Sport and exercise medicine

Sport and exercise medicine is the medical care of the exercising individual, including the assessment and management of patients with musculoskeletal injuries and medical problems arising from sporting activity. Sport and exercise physicians possess expertise in general medicine, orthopaedics and rehabilitation, plus allied sport sciences including nutrition, biomechanics, exercise physiology and sports psychology.

Vocational training in New Zealand

Vocational training in Sport and Exercise medicine is undertaken through the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP). Once ACSEP training is completed, the doctor is awarded the Fellowship of the ACSEP (FACSEP).

  • Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP)

    The ACSEP is the professional body representing Sport and Exercise Physicians and Sport and Exercise Medicine in Australasia. The ACSEP is dedicated to providing a robust training experience for its Registrars whilst advancing the skills of its members through evidence based practice.

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

To apply for vocational registration in sport and exercise medicine, you need either:

  • the FACSEP qualification; or
  • an international postgraduate medical qualification in sport and exercise medicine, where your combination of qualifications, training and experience is assessed against the standard of the FACSEP.

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

Recognised specialists in New Zealand must complete 7 years of training and satisfy the requirements below:

  • 3 years of general medical experience

  • Pass an Entrance Examination assessing knowledge in basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology and immunology

  • 3 years and 7 months minimum of advanced medical training in a competency-based, stage-based program, during which the trainee must complete requirements including:

    • Clinical practice at a minimum of two separate training practices during training

    • Workplace based assessments

    • Sporting event and team coverage

    • Academic and education modules

    • Attending courses and conferences

    • Research based activity

    • Pass the Fellowship Examinations, consisting of two written parts and three clinical parts

  • Participate in the ACSEP continuing professional development program.

Once a trainee has successfully completed all training requirements, they will be awarded the FACSEP.

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

    4 March 2025

    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.