GP Fellow? Your Quick Guide to Supervising on the PEP Specialist Pathway or AHPRA IMG Supervision Training

Guiding an International Medical Graduate (IMG) through the RACGP Practice Experience Program Specialist Pathway (PEP SP) is one of the most rewarding roles a GP Fellow can take on. You get to shape the next generation of Australian GPs while contributing to better access to care in areas that need it most.

However, some people feel that the administrative and training requirements are unclear.

Many Fellows ask the same two questions:

• How do I actually complete the mandatory AHPRA IMG Supervision Training?  

• Is there additional training required by the RACGP?

Here’s the clear, up-to-date answer based on current requirements.

1. AHPRA IMG Supervision Training – How It Actually Works

AHPRA does not require you to complete a lengthy course. Instead, the Medical Board of Australia mandates a specific Online Education and Assessment Module based on their Supervised practice for international medical graduates guidelines.

Important: You cannot proactively search for or access this module on your own. It is triggered automatically.

How the Process Works:

• When your practice submits the IMG’s AHPRA application and names you as the Principal Supervisor (or Co-Supervisor), AHPRA processes the paperwork.

• They will then email you directly with your unique login details for the module.

• Once you receive the email, you have one month to complete the self-paced, interactive online module.

• The module covers your legal responsibilities as a supervisor, the different levels of supervision (typically Level 3 or Level 2 for the PEP Specialist pathway), and how to properly report on the IMG’s progress.

This module is designed to be practical and focused on what you actually need to know to supervise safely and compliantly.

2. AHPRA & RACGP Supervisor Eligibility Prerequisites

Before you can be formally approved as a supervisor, you must meet strict eligibility criteria set by both AHPRA and the RACGP:

Requirement	What is expected?
Registration Status	You must hold full, unrestricted Specialist Registration in General Practice with AHPRA. There must be no conditions, undertakings, or active health/conduct investigations.
Experience	Minimum of three years full-time equivalent (FTE) practice with General and/or Specialist registration in Australia.
Relationship	You cannot be a relative, domestic partner, or an employee of the IMG you are supervising.

These rules exist to protect both you and the IMG, ensuring appropriate professional boundaries and oversight.

3. RACGP Specific Requirements – Good News for Fellows

The RACGP oversees the educational and clinical quality of the PEP Specialist Pathway. The good news is:

• No separate RACGP training course is required. The RACGP accepts successful completion of the AHPRA online module as your primary formal supervisor training.

• During the program entry phase, your practice (not you personally) must complete and submit two Supervisor Training Plans to the RACGP. These plans outline how the clinic will support, monitor, and deliver workplace-based assessments for the IMG.

Your main ongoing responsibility as a supervisor on the 6-month PEP SP pathway is becoming familiar with the Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA) framework. This typically includes:

• Regular case reviews and medical record audits

• Facilitating the Multi-Source Feedback (MSF) activity

• Signing off on the standard AHPRA orientation (ORIG-30) and work performance (WRIG-30) reports

Practical Tips If You’re a New Supervisor

If this is your first time supervising an IMG on the PEP Specialist Pathway:

• Once the IMG’s placement is approved, reach out to your regional RACGP training coordinator. They often provide quick onboarding webinars, digital handbooks, or templates to help you navigate the WBA process confidently.

• Many experienced supervisors recommend starting with a clear supervision plan and regular structured meetings in the first few weeks — this sets a strong foundation for the intensive 6-month program.

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Why This Role Matters (and How Doctor Connect Can Help)

Supervising on the PEP Specialist Pathway is more than a compliance exercise — it’s an opportunity to mentor talented IMGs, strengthen your practice team, and contribute to addressing GP workforce shortages across Australia.

At Doctor Connect, we specialise in matching high-quality IMGs with supportive practices and experienced GP Fellows like you. We understand the full supervisor journey — from AHPRA application triggers and training modules through to successful completion of the PEP SP and Fellowship.

Whether you’re considering taking on your first IMG supervisee or already have one lined up, we can help with:

• Guidance on the application and approval process

• Matching you with suitable IMGs based on your practice’s capacity and location

• Ongoing support throughout the supervision period

Becoming an approved supervisor is a valuable next step in your career as a GP Fellow. The process is more straightforward than it first appears once you understand the triggers and timelines.

Ready to take the next step and supervise an IMG on the PEP Specialist Pathway?

Contact the Doctor Connect team today. We’ll walk you through the requirements, help confirm your eligibility, and connect you with suitable placements where you can make a real difference.