The P&RS Regulations for Selection are subject to annual review, and are published on Selection for training page annually in November. While notices of some changes are explained on this page and the Selection for training page, Applicants are reminded that they must rely solely on the published regulations to guide their applications.

All enquiries must be sent in writing to education@plasticsurgery.org.au.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements (see regulations at section 5.6)

25 November 2022 – The RACS Clinical Examination (CE) is a pre-requisite for selection in 2023.

21 September 2021 – Clinical examination is a pre-requisite for Selection from 2022.

22 November 2021 – The RACS Clinical Examination (CE) is a pre-requisite for selection in 2022. The Board has made allowance for applicants to provide evidence of a pass in the CE to ASPS by 20 July 2022. Refer to RACS website for CE registration dates. The Board determined that. If a pass is not communicated to ASPS by the advertised deadline, that application will be re-classified to “ineligible” status.

26 November 2020 – The Clinical Examination (CE) is not a pre-requisite for the 2021 selection process (2022 intake). The Board has delayed the planned transition of the CE to be a pre-requisite for selection until 2022. i.e. the 2023 intake.

Points for surgical experience (2024 – 2026)

1 Sept. 2023 – Over the three years 2025 to 2027, the Board will align points for non-accredited surgical experience in both plastic surgery and non-plastic surgery specialties (includes any RACS Specialty and ObGyn, Ophthalmology, Max Fax and Dermatology). These changes are to enable a broader range of skills in the first year appointees while also facilitating lateral career options for applicants who reach the maximum attempt limit.

Gaps in surgical experience

1 Sept. 2023 – Gaps in surgical experience must be accounted for and must include evidence in support of the gap in surgical experience. These may include non-surgical employment, study, medical need, family or primary carer commitments, professional sporting commitments and personal time. A statutory declaration is required evidence

Maximum Attempt Limit (see regulations at section 2.8)

25 November 2022 – Any applicant who, since 2020, has ranked Within the Band is permitted a fourth and final attempt – ASPS will advise applicants who reach this threshold. (SUPERSEDED in 2025)

All applicants are permitted a maximum of three attempts, and thereafter are classified as ineligible for selection.

22 November 2021 – In 2022, some applicants will be unsuccessful for a third time, reaching the maximum attempt limit. All applicants are limited to 3 eligible attempts, in total, with one caveat. (SUPERSEDED in 2025)

26 November 2020 – Applicants will be limited to three eligible attempts (section 2.8). An “eligible attempt” is defined as an application that satisfies the Minimum Eligibility Requirements.

November 2019 – Applications are limited to 3 attempt from 2020. Attempts made prior to 2020 are not counted towards the maximum attempt limit.

Contacts and Referees

20 Sept. 2023 – The contact nomination form is published (see links below).

1 Sept. 2023 – Applicants must provide contacts which comply with current selection regulations 6.3.1 and 6.3.2. The Board will determine the validity of the contacts and choose referees (see regulation 6.3.3).

All contacts must be nominated from the valid period of time, generally for the 2 years prior to making an application, except applicants who are enrolled in the last year of a 3-year full time PhD who may provide contacts from the 3 years prior to making an application.

Minimum surgical referees must be at least six (6).

Reminder: Ward nurses and allied health (or equivalent) contacts are not valid as referees. Theatre nurses are valid contacts.

25 November 2022 –  Referees are limited to a valid period of 2 years prior to making an application. For minimum surgical referee must be at least six (6). Ward nurses and allied health (or equivalent) referees are not valid referees.  Theatre nurses are allowed as valid referees.

22 November 2021 – Minimum contact nominees have reduced from eight to six surgical referees. Nurse referee numbers are unchanged. Referees (see regulations at section 6.3) Referees are limited to a valid period of 2 years prior to making an application. Minimum surgical referee numbers have reduced from 8 to 6. Ward nurses and allied health (or equivalent) referees are not valid referees. Theatre nurses are allowed as valid referees.

26 November 2020 – Referee Report will be conducted by remote interview (telephone or virtual). Carefully read section 6 of the Selection Regulations. Valid referees nominations must not include current Board of PRS Members.

Master of Surgery / Higher Degrees

Jun. 2024 – The AMC (Australian Medical Council) performs primary source verification of overseas educational qualifications on behalf of AHPRA: Visit the AMC

1 Sept. 2023 – Testamurs are no longer valid evidence. Transcript from awarding university must be used as evidence of completion of degrees, or letters for proof of enrolment in a degree.
Masters of Surgery awarded by University of Sydney is excluded as a creditworthy degree.

25 November 2022 – First advised on 18 March 2021 (updated 2 Feb 2022) the Board has now excluded online Master of Surgery degrees as being creditworthy for selection points. Additionally the Board has added MPhil as a creditworthy degree

2 February 2022 – By 2023, the Board intends to exclude online Master of Surgery degrees as being creditworthy for selection points.

A precise definition of which Masters programs will be recognised is being developed but is likely to concentrate on:

• original research
• lab-based research
• on-site classes
• assessment by thesis

18 March 2021 – By 2023, the Board intends to exclude online Master of Surgery degrees as being creditworthy for selection points.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Selection Initiative

2019 – One training position is reserved to support selection opportunities for candidates who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and who reaches the minimum standard for selection as well as scores within or below the cut off band. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders applicants who score above the band will be selected based on their regional preferences.

Situational Judgement Tests

22 November 2021 – SJTs are not implemented for application into SET for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Australia).

Rural Selection Initiative

The Department of Health’s Health Workforce Locator must be used to download health workforce classification and geographical information equal to MM2 through MM7 of the current Monash Modified Model.

1 Sept. 2023 – The Board has set a minimum time requirement of 12 months (cumulative) for creditworthiness of pre-vocational medical and surgical experience in MM2+ locations (irrespective of full or part time basis).

25 November 2022 – The Board has introduced a new category for selection for applicants who can demonstrate rural residence, education or medical experience.