Plastic and reconstructive surgery

Plastic and reconstructive surgery is the diagnosis and treatment (operative and non operative) of patients requiring the restoration, correction or improvement in the shape and appearance of the body structures that are defective or damaged at birth or by injury, disease, growth or development. It includes all aspects of cosmetic surgery.

Vocational training in New Zealand

Vocational training in plastic and reconstructive surgery is undertaken through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Once RACS training is completed, the doctor is awarded the Fellowship of the RACS (FRACS) in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Am I able to apply to work as a recognised specialist in New Zealand?

To apply for vocational registration in plastic and reconstructive surgery, you need either:

  • the FRACS qualification; or
  • an international postgraduate medical qualification, where your combination of qualifications, training and experience will then be assessed against the standard of FRACS in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

What standard will my training, qualifications and experience be compared against?

Recognised specialists in New Zealand must complete at least 5 years of advanced training (after obtaining general medical and surgical experience) and meet the requirements below:

  • attend one training event before the second year of training
  • complete the following courses:
    • the Australian and New Zealand Surgical Skills Education and Training (ASSET), Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient (CCrISP) and Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) by end of SET1.
    • the Emergency Management of Severe Burns (EMSB) course by end of SET2.
    • the Training in Professional Skills (TIPS) course by the end of SET3.
  • undertake Direct Observation of Procedures (DOPS) and Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises (Mini-CEX) during the first 2 years of training.
  • attend the following conferences:
    • the Australasian Set Induction Conference (SET1).
    • the Australasian Registrar Conference (SET2-5).
  • pass the clinical examination (CE) before end of SET2.
  • pass the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Science and Principles (PRSSP) examination by the end of SET4.
  • pass the annual online in-service examinations from the third year of training until after they've taken the Fellowship examination at the end of SET5.
  • pass the plastic and reconstructive surgical sciences and principles examination before beginning the fifth year of training
  • complete a research project before sitting the Fellowship examination
  • submit logbooks to their supervisor for each surgical term
  • pass the Fellowship examination after training is completed
    • Trainees can present for the FEX in their SET5 year and will be approved for the FEX exam based on their performance at the end of SET4. In exceptional circumstances, trainees may be approved to present for FEX in the last six months of the SET4 year.
  • participate in the RACS continuing professional development programme.

Once a trainee has successfully completed the examination and training requirements they will be awarded the FRACS in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

I want to make a vocational registration application

To make a vocational registration application, please refer to the Vocational Registration Homepage and select the option appropriate for you.

Am I able to apply for other types of registration?

You may be able to apply for more than one type of registration. To find out which is the best fit for you, please use our self assessment tool.

  • Registration self assessment tool

    3 May 2023

    Use our registration self assessment tool to determine which pathway to registration (as a medical practitioner in Aotearoa New Zealand) you might be eligible for. Note: we do not cover student electives.