When required, the anaesthesia SIMG examination is conducted by the Final Examination Subcommittee, with the FPM examination conducted by the FPM Examination Committee.
Further detail on assessments may be found in the Handbook for specialist international medical graduates.
A note on exam texts
Several acronyms are used repeatedly by the texts listed in this guide. What follows is a summary of the key acronyms.
Examinations
SIMGs required to sit an exam: there are different examinations held for anaesthesia and pain medicine SIMGs.
Please refer to the SIMG handbook for further information on SIMG-related exams.
Anaesthesia SIMG examination
Any SIMG required to undertake the SIMG exam undertakes just the medical and anaesthesia viva sections of the Anaesthesia Training Program's Final exam (FEx), and is therefore not required to undertake its written components. However, SIMGs may choose to sit the full Final exam (FEx) - including its written components - if they prefer.
A comprehensive list of Final exam-related resources can be found on the Assessment: Final exam (FEx) page of the Anaesthesia training resources library guide.
Pain medicine SIMG examination
Any SIMG required to complete the FPM Fellowship Exam - as outlined in the FPM Training Handbook - undertakes just its oral components.
Additional pain medicine training resources can be found on the Pain Medicine Training guide.
Final exam (FEx) resources
A selection of exam-related resources are listed below.
***Essential*** A comprehensive list of Final exam-related resources can be found on the Assessment: Final exam (FEx) page of the Anaesthesia training resources library guide.
Related texts
A selection of resources are listed below.
A note on the listed FRCA content: The ANZCA Final Exam is sat at a later point than the FRCA Final Exam, so some of the suggested responses in the content listed below may not fully reflect the knowledge and experience expected from an ANZCA Final Exam participant. They should be used with caution.
A large number of additional texts can be accessed via the Exam preparation guide.
Anesthesia Oral Board Review: Knocking Out the Boards, 2e by
A fully updated edition of a popular, illustrated review book, covering all of the essential topics required to pass the current American Board of Anesthesiology Applied Oral and OSCE Examinations. Thoroughly revised to reflect recent literature and changes in anesthesia practice, 12 new chapters explore topics like Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS), Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE), Foreign Body Aspiration, and Patient Blood Management. The book also contains questions and model answers, alongside valuable tips for exam success reflecting the new exam structure. Chapters feature a sample case and clinical issues alongside a Knockout Treatment Plan, a model providing an answer that could be used in the exam, and a Technical Knockout section, offering additional tips for successfully passing the examination. An evidence-based approach presented in a concise outline-oriented format, this resource also functions as an introduction to anesthesia rotations and as a technical study guide for students.
Anesthesiology Applied Exam: Board Review by
The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) has recently changed their Part II examination for certification to include the traditional oral exam as well as a new “simulation” portion that is geared towards having the student demonstrate the appropriate communication and technical skills necessary for the practice of anaesthesiology. This book is divided into 2 sections: full length practice exams on the most high yield topic for the field of anaesthesiology and full length simulation scenarios geared towards the understanding the fundamentals of the simulation portion based on the released ABA guidelines.
Anesthesiology Examination and Board Review, 7e by
Anesthesiology Examination and Board Review is the most time-proven and effective way to prepare for the ABA written examinations. This powerful study guide delivers 1,500 board-style multiple-choice questions with referenced, paragraph-length discussions for each answer.
Clinical Cases for the FRCA: Key Topics Mapped to the RCoA Curriculum by
This book provides short, succinct clinical cases that are mapped to the RCoA curriculum and are suitable for use when teaching or as a viva revision guide. Using this guide will ensure that FRCA exam questions can be answered correctly and confidently. It is suitable primarily for candidates preparing for the Final FRCA, but also helpful for those preparing for Primary FRCA, FFICM and EDIC, as well as for those running teaching courses and simulation programmes.
Examination Anaesthesia: A Guide to the Final FANZCA Examination, 2e by
This updated exam guide keeps pace with these developments and assists anaesthetic trainees in preparation for the exam. Examination Anaesthesia is a comprehensive study guide that focuses solely on the anaesthetic exam, eliminating confusion between this and the intensive care exams.
Structured Oral Examination Practice for the Final FRCA by
Structured Oral Examination Practice for the Final FRCA offers well-researched, relevant, and carefully constructed questions with evidence-based answers. The book specifically addresses the new clinical emphasis in the FRCA examination, giving candidates an insight into the way the vivaworks, offering general guidance on examination techniques, and providing readily accessible information relating to a wide range of potential questions.
Talley & O'Connor's Clinical Examination: A Systematic Guide to Physical Diagnosis (Vols. 1 & 2), 9e by
Talley and O'Connor's Clinical Examination addresses the core principles and clinical skills that underpin diagnosis for safe, effective medical practice. The text takes an evidence-based, patient-centric approach to conducting a clinical examination.
Find out more
To learn more about the ANZCA anaesthesia exam process, see the college page.
Learn@ANZCA
Use the links below to access additional support resources contained on the Learn @ANZCA platform.
Note: Resources located in Learn@ANZCA require that you first register before accessing.
SIMG exam courses
SIMG-specific courses are listed below.
A large number of additional final exam-related courses can be accessed via the Assessment: Final exam (FEx) page of the Anaesthesia training resources library guide.
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