ANZCA Fellowship Examination Pass Rate 2026 — How Hard Is It?
The headline number
The ANZCA publishes pass-rate data in its ANZCA Fellowship Examination examination reports. PRIMEX updates this page when each report is released. You can access the official data at https://www.anzca.edu.au/education-training/anzca-primary-and-final-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 ANZCA Fellowship Examination specifically, ANZCA 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 ANZCA examination reports.
What separates pass-tier from fail-tier candidates
The ANZCA Fellowship Examination is a Written SAQ paper and structured clinical examination (viva). Across multiple examination sittings, the following patterns distinguish candidates who pass from those who do not:
- Underprepared for the written SAQ format — examiners expect structured, prioritised answers, not stream-of-consciousness prose.
- Viva anxiety derailing clinical reasoning — structured response frameworks (e.g., A-E, systems-based) are essential.
- Insufficient breadth across subspecialties: pain medicine, obstetric anaesthesia, and paediatrics are common weak spots.
- Attempting to learn new material in the final weeks rather than consolidating and practising.
How PRIMEX helps you cross the pass line
- SAQ practice with AI grading calibrated to ANZCA Fellowship examiner expectations, with structured feedback on each response.
- Viva simulation mode lets you practise oral responses under timed conditions before the clinical examination.
- Curriculum-mapped study notes covering all ANZCA Fellowship domains.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the ANZCA Fellowship Examination and find out exactly where your preparation stands.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
How long should I study for the ANZCA Fellowship Examination?
Most candidates dedicate 26–52 weeks of structured preparation for the ANZCA Fellowship Examination. 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 ANZCA Fellowship Examination?
The ANZCA Fellowship (Final) Examination includes a written SAQ paper and a structured clinical component with viva stations.
What is the pass rate for the ANZCA Fellowship Examination?
The ANZCA publishes pass-rate data in its ANZCA Fellowship Examination examination reports. PRIMEX updates this page when each report is released. You can access the official data at https://www.anzca.edu.au/education-training/anzca-primary-and-final-examinations.
What are the most common failure modes in the ANZCA Fellowship Examination?
- Underprepared for the written SAQ format — examiners expect structured, prioritised answers, not stream-of-consciousness prose.
- Viva anxiety derailing clinical reasoning — structured response frameworks (e.g., A-E, systems-based) are essential.
- Insufficient breadth across subspecialties: pain medicine, obstetric anaesthesia, and paediatrics are common weak spots.
- Attempting to learn new material in the final weeks rather than consolidating and practising.
What resources does PRIMEX provide for the ANZCA Fellowship Examination?
PRIMEX provides a curriculum-mapped question bank, AI-graded practice, and structured study resources for the ANZCA Fellowship Examination. Start with a 7-day free trial to access the full platform.