Information about applying

All applications must be made through the online registration form.

Opening and closing times for all examination registrations is 12.00pm midday AEST time on the specified day. Late registrations will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Examinations in February and June are open to both SET (Surgical Education and Training) trainees and pre-vocational doctors who have passed the Generic Surgical Sciences Examination (GSSE). SET trainees will be prioritised for these February and June examinations.

There will be an additional third sitting in October which will be restricted to pre-vocational doctors only. SET trainees are ineligible to register for the October sitting.

As of 5 November 2019, the information presented here supersedes previous information about eligibility and other requirements around the Clinical Examination. If you have any questions about the Clinical Examination pleased contact the Examinations Department. If you have any questions about the Clinical Examination around SET selection or SET progression, please contact the appropriate Specialty Training Board. Responsibility for confirmation of requirements, eligibility to sit or any related training matters rests with the candidate.

Depending on registrant numbers, there are usually three sessions for examinations held in Australia (Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning).

Candidates sitting their examination in Australia will be asked to nominate their preference when registering for the examination. Please note that each session is subject to minimum and maximum capacities.

Consequently, your place in the examination, venue and time are not guaranteed, and are subject to change at the discretion of the Examinations Department/Manager of Examinations/Clinical Examinations Committee.

A venue notice will be sent to each candidate confirming their allocated session. No changes, by the candidate, can be made to session days or times after this notice is sent. Candidates are advised not to make travel plans until their allocated session is advised and confirmed.

The February Clinical Examination is centralised across both Australia and New Zealand to a single Australian venue. The June and October examinations may be held in a venue in both countries if there is both sufficient interest and the necessary infrastructure in place.

Confirmation of session allocation

Candidates will receive a formal confirmation of their allocated session time after the closing date and after any necessary adjustments are made to accommodate all candidates.

Candidates should receive an acknowledgement email within 5-10 minutes of registering. If this is not received, please contact the Examinations Department as soon as possible.

It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they have successfully registered for the examination. Late applications will not be accepted.

If you are unsure that your application has been successful, it is your responsibility to contact the Examinations Department to confirm.

If you are a SET Trainee and you were not able to register, please contact the Examinations Department immediately.

Payment is required in full at the time of registering for the exam. Applicants must make sure that funds for the full examination fee are available on the credit card supplied as this will be charged immediately. No other payment options are available.