ANZCA Primary Examination Pass Rate 2026
The headline figure
The ANZCA publishes per-component pass rates for the ANZCA Primary Examination. These are the most recent verified figures:
- Primary written (first-time, Nov 2023): 71% (Nov 2023) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
- Primary written (first-time, May 2023): 79% (May 2023) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
- Primary written (overall, Nov 2023): 60.7% (Nov 2023) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
ANZCA does not headline a single Primary pass rate, but its 2023 Anaesthesia Training Dashboard publishes first-time pass rates by sitting: 79% (May 2023) and 71% (Nov 2023). The overall rate including repeat candidates was lower (60.7%, Nov 2023). First-time rates ran 67-79% across 2020-2023 sittings. Per-sitting candidate lists (e.g. 2025.2: 157 successful) carry no denominator and are not a rate.
How the standard is set
For the ANZCA Primary Examination, ANZCA assesses candidates against a defined competency standard rather than ranking them against each other, so the proportion who pass reflects how a cohort performs against that bar and varies between sittings. Where a verified figure is published it appears above with its source; where the examining body publishes none, PRIMEX states that plainly rather than estimating one.
What separates pass-tier from fail-tier candidates
The ANZCA Primary Examination is Written MCQ + SAQ, then three vivas across two parts. Across multiple examination sittings, the following patterns distinguish candidates who pass from those who do not:
- Shallow coverage of physiology and pharmacology - the Primary demands mechanistic depth, not surface recall.
- Inadequate MCQ practice volume: candidates who pass typically complete thousands of practice questions before sitting.
- Poor time management in the written paper - structured short answers require disciplined allocation per question.
- Underestimating the physics and measurement component, which consistently trips candidates who focus only on biology.
How PRIMEX helps you cross the pass line
- Curriculum-mapped MCQ bank covering ANZCA Primary physiology, pharmacology, and physics with detailed explanations.
- Spaced-repetition scheduling surfaces weak areas automatically, so revision effort lands where it counts most.
- Progress analytics show your pass-probability trajectory so you can calibrate effort to your sitting date.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the ANZCA Primary Examination and find out exactly where your preparation stands.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
How long should I study for the ANZCA Primary Examination?
Most candidates dedicate 26-52 weeks of structured preparation for the ANZCA Primary 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 Primary Examination?
Written MCQ + SAQ, then three vivas across two parts.
What is the pass rate for the ANZCA Primary Examination?
The ANZCA publishes per-component pass rates for the ANZCA Primary Examination. These are the most recent verified figures:
- Primary written (first-time, Nov 2023): 71% (Nov 2023) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
- Primary written (first-time, May 2023): 79% (May 2023) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
- Primary written (overall, Nov 2023): 60.7% (Nov 2023) — official source, verified 2026-06-02.
ANZCA does not headline a single Primary pass rate, but its 2023 Anaesthesia Training Dashboard publishes first-time pass rates by sitting: 79% (May 2023) and 71% (Nov 2023). The overall rate including repeat candidates was lower (60.7%, Nov 2023). First-time rates ran 67-79% across 2020-2023 sittings. Per-sitting candidate lists (e.g. 2025.2: 157 successful) carry no denominator and are not a rate.
What are the most common failure modes in the ANZCA Primary Examination?
- Shallow coverage of physiology and pharmacology - the Primary demands mechanistic depth, not surface recall.
- Inadequate MCQ practice volume: candidates who pass typically complete thousands of practice questions before sitting.
- Poor time management in the written paper - structured short answers require disciplined allocation per question.
- Underestimating the physics and measurement component, which consistently trips candidates who focus only on biology.
What resources does PRIMEX provide for the ANZCA Primary Examination?
PRIMEX provides a curriculum-mapped question bank, AI-graded practice, and structured study resources for the ANZCA Primary Examination. Start with a 7-day free trial to access the full platform.