Work as a Doctor in New Zealand | MCNZ Registration Guide

Registration Pathways

Understand the different routes to medical registration and find the one that matches your qualifications.

Comparable Health System Pathway

No Exam

For doctors with substantial recent clinical experience in a recognised comparable health system. No NZREX exam required.

Eligibility

Acceptable primary medical qualification, 33+ months clinical practice (20+ hours/week) in the last 48 months in a recognised country (Australia, UK, Canada, US, Ireland, EU, Singapore, Hong Kong, and others).

Estimated: 3-6 months

Competent Authority Pathway

No Exam

Direct qualification based on holding registration from a country with a recognised assessment system.

Eligibility

Current registration via UK GMC (PLAB), Canada MCC (MCCQE Part 1), US ECFMG (USMLE), or Ireland MCI assessment.

Estimated: 3-6 months

NZREX Clinical Pathway

Exam Required

Required when you do not qualify for other pathways. The NZREX Clinical is a practical examination. Alternatives include recognised international exams (PLAB, AMC, USMLE, MCCQE Part 1).

Eligibility

International medical graduates who do not meet Comparable Health System or Competent Authority pathway requirements.

Estimated: 6-12 months

Vocational Registration

No Exam

Allows independent specialist practice in New Zealand. Available across 36 recognised vocational scopes assessed by specialist medical colleges.

Eligibility

Completed specialist training with qualifications assessed as substantially comparable to NZ fellowship standards.

Estimated: 6-18 months

Requirements & Documents

Key documents, language certifications, and regulatory bodies you need to know about.

Required Documents

Passport

Required

Degree Certificate

Required

Transcripts

Required

Registration Certificate

Required

Cv Resume

Required

Police Clearance

Required

Skills Assessment

Recommended

Language Certifications

Ielts Academic

Level: B2

Oet

Level: B2

Pte Academic

Level: B2

Native Speaker

Level: C2

Regulatory Bodies

Medical Council of New Zealand(MCNZ)

Primary registration authority overseeing all pathways and assessments for international medical graduates

Visit website

ECFMG (EPIC Verification)(ECFMG)

Provides primary-source credential verification through the EPIC service, generally required for first-time international applicants

Specialist Medical Colleges

Evaluate vocational registration applications against NZ fellowship standards across 36 recognised scopes

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about medical registration and eligibility for this destination.

Check Your Eligibility

Not necessarily. If you qualify for the Comparable Health System pathway (33+ months clinical practice in a recognised country) or the Competent Authority pathway (holding PLAB, AMC, USMLE, or MCCQE credentials), you can bypass the NZREX Clinical entirely.

Generally yes, for first-time international applicants relying on overseas qualifications. Exemptions exist for NZ medical degrees and qualifications that have been previously verified.

Over 20 countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Yes, a job offer from an accredited NZ employer is typically required for both MCNZ registration and visa applications. Visa options include the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Green List pathways for critical specialties.

Specialist recognition involves assessment by the MCNZ and relevant specialist medical colleges. Your qualifications are compared against New Zealand standards and may be rated as substantially comparable, partially comparable (requiring additional training), or not comparable.