CPD Australia: Free CPD for Doctors and IMGs

Thriving Down Under: 5 Essential Free CPD Resources For IMGs In Australia

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) contribute enormously to healthcare in Australia. Your training, varied experience, and adaptability strengthen patient care across cities, regions, and rural communities. At the same time, adjusting to a new health system, meeting AHPRA requirements, and planning CPD for doctors in Australia can feel demanding and confusing.

From 2024, the Medical Board of Australia has tightened expectations around CPD in Australia. Doctors now need to join an accredited CPD Home, create an annual Professional Development Plan (PDP), and complete 50 hours of structured learning each year. For many IMGs, especially those preparing for the AMC Clinical exam or PESCI interviews, this can seem like “one more thing” to manage.

The good news is that there are excellent free CPD resources for IMGs in Australia that not only help you stay compliant, but also support exam preparation, job readiness, and safer clinical practice. This guide from CPD Australia explains the CPD framework, what it means for IMGs, and how to use free platforms to get real value from CPD Australia requirements.

Importance Of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is more than a registration tick‑box. For IMGs, it is one of the most effective ways to:

• Keep up with current Australian guidelines, prescribing standards, and referral pathways

• Build confidence in local practice expectations, documentation, and medico‑legal responsibilities

• Strengthen clinical reasoning and communication ahead of AMC Clinical and PESCI assessments

• Show employers and supervisors that you are committed to safe, high‑quality care

Engaging in CPD helps you:

• Adapt your previous training to Australian practice

• Understand how conditions present in different populations

• Learn how local health services are organised

• Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams

When you treat CPD as a structured part of your career, rather than a last‑minute scramble, it becomes a powerful tool for professional growth and better patient outcomes.

The General Medical Council in the UK summarises the principle well: “You must keep your professional knowledge and skills up to date.” The same expectation applies strongly for doctors practising in Australia.

Medical Board Of Australia’s CPD Requirements For Doctors In Australia

To maintain registration, the Medical Board of Australia requires most practising doctors to complete a minimum of 50 hours of CPD each year, managed through an accredited CPD Home.

Those 50 hours must be spread across three categories:

• 25 hours – Reviewing Performance And Measuring Outcomes
  Examples: clinical audits, peer review meetings, practice data analysis, multi‑source feedback, case reviews.

• 12.5 hours – Educational Activities
  Examples: online courses, webinars, conferences, journal reading, formal teaching sessions.

• 12.5 hours – Flexible Hours
  You can allocate these to either of the above categories, depending on your learning needs and your Professional Development Plan.

In addition, all CPD programs for CPD for doctors in Australia must address four mandatory topic areas within those 50 hours:

• Culturally safe practice

• Addressing health inequities (especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

• Professionalism

• Ethics

From 2024:

• Every doctor who is required to complete CPD must enrol in an Australian Medical Council (AMC)-accredited CPD Home (unless exempt).

• Each doctor must have an annual Professional Development Plan (PDP) that guides their CPD choices and links directly to their scope of practice.

Understanding these rules is essential if you are planning CPD for IMGs in Australia, because CPD completion is directly linked to your ability to hold and renew registration.

Importance Of Accessing Free CPD Resources In Australia

Paid CPD courses can be expensive, particularly if you are:

• Preparing for the AMC Clinical exam

• Paying exam and assessment fees

• Supporting family here or overseas

• Working in part‑time or limited roles while you complete assessments

Free CPD resources help you meet CPD Australia requirements without adding financial pressure. They also give you:

• Flexibility – learn online, on demand, and around shift work

• Variety – from quick clinical updates to in‑depth case discussions and prescribing modules

• Relevance – many platforms focus on Australian general practice, primary care, and community health

When chosen carefully and aligned with your PDP, free CPD lets you build hours efficiently while improving the exact skills you need for AMC, PESCI, and everyday practice.

CPD Homes And Professional Development Plans (PDPs) For IMGs

A CPD Home is an organisation accredited by the AMC to run and monitor CPD programs. Examples include specialist colleges and non‑college providers that accept all doctors.

For IMGs, understanding CPD Homes is essential:

• Your CPD Home provides the framework you must follow to meet the Medical Board’s CPD standard.

• You record your 50 hours of CPD for doctors in Australia in your CPD Home’s online portal.

• The CPD Home confirms your compliance directly to AHPRA each year.

