How PassGP Helps GP Registrars Succeed
We’re Australia’s fastest-growing exam platform for GP training. Created by A/Prof George Eskander, PassGP offers:
- 4500+ exam-aligned questions
- Mobile-friendly platform
- Instant feedback with full explanations
- Mock exams for AKT, KFP, and CCE
- Tailored content for IMGs and AGPT trainees
Start your free trial now at PassGP.au and join the next generation of confident, exam-ready registrars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do GP registrars get paid?
Yes. Salaries vary by training provider and region, but most registrars earn between $80,000–$110,000 per year, plus superannuation.
Can I train part-time?
Yes — both RACGP and ACRRM offer part-time training options.
What if I fail my exam?
Don’t worry — you can re-sit RACGP and ACRRM exams multiple times. PassGP helps you target your weak points and improve confidence.
Final Thoughts
Being a GP registrar is more than a job — it’s your final training step before independent practice. It’s challenging, rewarding, and requires support.
At PassGP, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
