How should I plan study leave around the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) Surgical Examinations?

Most candidates request study leave in the final 4 to 8 weeks before sitting, with shorter blocks earlier in preparation for protected revision. Speak to your training program well in advance because leave allocation is finite.

Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) Surgical Examinations Dates 2026 and 2027

Q: How far in advance should I register for the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) Surgical Examinations?

Registration windows typically open several months before each sitting and close weeks before the examination date. Late registration is often not permitted or attracts a surcharge. Set a calendar reminder for the registration window, not just the sitting date.

Q: What if the date changes after I have registered for the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) Surgical Examinations?

Rescheduling policies vary. The official examination page sets out the current policy for date changes, fee transfers and any extenuating circumstances provisions. Always check the official policy before assuming flexibility.

Confirmed examination dates

SSE (basic science) - October 2026: 2026-10-07 — AU/NZ cities (delivered electronically) (applications close 2026-08-04).
SSE (basic science) - February 2027: 2027-02-10 — AU/NZ cities (delivered electronically) (applications close 2026-12-01).
Fellowship Examination Sitting 1 - Written: 2026-04-09 (applications close 2026-01-28).
Fellowship Examination Sitting 1 - Clinical/Viva (Melbourne): 30-31 May 2026 — Melbourne (applications close 2026-01-28).
Fellowship Examination Sitting 2 - Written: 2026-08-06 (applications close 2026-06-25).
Fellowship Examination Sitting 2 - Clinical/Viva (Sydney): 19-20 September 2026 — Sydney (applications close 2026-06-25).

The OHNS pathway is examined in two stages: the SSE basic-science gateway (offered to OHNS candidates in October and February) and the Fellowship Examination clinical exit (two sittings a year, written in April or August with the clinical/viva about a month later). Otolaryngology Fellowship candidates sit the clinical/viva in Melbourne (Sitting 1) or Sydney (Sitting 2). Fellowship Examination dates beyond the February 2027 SSE were not yet published by RACS as of 2026-06-22.

Always verify your sitting date and deadlines against the official RACS page before making travel or leave arrangements.

How to plan around the examination calendar

Whichever sitting you target, plan three concentric calendars:

Sitting date. The day of the examination itself. Everything else works backwards from here.
Registration window. Typically opens months before and closes weeks before the sitting. Late registration is often impossible or attracts a surcharge.
Study leave window. Request leave for the final 4 to 8 weeks before sitting, with shorter blocks for protected revision earlier in preparation.

Registration deadlines - what to watch for

Registration windows close weeks before the sitting itself; check the closing date as carefully as the sitting date.
Some examining bodies require evidence of training-program eligibility submitted by a separate earlier deadline.
Identification, address verification and supervisor sign-off can take longer than expected. Start the paperwork early.
Confirm the test centre or examination venue is reachable before the registration window closes, particularly for candidates outside major cities.

How to plan your preparation around a confirmed date

Once your sitting date is confirmed, work backwards:

Set the date of a full timed practice paper or simulated viva for 8 to 12 weeks before the sitting.
Block the final 2 to 3 weeks for consolidation and rehearsal only - no new content.
Reserve the final week for tapering, sleep recovery and exam-day logistics rehearsal.
Pre-book any travel, accommodation and identification documents as soon as your date is confirmed.

How PRIMEX adapts to your timeline

Progress analytics show your trajectory relative to your sitting date so you can adjust effort in real time.
Spaced-repetition scheduling automatically intensifies in the final weeks before the examination.
Timed practice modes let you simulate the format of the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) Surgical Examinations as your date approaches.

Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) Surgical Examinations and lock in a structured countdown to your sitting.

Start free trial

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find confirmed dates for 2026 and 2027?

Confirmed dates, registration deadlines and any changes are published by RACS. See the link above for the source of truth.

How far in advance should I register?

Registration windows typically open months before each sitting and close weeks before the examination date. Late registration is often not permitted or attracts a surcharge.

How should I plan study leave around the exam?

Most candidates take the bulk of study leave in the final 4 to 8 weeks before sitting, with shorter blocks earlier in preparation. Speak to your training program early because leave allocation is finite.

What if the date changes after I register?

Reschedule policies vary. The official examination page sets out the current policy for date changes, fee transfers and any extenuating circumstances provisions.

Does PRIMEX adjust to my sitting date?

PRIMEX progress analytics and spaced-repetition scheduling adapt to your remaining time, so revision intensity scales with your countdown to the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) Surgical Examinations.