Almost half of candidates have passed a notorious IMG exam, compared with a historical pass rate of around 30%.

The Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI) involves a panel of GPs using clinical discussions or role-play to decide if an IMG can work in the job they have been offered, under limited registration.

Previously, the exam was mostly conducted by ACRRM.

But IMGs and practice owners had complained it was “impossible to pass” and worsening the rural workforce crisis.