Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience (RPLE) refers to the recognition of relevant knowledge, skills and competencies acquired through learning or experience prior to commencing the RACMA Fellowship Training Program (FTP). Currency, relevance and comparability to the requirements of the RACMA Fellowship Training Program of the prior learning and experience is considered when an application for RPLE is assessed. Two types of RPLE are available.

1. RPLE for Masters Level Study

Applicants who have previously completed studies that are comparable to the College’s academic requirements may seek RPLE for one or more of the five RACMA core subjects if they can demonstrate:

• Completion of Masters level study that is comparable to one or more of the five RACMA core subjects
• That comparable Masters level study was completed less than 15 years prior to the date of the RPLE application
• Evidence of currency and ongoing professional development if the comparable Masters level study was completed greater than 10 years prior to the RPLE application

Note: Applicants who have already completed Masters level studies within a RACMA approved university Masters program are encouraged to contact the College to discuss whether their studies meet the relevant requirements.

2. RPLE at Senior Medical Leadership and Management (SMLM) level

Applicants who have senior medical leadership and management experience may seek RPLE for one or more of the 15 Foundation Skill Sets if they can demonstrate:

• Prior experience in a senior medical leadership and management role such as a Director of Medical Services, Chief Medical Officer, Head of Department or Unit
• That the senior medical leadership and management role was of at least 24 months full-time equivalent continuous duration
• That the 24 months in the senior medical leadership and management role was undertaken within the 5 years prior to the RPLE application
• That they are currently in a senior medical leadership and management role or plan to occupy a Medical Administration Registrar position (for the purpose of RACMA Fellowship Training after having held a senior medical leadership and management role as already described)
• Achievement of the competencies described in one or more of the 15 RACMA Skill Sets acquired during a senior medical leadership and management role.

Applicants seeking RPLE at SMLM level who demonstrate achievement of competencies in a Foundation Skill Set will be awarded credit for the corresponding Workplace Based Assessment (WBA). Foundation time in supervised practice may be awarded depending on the number of Foundation WBAs recognised:

• If a SMLM applicant is awarded credit for 0 to 4 Foundation WBAs, no Foundation time in supervised practice will be recognised
• If a SMLM applicant is awarded credit for 5 to 9 Foundation WBAs, credit will be awarded for 23 full time equivalent weeks of Foundation time in supervised practice
• If a SMLM applicant is awarded credit for 10 to 15 Foundation WBAs, credit will be awarded for 46 full time equivalent weeks of Foundation time in supervised practice.

Further information about RPLE can be found in the Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience Policy.