The term "vocational registration" indicates that this doctor has done some additional years of further study and has passed comprehensive examinations set by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. In addition to these examinations she/he has committed to an ongoing programme of study to keep up to date with the advances in general practice. His/her participation in this study programme is audited. Passing the examinations and the commitment to the study programme confers on this doctor the status of "specialist" in general practice, and is your assurance that this doctor is practicing to a high standard.

Doctors who are not vocationally registered can currently work in general practice as long as they are under the supervision of a vocationally registered general practitioner. The Medical Council of New Zealand would like all doctors who work in general practice to attain vocational registration and many doctors who are not vocationally registered are currently working towards achieving this qualification.