ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM) Pass Rate 2026 — How Hard Is It?
The headline number
The ACEM publishes pass-rate data in its ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM) examination reports. PRIMEX updates this page when each report is released. You can access the official data at https://acem.org.au/Education-Training/Assessments-Examinations.
Trend over recent years
Pass rates for written and clinical specialist examinations in Australia have generally been stable over the past five years, though individual sitting results vary. Factors including cohort size, examination difficulty calibration, and the proportion of first-time versus repeat candidates all influence the result for any given sitting.
For the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM) specifically, ACEM adjusts the standard periodically to reflect evolving clinical practice and training requirements. Candidates are assessed against a consistent standard, not ranked against each other. The most reliable source of trend data remains the official ACEM examination reports.
What separates pass-tier from fail-tier candidates
The ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM) is a Written SAQ paper and 12-station OSCE. Across multiple examination sittings, the following patterns distinguish candidates who pass from those who do not:
- Unstructured SAQ answers — the written paper rewards a clear management framework with prioritised steps, not comprehensive lists.
- OSCE station anxiety: candidates who practise structured responses aloud under simulated time pressure consistently outperform those who only read.
- Neglecting low-frequency but high-stakes presentations: toxicology, resuscitation of special populations, and procedural stations.
- Leaving OSCE preparation too late — clinical skill stations require repeated practice, not last-minute review.
How PRIMEX helps you cross the pass line
- SAQ grading with AI feedback calibrated to ACEM examiner expectations for the written paper.
- OSCE simulation prompts covering all 12-station categories for structured practice.
- Curriculum-mapped content across all FACEM Fellowship domains.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM) and find out exactly where your preparation stands.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
How long should I study for the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM)?
Most candidates dedicate 26–52 weeks of structured preparation for the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM). The exact duration depends on your prior knowledge base, clinical experience, and available study time per week. Starting earlier generally produces better outcomes than compressing preparation into a short period.
What is the format of the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM)?
The FACEM Fellowship consists of a written SAQ paper and a 12-station OSCE assessing clinical emergency medicine across all presentations.
What is the pass rate for the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM)?
The ACEM publishes pass-rate data in its ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM) examination reports. PRIMEX updates this page when each report is released. You can access the official data at https://acem.org.au/Education-Training/Assessments-Examinations.
What are the most common failure modes in the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM)?
- Unstructured SAQ answers — the written paper rewards a clear management framework with prioritised steps, not comprehensive lists.
- OSCE station anxiety: candidates who practise structured responses aloud under simulated time pressure consistently outperform those who only read.
- Neglecting low-frequency but high-stakes presentations: toxicology, resuscitation of special populations, and procedural stations.
- Leaving OSCE preparation too late — clinical skill stations require repeated practice, not last-minute review.
What resources does PRIMEX provide for the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM)?
PRIMEX provides a curriculum-mapped question bank, AI-graded practice, and structured study resources for the ACEM Fellowship Examination (FACEM). Start with a 7-day free trial to access the full platform.