PRIMEX vs Intensivology
Intensivology by Dr Luke Reynolds is a community institution for CICM trainees — free, comprehensive, and trusted. Here is how a free notes site compares with PRIMEX's dedicated AI preparation platform in 2026.
TL;DR — who should pick which
Intensivology is the established free reference for CICM First Part candidates — almost every ICU trainee uses it as a reading and revision resource. PRIMEX adds the interactive practice layer that notes alone cannot provide: AI-graded SAQ writing, a voice viva simulator, a curriculum-mapped MCQ bank, and progress tracking for trainees who want to move from reading to active exam rehearsal.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | PRIMEX | Intensivology | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI-graded SAQs (Pass/Borderline/Fail) | Yes | No | Intensivology is a notes site, not an interactive platform |
| Voice viva simulator | Yes | No | PRIMEX includes spoken AI viva practice |
| Curriculum-mapped MCQ bank | Yes | No | Intensivology does not include MCQ practice |
| OSCE Trainer (AI patient + examiner) | Yes | No | PRIMEX simulates clinical OSCE stations |
| Spaced-repetition flashcards | Yes | No | |
| Sourced study notes | Yes | Yes | Intensivology is renowned for its free CICM-specific notes |
| Curriculum tracker with LO checkboxes | Yes | No | |
| Mock exam mode | Yes | No | |
| Free trial | 7-day | Always free | Intensivology has no subscription cost |
| Mobile / offline (PWA) | Yes | Readable on mobile | Both accessible on mobile; PRIMEX installable as PWA |
| Number of exams covered | 21 colleges | CICM focus | PRIMEX covers all major AU/NZ specialty colleges |
| Australia / NZ focus | Yes | Yes | Both aimed at Australian ICU trainees |
Pricing in 2026
| Plan | Price | Per-month equivalent | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRIMEX Starter | $9.99/mo | $9.99/mo | Core MCQ bank and flashcards |
| PRIMEX Monthly | $24.99/mo | $24.99/mo | Full access: AI SAQs, viva, OSCE, notes, tracker |
| PRIMEX Quarterly | $59.99/3 mo | $19.99/mo | Full access, billed quarterly |
| PRIMEX Yearly | $179.99/yr | ~$15/mo | Full access, best per-month value |
| PRIMEX Medical Student | $12.99/mo | $12.99/mo | Full access at student rate |
| Intensivology | Free | Free | Comprehensive CICM notes by Dr Luke Reynolds |
Where each one wins
PRIMEX strengths
- AI-graded SAQ writing with Pass/Borderline/Fail feedback
- Voice viva simulator for CICM oral examination preparation
- Curriculum-mapped MCQ bank for active question practice
- OSCE Trainer with AI patient and examiner simulation
- CICM curriculum tracker with learning outcome checkboxes
- Progress tracking and spaced-repetition flashcards
Intensivology strengths
- Completely free — no subscription required
- Comprehensive, well-organised CICM First Part and Fellowship notes
- Written by Dr Luke Reynolds, a trusted community voice
- Deep content coverage across all CICM First Part domains
- Community institution — widely cited and peer-validated
Adding PRIMEX alongside Intensivology
- Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial at primexstudy.com.au/cicm-first-part — no credit card required during the trial.
- Use Intensivology for reading and content consolidation; use PRIMEX to actively test that knowledge through SAQ writing, MCQ drilling, and viva practice in the same topic areas.
- Track your CICM curriculum progress in PRIMEX — check off learning outcomes as you cover them in Intensivology and confirm understanding through PRIMEX's practice tools.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for CICM First Part — PRIMEX or Intensivology?
These tools serve different purposes and are best used together. Intensivology is the go-to free reference for CICM content. PRIMEX is the stronger option for active practice — SAQ writing with AI grading, viva simulation, and MCQ drilling. Most CICM trainees use both throughout their preparation.
Does Intensivology offer AI-graded SAQs?
Intensivology is a notes and reference site — it does not offer interactive SAQ practice or AI grading. PRIMEX provides Pass/Borderline/Fail tier feedback on written SAQ responses mapped to the CICM First Part curriculum.
Does Intensivology offer voice viva practice?
Intensivology does not include a viva simulator. PRIMEX includes a voice viva simulator for practising oral examination-style responses, which is directly relevant to the CICM First Part viva component.
How does pricing compare between PRIMEX and Intensivology?
Intensivology is free. PRIMEX is a paid platform starting at $9.99/month, with full access at $24.99/month or $179.99/year. PRIMEX includes a 7-day free trial so you can explore all features before deciding.
Can I use both PRIMEX and Intensivology together?
Yes — this is the most common approach for CICM trainees. Read and consolidate content in Intensivology, then actively test yourself with PRIMEX's SAQ practice, MCQ bank, viva simulator, and curriculum tracker.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial
Full access to AI-graded SAQs, voice viva, MCQ bank, and CICM curriculum tracker. No credit card required.
Try PRIMEX free for 7 days