Most CPD Homes offer:

• Online portals or apps to log hours and upload certificates

• Templates and guidance for writing your Professional Development Plan (PDP)

• Suggestions for activities that fit each CPD category

Creating A PDP That Works For You

Your PDP should be written at the start of the year (or CPD cycle) and answer questions such as:

• What is my current registration type and scope of practice?

• Am I preparing for the AMC Clinical exam, PESCI, or a college assessment?

• Which clinical areas do I find challenging in Australian practice (e.g. mental health, Aboriginal health, chronic disease)?

• What communication or system‑navigation skills do I need to strengthen (e.g. referrals, Medicare item numbers, medico‑legal documentation)?

From these reflections, set 4–6 clear goals, such as:

• “Improve my confidence in managing mental health presentations in general practice.”

• “Prepare for RACGP‑style PESCI scenarios focused on chronic disease and multimorbidity.”

• “Increase my understanding of culturally safe practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.”

You can then choose free CPD activities that directly support each goal and enter them into your CPD Home portal. Treat your PDP as a living document and review it a few times during the year to keep it aligned with your work and exam plans.

CPD For IMGs In Australia At Different Registration Stages

Not every doctor in Australia has the same CPD obligations. For IMGs, the requirements depend on your registration type and role.

In general, the following IMGs must join a CPD Home and complete 50 hours of CPD each year:

• Doctors With General Registration
  Once you achieve general registration, you follow the full CPD standard like any other doctor.

• PGY3+ Doctors Not In A Specialist Training Program
  If you are working independently (e.g. in general practice, hospital non‑training roles), you usually need a CPD Home.

• IMGs With Provisional Registration (Not In An Accredited Intern Position)
  Many IMGs on the Standard Pathway with supervised roles outside intern posts are expected to meet CPD requirements through a CPD Home.

• IMGs With Limited Registration Who Are Not On A Specialist Pathway
  For example, doctors working under area‑of‑need or teaching and research pathways may be required to join a CPD Home.

You may be exempt from joining a separate CPD Home if you are:

• An IMG in an accredited intern position or formal college training program (your training program may already meet CPD expectations)

• On a specialist pathway where your college directly manages your professional development

• Holding non‑practising registration or very short‑term registration (less than four weeks)

Because rules can be nuanced, always confirm your specific obligations with AHPRA, your employer, or your prospective CPD Home. Doing this early helps you avoid last‑minute stress and registration issues.

5 Essential Free CPD Resources For IMGs

There are many providers across CPD Australia, but these five free resources are especially helpful for IMGs working in, or preparing for, Australian general practice and primary care.

1. AJGP (Australian Journal Of General Practice)

What It Is:
AJGP publishes peer‑reviewed articles, case studies, and clinical updates relevant to general practice in Australia.

Why It Matters For IMGs:

• Articles reflect common presentations in Australian primary care

• Case discussions mirror the style of AMC Clinical and RACGP scenarios

• Reading and reflecting on articles counts as educational activities in your CPD hours

Tip: Choose one article each week that matches a PDP goal (e.g. dermatology, mental health) and record your reading plus a short reflection in your CPD Home.

2. ThinkGP

What It Is:
ThinkGP is an online platform with free educational resources for GPs, including:

• Interactive online courses

• Video lectures

• Podcasts

• Case‑based modules

Why It Matters For IMGs:

• Many activities offer CPD certificates you can upload to your CPD Home

• Modules are mapped to common GP presentations and guidelines in Australia

• Short, on‑demand content fits around shift work and study

ThinkGP is particularly useful when planning CPD for IMGs in Australia who want structured, Australian‑focused primary care content.

3. HealthEd

What It Is:
HealthEd offers free:

• Webinars

• Live and recorded events

• Practice‑oriented presentations

These are aimed at primary care practitioners across Australia.

Why It Matters For IMGs:

• Presenters are often experienced Australian GPs and specialists

• Webinars highlight current Australian guidelines, screening programs, and prescribing advice

• Many events are accredited for RACGP and ACRRM CPD, making them easy to record as educational activities

If you are preparing for AMC Clinical or PESCI, HealthEd topics help you see how Australian clinicians approach history taking, management plans, and safety‑netting.

4. Praxhub

What It Is:
Praxhub is a free online community for healthcare professionals that provides:

• Educational videos and modules

• Discussion forums

• Opportunities for networking

Why It Matters For IMGs:

• Content spans clinical updates, prescribing, and practice management

• Forums help you understand real‑life practice issues in Australian clinics

• Some activities contribute to CPD hours, particularly under educational activities

Praxhub can also support your communication and professionalism goals in your PDP by exposing you to current debates and best practice discussions.

