Following the implementation roadmap of the 2023 Law on Medical Examination and Treatment, the National Medical Council is actively preparing for the first-ever medical practitioner competency assessment in Vietnam. This represents a significant milestone in standardizing the quality of the physician workforce, ensuring safety and efficiency in public healthcare services.

Objectives and Significance of the Competency Exam

The competency assessment is not only a mandatory requirement for obtaining a practice license but also a benchmark for medical education quality. Implementing this exam facilitates alignment with international standards, ensuring that every physician possesses the essential knowledge and clinical skills before beginning their practice. This contributes to enhancing the prestige of Vietnam’s healthcare system and strengthening patient trust.

The first national medical practitioner competency assessment is scheduled to take place in December 2027

Eligibility and Requirements

According to regulations, the candidates for the exam are individuals who have completed their medical training program and hold appropriate professional degrees. To be eligible for registration, candidates must meet the standards regarding degrees and training certificates as prescribed by the Ministry of Health.

The National Medical Council will be the presiding unit, coordinating with relevant agencies to develop a question bank and the most objective assessment methods. The examination content is expected to include both comprehensive theory and practical clinical skill evaluations on models or clinical scenarios.

Detailed Implementation Roadmap

The implementation roadmap for the competency assessment is clearly defined across several stages to allow educational institutions and students to prepare thoroughly:

• Preparation Phase (until the end of 2026): Finalizing the system of legal documents, building the question bank, preparing technical infrastructure, and organizing pilot exams to optimize the process.
• Initial Implementation Phase (from 2027): Officially organizing the competency assessment for the title of doctor. This is the first milestone applied to medical students graduating during this period.
• Expansion Phase (after 2027): Continuing the roadmap to apply to other professional titles in the medical field, such as nursing, midwifery, and medical technology, in accordance with the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment.

Participants in the 2027 assessment must hold a Doctor degree and have completed the medical practice internship as prescribed in Article 23 of the 2023 Law on Medical Examination and Treatment

Organization Process and Licensing

After passing the competency exam organized by the National Medical Council, candidates will be issued a certificate of results. This is a crucial component of the application for a practice license submitted to state management agencies. This process ensures transparency and a clear distinction between the educational training at universities and the assessment of actual professional practice competency.

The implementation of the competency exam is an inevitable step in the process of integrating with global medical standards. Future doctors need to proactively update their knowledge and hone their practical skills, starting from their time in university to meet the rigorous requirements of this examination.

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