FRACS Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Examination Pass Rate 2026
The headline figure
RACS does not publish a fixed numerical pass rate for the Orthopaedic Fellowship Examination; results are determined by Specialty Court consensus (Expanded Close Marking System). Annual specialty pass-rate data appears only in RACS Activities Reports; no specific percentage is verified here. You can review the official position at the RACS source.
How the standard is set
For the FRACS Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Examination, RACS 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 FRACS Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Examination is Seven segments: two written papers plus five clinical/viva segments, marked on the Expanded Close Marking System. Across multiple examination sittings, the following patterns distinguish candidates who pass from those who do not:
- Viva station anxiety: structured communication of orthopaedic management is a learned skill that requires repeated practice.
- Basic science underprepared - biomechanics and musculoskeletal science remain examinable even at Fellowship level.
- Subspecialty gaps: spine surgery, hand surgery, and sports medicine require dedicated preparation.
- Insufficient written practice; structured SAQ-style answers differ from clinical documentation habits.
How PRIMEX helps you cross the pass line
- SAQ practice with AI feedback calibrated to FRACS Orthopaedic examination standards.
- Viva simulation for structured presentation of orthopaedic clinical reasoning.
- Curriculum-mapped study resources across all orthopaedic subspecialties.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the FRACS Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Examination and find out exactly where your preparation stands.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
How long should I study for the FRACS Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Examination?
Most candidates dedicate 26-52 weeks of structured preparation for the FRACS Orthopaedic Surgery 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 FRACS Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Examination?
Seven segments: two written papers plus five clinical/viva segments, marked on the Expanded Close Marking System.
What is the pass rate for the FRACS Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Examination?
RACS does not publish a fixed numerical pass rate for the Orthopaedic Fellowship Examination; results are determined by Specialty Court consensus (Expanded Close Marking System). Annual specialty pass-rate data appears only in RACS Activities Reports; no specific percentage is verified here. You can review the official position at the RACS source.
What are the most common failure modes in the FRACS Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Examination?
- Viva station anxiety: structured communication of orthopaedic management is a learned skill that requires repeated practice.
- Basic science underprepared - biomechanics and musculoskeletal science remain examinable even at Fellowship level.
- Subspecialty gaps: spine surgery, hand surgery, and sports medicine require dedicated preparation.
- Insufficient written practice; structured SAQ-style answers differ from clinical documentation habits.
What resources does PRIMEX provide for the FRACS Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Examination?
PRIMEX provides a curriculum-mapped question bank, AI-graded practice, and structured study resources for the FRACS Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Examination. Start with a 7-day free trial to access the full platform.