What Is the Generic Surgical Sciences Examination (GSSE)?

The short answer

The Generic Surgical Sciences Examination (GSSE) is an examination set by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Two written papers over two consecutive days; written only, no SAQ, viva, OSCE or practical. For binding detail, see the official RACS examination pages at https://www.surgeons.org.

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 RACS GSSE

The Generic Surgical Sciences Examination (GSSE) is administered by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), the body responsible for setting and marking the examination to a defined competency standard.

Who sits the RACS GSSE

SET trainees (active/deferred/interrupted) may sit February and June only; Junior/pre-vocational doctors with current unrestricted MBA or MCNZ registration may sit February, June and October.

How the RACS GSSE is structured

The RACS GSSE has 2 assessed components. Two written papers over two consecutive days; written only, no SAQ, viva, OSCE or practical. A full breakdown of each component is on the RACS GSSE format page linked below.

What the RACS GSSE is for

The Generic Surgical Sciences Examination (GSSE) is a deep basic-science examination where surgical anatomy in clinical context is the main challenge. It sits within the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons training and assessment pathway, and passing it is a milestone toward the qualification or progression that pathway leads to.

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