Key Takeaways
- Both RACGP and ACRRM use the same GP SJT for AGPT selection — your score applies to either pathway
- RACGP offers ~1,350 AGPT places (metro and regional); ACRRM offers ~150 AGPT + 100 RGTS places (rural/remote focus)
- RACGP training is typically 3–4 years leading to FRACGP; ACRRM is typically 4 years leading to FACRRM
- Dual fellowship is possible — you can train towards both FRACGP and FACRRM simultaneously
- Your choice should be driven by your preferred practice location, scope of practice, and long-term career goals
Why this comparison matters
Choosing between RACGP and ACRRM is one of the most significant career decisions you will make as an aspiring GP. Both colleges lead to independent general practice, but they differ meaningfully in training structure, geographic focus, scope of practice, and fellowship examinations. Making an informed choice now can save you years of frustration and help you build a career that genuinely fits your professional aspirations and lifestyle preferences.
Importantly, since both pathways use the same GP SJT for selection, your preparation is identical regardless of which college you prefer. The difference lies in what happens after you receive your offer. For details on the SJT itself, see our AGPT 2027 application guide.
The headline comparison
| Feature | RACGP (FRACGP) | ACRRM (FACRRM) |
|---|---|---|
| AGPT places (approx.) | ~1,350 per year | ~150 AGPT + ~100 RGTS |
| Training duration | 3–4 years (FT equivalent) | 4 years (FT equivalent) |
| Training locations | Metropolitan, regional, and rural | Rural and remote (primarily) |
| Fellowship | FRACGP | FACRRM |
| Core exams | AKT + KFP | StAMPS + MCQ |
| Selection tool | GP SJT | GP SJT (same test) |
| Advanced skills options | Limited | Extensive (emergency, obstetrics, anaesthetics, mental health, surgery, Aboriginal health) |
| Dual fellowship | Yes — can add FACRRM | Yes — can add FRACGP |
RACGP pathway: what to expect
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the larger of the two colleges and trains the majority of Australian GPs. RACGP AGPT training is delivered through Regional Training Organisations (RTOs) across the country, with posts available in metropolitan, outer metropolitan, regional, and some rural locations.
Training structure
RACGP training typically spans 3–4 years full-time equivalent. The program begins with a community-based general practice placement (GPT1), followed by a hospital term and further GP placements. You will rotate through different practice settings and gradually build towards independent practice. Supervision is provided by experienced GP supervisors within accredited training practices.
The training curriculum covers the full breadth of general practice, including chronic disease management, mental health, paediatrics, aged care, women's health, and preventive medicine. You will complete workplace-based assessments, educational activities, and your fellowship exams during the training period.
RACGP examinations
RACGP fellowship requires passing two major examinations:
- AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) — a computer-based multiple-choice exam testing clinical knowledge applied to general practice scenarios. Covers the breadth of GP medicine
- KFP (Key Feature Problem) — a written exam presenting clinical scenarios where you identify and respond to key decision points. Tests clinical reasoning and prioritisation rather than factual recall
Both exams can be attempted during training, and most registrars sit the AKT in their second year and the KFP in their third year. The pass rates vary by cohort but generally sit around 70–80% for first attempts.
ACRRM pathway: what to expect
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) trains GPs specifically for rural and remote practice. ACRRM-trained doctors typically develop a broader scope of clinical skills than their metropolitan counterparts, reflecting the demands of practising where specialist referral may be hours or days away.
Training structure
ACRRM training is 4 years full-time equivalent. The program requires a minimum of 2 years in a rural or remote location (Modified Monash Model 3–7). Training includes core general practice terms, hospital terms, and the option to complete Advanced Specialised Training (AST) in areas like emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthetics, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, mental health, or surgery.
The AST component is a distinctive feature of ACRRM training. It allows you to develop procedural and specialised skills that are essential in settings where you may be the only doctor available. This breadth of training produces versatile rural generalists who can manage a wider range of clinical presentations independently.
ACRRM examinations
ACRRM fellowship requires passing two core assessments:
- StAMPS (Structured Assessment using Multiple Patient Scenarios) — an oral examination using standardised patient scenarios. You demonstrate clinical reasoning, communication skills, and management plans in real-time with an examiner
- MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) — a written exam covering the breadth of rural and remote general practice medicine, including emergency, procedural, and Aboriginal health content
StAMPS vs KFP
The biggest examination difference is format: RACGP's KFP is written, while ACRRM's StAMPS is oral. Some candidates perform better in one format than the other. If you have a strong preference for oral vs written assessment, this may influence your college choice.
Dual fellowship: training with both colleges
It is possible to pursue both FRACGP and FACRRM simultaneously. Dual fellowship registrars complete the requirements of both colleges during their training period, which typically extends the total training duration to 4–5 years. Both colleges have formal agreements recognising overlapping training activities.
Dual fellowship is particularly attractive for doctors who want to work rurally but also want the flexibility to move to metropolitan practice later, or who value the broader scope of ACRRM training alongside the RACGP's widely recognised fellowship. The workload is significant — you sit four fellowship exams instead of two — but many registrars find the career flexibility worth the investment.
Making your decision: key questions to ask yourself
There is no universally better pathway — the right choice depends on your personal and professional circumstances. Consider these questions honestly:
- Where do you want to live and work? ACRRM training requires significant time in rural/remote areas. If you are committed to metropolitan practice, RACGP is the clearer fit. If you are drawn to rural medicine, ACRRM's training is purpose-built for that context
- What scope of practice excites you? If you want to perform procedures, manage emergencies independently, and develop advanced skills, ACRRM's AST pathway offers structured training that RACGP does not match
- How do you perform under exam pressure? RACGP's exams are written; ACRRM's StAMPS is oral. Consider which format plays to your strengths
- What are your family and lifestyle considerations? Rural placements can be professionally rewarding but socially isolating. Be honest about your support needs and personal commitments
- What does the job market look like? Both FRACGP and FACRRM allow you to practise anywhere in Australia. However, FACRRM is particularly valued in rural areas and can provide access to additional rural incentive payments and bonuses
- Are you interested in dual fellowship? If you want maximum flexibility, starting with ACRRM and adding RACGP (or vice versa) is achievable and increasingly common
Selection and competition: how they compare
Both colleges use the same GP SJT for selection, so your preparation is identical. However, the competitiveness differs. RACGP AGPT has approximately 1,350 places for a larger applicant pool, while ACRRM AGPT has approximately 150 places for a smaller applicant pool. In practice, ACRRM places can be less competitive overall because fewer candidates nominate ACRRM as their preferred pathway, particularly for remote locations.
Some candidates apply for both pathways as a strategic decision — nominating RACGP as their first preference and ACRRM as a backup (or vice versa). Your SJT score is used for both, so there is no downside to applying for both colleges. For more detail on the selection criteria and how places are allocated, read our complete guide to GP training selection criteria 2027.