Preparing for the written component

The Written Fellowship Examination will be available in the following delivery formats:

Electronic delivery only

• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopaedic Surgery (MCQs) (Examination 1)
• Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
• Urology
• Vascular Surgery
• Paediatric Surgery

Electronic or paper delivery (candidate choice)

• General Surgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Orthopaedic Surgery (Examination 2 on written request to examinations@surgeons.org with evidence)

Please click on the links below to access past examinations and to experience the electronic delivery platform. Candidates are strongly encouraged to complete a past examination via electronic delivery. This closely simulates the candidate experience on examination day. This will allow for familiarisation with the system and to practice time management using real exam content.

Past examinations are unavailable for General Surgery, Paediatric Surgery and partially Orthopaedic Surgery. For these specialties, a model examination is provided via specialty links below.

Cardiothoracic Surgery
General Surgery
Neurosurgery
Orthopaedic Surgery
Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Paediatric Surgery
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Urology
Vascular Surgery

Candidates will receive details of their written examination time and venue via email, following the board approval process.

Candidates should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement time to allow for registration. 

The written examination is conducted simultaneously across Australia and New Zealand and is offered in the following cities at Cliftons Training Centres:

Australia: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
New Zealand: Auckland and Wellington.

The length of written examination sessions for all specialties is listed below:

130 minutes
General Surgery
Neurosurgery
Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
Paediatric Surgery
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Examination 1)
Orthopaedic Surgery
Urology (Examination 1)

Urology (Examination 2)
Vascular Surgery (one examination - takes place in session 2)

150 minutes
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Examination 2)

 Session 1 (AM) for the 130 minute exam

 Session 1 (AM) for the 150 minute exam

 Session 2 (PM) for the 130 minute exam

 Session 2 (PM) for the 150 minute exam

Candidates should read the candidate information, which contains full information about the written examinations (both paper based and computer based).

Candidates are required to ensure that do not bring any prohibited materials into the examination room. Please see the prohibited materials and cheating page for details.