What Is the CICM First Part Examination?

The short answer

The CICM First Part Examination is an examination set by the College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (CICM). Two written papers (MCQ + SAQ), then cross-table vivas. For binding detail, see the official CICM examination pages at https://cicm.org.au.

This page is a plain-language definition rendered from PRIMEX's web-verified fact layer. For binding requirements, dates and fees, always confirm against the examining body's own pages.

Who sets the CICM First Part

The CICM First Part Examination is administered by the College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (CICM), the body responsible for setting and marking the examination to a defined competency standard.

Who sits the CICM First Part

Registered CICM trainee with required accredited ICU training time, full documentation, and College fees (incl. Annual Trainee Member Fee) paid by the advertised closing date.

How the CICM First Part is structured

The CICM First Part has 3 assessed components. Two written papers (MCQ + SAQ), then cross-table vivas. A full breakdown of each component is on the CICM First Part format page linked below.

What the CICM First Part is for

The CICM First Part Examination is a deep-content examination requiring confident mechanistic understanding of physiology and pharmacology, not just clinical familiarity. It sits within the College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand training and assessment pathway, and passing it is a milestone toward the qualification or progression that pathway leads to.

Preparing for the CICM First Part Examination? Start a 7-day free PRIMEX trial with curriculum-mapped practice, AI-graded answers and progress analytics.