How MCNZ registration works
The Medical Council of New Zealand is the body that registers doctors and issues the practising certificate you need to work. You cannot practise medicine in New Zealand without both registration and a current practising certificate.
- Scopes of practice - MCNZ registers you within a defined scope, such as general, provisional general or vocational (specialist).
- Supervision - many international medical graduates (IMGs) begin in provisional general registration, which requires a period of supervised practice before moving to full general registration.
- Vocational registration - for recognised specialists who meet the standard of the relevant New Zealand medical college.
Your route depends chiefly on your primary medical qualification, your postgraduate experience and where you have practised.
The main pathways for international doctors
There are several routes to registration. The right one depends on your training and experience.
- Comparable Health System pathway - for doctors who trained and worked in a country whose health system MCNZ considers comparable to New Zealand (this includes several countries such as the UK, Ireland, Canada and others). Meeting the experience criteria can let you register without sitting the NZREX exam.
- NZREX Clinical pathway - for doctors who do not qualify through a comparable health system. You must pass the New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX) Clinical, a clinical assessment, before applying for provisional general registration.
- Vocational (specialist) pathway - for specialists whose training and experience are assessed by the relevant New Zealand college as meeting local standards.
Confirm which pathway applies to you early, as it shapes your timeline, cost and whether you need to sit an exam.
English language requirements
MCNZ requires evidence of English competence. The common acceptable standards are:
- IELTS Academic - an overall score of 7.5 with at least 7.0 in each section.
- OET - at least grade B in each of the four sub-tests.
MCNZ also accepts other evidence in some cases, such as primary medical training conducted and examined in English, or a recognised pass in certain overseas examinations. Two test sittings can sometimes be combined within a set period. Check the current list of accepted evidence before booking a test.
Provisional registration and supervised practice
Most IMGs entering through the comparable health system or NZREX routes start on provisional general registration, which means you practise under supervision.
- Approved job first - you generally need a suitable post with an approved supervisor before MCNZ grants provisional registration.
- Supervision period - typically several months of satisfactory supervised practice, with reports to MCNZ.
- Moving to general registration - once you complete supervision successfully and meet the requirements, you can move to full general registration.
Having a firm job offer is therefore central to the process, which is where working with a recruiter experienced in New Zealand placements can save considerable time.
The Green List and residence
Registration lets you work; the Green List helps you stay. The Green List is Immigration New Zealand's list of in-demand occupations that qualify for streamlined residence, and medical practitioners, including GPs and many specialists, feature on it.
- Straight to Residence - eligible doctors can apply for residence via a fast-tracked pathway, often without first spending years on a temporary visa.
- Requirements - you generally need MCNZ registration, a qualifying job offer and to meet health, character and other criteria.
- Work visas - if you are not yet eligible for residence, an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) can get you working while you progress.
Green List settings and occupation eligibility change, so verify the current criteria for your role with Immigration New Zealand before you plan your move.
Costs and timelines
Budget for registration, exams (if required), English testing and immigration. All figures are indicative and in New Zealand dollars unless stated; confirm current amounts before you commit.
- MCNZ registration and practising certificate fees - several hundred to over a thousand NZD in total, depending on your pathway and scope.
- NZREX Clinical - a substantial exam fee if your pathway requires it.
- English test - typically a few hundred dollars.
- Immigration - visa and residence application fees plus a levy.
- Timelines - comparable health system applicants may register in a few months once documents and a job are in place; NZREX candidates should allow longer to prepare for and sit the exam.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to sit the NZREX exam?
Not if you qualify through the Comparable Health System pathway, which recognises training and experience from certain countries. If you do not meet those criteria, you must pass NZREX Clinical before applying for provisional general registration.
Which countries count as a comparable health system?
MCNZ recognises several countries with health systems it considers comparable, including the UK, Ireland, Canada and others. The list and the experience requirements can change, so confirm your eligibility directly with MCNZ.
Are doctors on the New Zealand Green List?
Yes. Medical practitioners, including GPs and many specialists, appear on the Green List, which can give access to a fast-tracked residence pathway. You still need MCNZ registration and a qualifying job offer, and settings can change.
What English score does MCNZ require?
The common standards are IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with 7.0 in each section, or OET grade B in each sub-test. Other evidence, such as training conducted in English, may be accepted in some cases.
Do I need a job offer before registering?
For provisional general registration you generally need an approved post with a supervisor lined up, so a job offer is central to the process. Securing employment early is one of the most important steps toward registration.
How long does registration take?
Comparable health system applicants with documents and a job in place may register within a few months. If you must sit NZREX, allow additional time to prepare for and complete the exam before applying for provisional registration.
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