RACGP Standards sixth edition
What changes for practices,
and what applies today.
Last checked 13 October 2026. A dated guide to official transition information, with links to the source.
The new edition is available
The RACGP's sixth edition is available now. The Commission published its current information about the edition on 26 August 2026. Publication and accreditation assessment are separate steps: the new document does not itself set the date your practice changes assessment editions.
RACGP source · Commission source
Keep your current accreditation work moving
The Commission says the National General Practice Accreditation Scheme still assesses practices against the fifth edition. It will provide sixth-edition assessment arrangements in due course. At this check, its published advice did not give a commencement date, transition deadline or period in which practices can choose either edition. Confirm your own assessment timetable with your accrediting agency and check the Commission's advice again before changing it.
Commission source · Commission source
Use the mapping as a starting point
The RACGP has an eight-page mapping document connecting sixth-edition references with related fifth-edition indicators. A familiar reference may now sit in a different area, or several older references may connect to one newer criterion. This helps you find the material to read. It does not prove that your existing policy meets the new requirement. Return to the official criteria, sub-criteria and guidance before deciding what needs changing.
Know the shape of the new document
The main areas use F, CG, PP and CQI reference prefixes. The edition also contains an optional point-of-care testing standard. The RACGP distinguishes required criteria from those specifically labelled aspirational. Read the full official document rather than assuming a short topic label captures every requirement.
Make a practical review plan
Start with a small inventory of the policies your team actually uses. Record which version is approved, who is responsible for its review and where staff find it. Keep local instructions attached to their source instead of replacing them with generic wording. Pick a manageable review batch, read the relevant official references, discuss changes with the people doing the work and record the approval decision. Involve the appropriate clinical lead whenever a change affects clinical care. The RACGP's practice guidance highlights governance, responsibilities and version control as useful early preparation.
Treat a document map as a review tool
A blank mapping row means you have not linked an approved document to that reference in your library. It does not tell you whether a requirement applies or whether your practice meets it through another system. Use the row to prompt a conversation and record the next review task. Practice Compliance is an independent software tool; it does not assess accreditation or guarantee compliance.