CICM First Part Examination Pass Rate 2026 — How Hard Is It?
The headline number
The CICM publishes pass-rate data in its CICM First Part Examination examination reports. PRIMEX updates this page when each report is released. You can access the official data at https://cicm.org.au/Education/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 CICM First Part Examination specifically, CICM 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 CICM examination reports.
What separates pass-tier from fail-tier candidates
The CICM First Part Examination is a Written examination (MCQ and SAQ) testing basic sciences relevant to intensive care medicine. Across multiple examination sittings, the following patterns distinguish candidates who pass from those who do not:
- Insufficient physiology depth — the CICM First Part demands mechanistic understanding, not memorised definitions.
- Neglecting the pharmacology component, which is highly weighted and requires systematic study.
- Limited SAQ practice — candidates who only read theory consistently underperform those who write practice answers under timed conditions.
- Underestimating the breath of content: equipment, measurement, and data interpretation appear regularly.
How PRIMEX helps you cross the pass line
- SAQ practice bank mapped to the CICM First Part curriculum, with AI feedback on answer structure and content.
- MCQ question bank with spaced repetition to reinforce the physiology and pharmacology domains.
- Weak-area targeting so you spend revision time where your personal gaps are largest.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the CICM First Part Examination and find out exactly where your preparation stands.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
How long should I study for the CICM First Part Examination?
Most candidates dedicate 26–52 weeks of structured preparation for the CICM First Part 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 CICM First Part Examination?
The CICM First Part covers physiology, pharmacology, and the basic sciences underpinning intensive care, assessed via written examination.
What is the pass rate for the CICM First Part Examination?
The CICM publishes pass-rate data in its CICM First Part Examination examination reports. PRIMEX updates this page when each report is released. You can access the official data at https://cicm.org.au/Education/Examinations.
What are the most common failure modes in the CICM First Part Examination?
- Insufficient physiology depth — the CICM First Part demands mechanistic understanding, not memorised definitions.
- Neglecting the pharmacology component, which is highly weighted and requires systematic study.
- Limited SAQ practice — candidates who only read theory consistently underperform those who write practice answers under timed conditions.
- Underestimating the breath of content: equipment, measurement, and data interpretation appear regularly.
What resources does PRIMEX provide for the CICM First Part Examination?
PRIMEX provides a curriculum-mapped question bank, AI-graded practice, and structured study resources for the CICM First Part Examination. Start with a 7-day free trial to access the full platform.