11. Fellowship Examinations

FELLOWSHIP EXAMINATIONS

The Fellowship Examinations are the final summative assessments Registrars must complete successfully to apply for Fellowship. There are two examinations:

1. Written Examination - An examination usually consisting of two sections and held online, usually in June
2. Clinical Examination - An examination usually consisting of three sections held in-person, usually in August

Examination questions are based on the 2024 Curriculum. Registrars should consult the Fellowship Examination Policy for policy-related information on the Fellowship Examinations.

Registrars should refer to the current Training Manual and ACSEP Fee Schedule for more information.

KEY DATES FOR 2025

• Written Fellowship Examination
  • Applications open: 14 February 2025
  • Applications close: 14 March 2025
  • Examination date: 14 June 2025
• Clinical Fellowship Examination:
  • Applications open: 1 July 2025
  • Applications close: 14 July 2025
  • Examination date: 30 August 2025
  • Examination venue: Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney

WRITTEN FELLOWSHIP EXAMINATION

The Written Fellowship Examination includes two parts:

1. Multiple choice questions (MCQ): 120 questions, 3 hours
2. Short answer questions (SAQ): 10 questions, 3 hours

Registrars must apply to sit the examination before the application close date. Applications will be reviewed by the required committees and, if approved to sit, the Registrar must pay the Written Examination fee within 48 hours of approval.

Registrars must pass both parts of the Written Fellowship Examination to sit the Clinical Fellowship Examination and should refer to the Training Manual for detailed information on eligibility, approvals, withdrawals, policies and special consideration.

Written Examination tips

• The Written Fellowship Examination is administered electronically using a keyboard-based format.
• MCQs are tick-box style questions and SAQs are free text style questions. Any type of SAQ answers are accepted (e.g., paragraphs, dot points), although responses should be related to the question and avoid spurious information.
• Points are not deducted for incorrect answers.
• The Examination is closed book.
• Drinks are allowed in the examination and food is not allowed unless approved under special circumstances.

Practice Written Examinations

• MCQ from the 2008 Training Manual
• SAQ Questions from the 2016 exam
• SAQ Questions from the 2017 exam
• SAQ (Q1 in 2016 exam) and Answers

CLINICAL FELLOWSHIP EXAMINATION

The Clinical Fellowship Examination involves assessment of capabilities across three assessment sections:

1. Long case -  30 minutes to prepare presentation and 20 minutes with examiners
2. Short cases - ~4 stations of 6-9 patients and ~10 minutes examination time per station
3. Viva voce - 30 minutes

There is a fourth station - the rest station - candidates also rotate through; this is a rest station and is not assessed.

Registrars must apply to sit the examination before the application close date. Applications will be reviewed by the required committees and, if approved to sit, the Registrar must pay the Clinical Fellowship Examination fee within 48 hours of approval.

Registrars should refer to the current Training Manual for detailed information on eligibility, approvals, withdrawals, policies and special consideration.

Clinical Examination tips

• The Clinical Examination is held in-person. Any travel costs associated with attending the examination are the Registrar's responsibility.
• Each candidate is provided with an individual examination timetable.
• Paper, pens and any other required equipment will be provided, although candidates are welcome to bring a stethoscope or favourite stationery.
• Mobile phones and smart watches must be stored during the examination.
• Snacks and water will be provided during the examination, although candidates are welcome to bring their own food.