5. NPS MedicineWise

What It Is:
NPS MedicineWise focuses on safe, evidence‑based prescribing and medication management in Australia. It offers:

• Prescribing modules

• Case studies

• Clinical tools

• Patient information resources

Why It Matters For IMGs:

• Helps you learn the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) context

• Strengthens safe prescribing – a key focus in AMC exams, PESCI, and real‑world practice

• Activities count towards CPD, especially reviewing performance and measuring outcomes when you apply learning to your own prescribing data

For anyone serious about CPD for doctors in Australia, NPS MedicineWise is one of the most practical and high‑impact free resources.

How To Maximise The Benefits Of Free CPD Resources

Free CPD is only helpful if it lines up with your goals, registration requirements, and career plans. A simple structure can help you turn these resources into meaningful CPD for IMGs in Australia.

A useful rule of thumb is: “If an activity doesn’t move you closer to safer practice or clearer career goals, think twice before spending your CPD time on it.”

Step 1: Clarify Your Goals

Ask yourself:

• Am I focused on AMC Clinical, PESCI, or settling into a new clinical role?

• Which conditions or systems in Australian practice feel least familiar?

• Do I need more exposure to cultural safety, ethics, or professionalism in the Australian context?

Write 4–6 goals and enter them into your PDP so that every CPD activity links back to at least one goal.

Step 2: Map Resources To CPD Categories

Use the platforms above to cover all three CPD categories:

• Educational Activities

  • Webinars and modules from ThinkGP and HealthEd

  • AJGP article reading with reflection

  • Praxhub learning videos

• Reviewing Performance And Measuring Outcomes

  • Use NPS MedicineWise tools to review your prescribing

  • Conduct a small clinical audit in your clinic and discuss it with a supervisor

  • Present a case discussion to peers and document key learning points

• Flexible Hours

  • Add extra activities from either category where you need more depth

This approach makes it easier to reach 50 hours without repeating the same type of activity.

Step 3: Schedule CPD Into Your Week

Instead of leaving CPD to the end of the year:

• Block 1–2 hours each week for a webinar, article, or module

• Keep a simple note on your phone or in a notebook so it is easy to transfer to your CPD Home portal

• Aim to log activities soon after you complete them to avoid losing evidence

Treat these hours as appointments with yourself and protect them wherever possible.

Step 4: Reflect After Each Activity

In your CPD records, include a short reflection:

• What did I learn?

• How will this change my practice in Australia?

• Did it highlight any gaps I still need to address?

This reflection supports deeper learning and helps when you are asked about CPD in job interviews or PESCI assessments.

Combining AMC And PESCI Preparation With CPD Hours

Many IMGs feel torn between exam study and CPD requirements. The key is to choose activities that do both.

Here are some practical ways to link exam preparation with CPD for doctors in Australia:

• AMC Clinical Exam Preparation

  • Use case‑based webinars from HealthEd or ThinkGP as prompts for mock OSCE stations.

  • After each case, write a brief management plan and reflect on how it fits Australian guidelines – record this as CPD.

• PESCI (RACGP Or IME) Interviews

  • Focus on CPD activities that emphasise communication, safety‑netting, and ethical decision‑making.

  • Join discussions or peer groups (including online forums) where you can practise explaining management plans in plain English.

• Cultural Safety And Health Inequities

  • Seek out resources on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, rural health, and refugee health within the platforms above.

  • These activities help with CPD program‑level requirements and give you stronger answers in AMC and PESCI scenarios.

• Non‑College CPD Homes And CPD Australia Providers

  • Many IMGs choose non‑college CPD Homes that support a broad range of practice settings. When you research “CPD Australia” or similar terms online, look for providers that make it straightforward to log exam‑related learning as CPD.

By planning carefully, your exam preparation feeds directly into your CPD record, saving time and giving you a stronger learning structure.

Conclusion

CPD is now a central part of practising medicine in Australia. For IMGs, understanding CPD for doctors in Australia, choosing the right CPD Home, and using free, high‑quality resources are key steps towards long‑term success.

By:

• Learning the Medical Board’s 50‑hour CPD structure

• Clarifying your goals in a clear PDP

• Using platforms such as AJGP, ThinkGP, HealthEd, Praxhub, and NPS MedicineWise

• Linking AMC and PESCI preparation with your CPD activities

you can meet regulatory requirements while steadily improving your skills, confidence, and employability.

Whether you are newly arrived or well established, consistent CPD for IMGs in Australia is one of the strongest investments you can make in your career and in the safety of the patients you care for.