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  1. HOME
  2. Examinations
  3. Fellowship Examination
  4. Preparing for the Fellowship Examination
  5. Preparing for the written component

Preparing for the written component

Information about preparing for the written component of the Fellowship Examination.

On this page

  • Mode of delivery
  • Past examinations and previewing electronic delivery
  • Timing and venue
  • Exam session times
  • Candidate information

Mode of delivery

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)

Past examinations and previewing electronic delivery

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

Timing and venue

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)

Exam session times

 Session 1 (AM) for the 130 minute exam

Exam venue Candidates enter Instructions read Writing time start 10 minute warning Finish
Perth  7.45am 7.55am  8.00am  10.00am  10.10am 
Adelaide  9.15am 9.25am  9.30am  11.30am  11.40am 
Brisbane/Melbourne/Sydney 9.45am  9.55am  10.00am  12.00pm  12.10pm 
Auckland/Wellington 11.45am  11.55am  12.00am  2.00pm  2.10pm 

 

 Session 1 (AM) for the 150 minute exam

Exam venue Candidates enter Instructions read Writing time start 10 minute warning Finish
Perth  7.45am 7.55am  8.00am  10.20am  10.30am 
Adelaide  9.15am 9.25am  9.30am  11.50am  12.00pm 
Brisbane/Melbourne/Sydney 9.45am  9.55am  10.00am  12.20pm  12.30pm 
Auckland/Wellington 11.45am  11.55am  12.00am  2.20pm  2.30pm 

 

 Session 2 (PM) for the 130 minute exam

Exam venue Candidates enter Instructions read Writing time start 10 minute warning Finish
Perth 11.45am 11.55am 12.00pm 2.00pm 2.10pm
Adelaide 1.15pm 1.25pm 1.30pm 3.30pm 3.40pm
Brisbane/Melbourne/Sydney 1.45pm 1.55pm 2.00pm 4.00pm  4.10pm 
Auckland/Wellington 3.45pm 3.55pm  4.00pm 6.00pm  6.10pm 

 

 Session 2 (PM) for the 150 minute exam

Exam venue Candidates enter Instructions read Writing time start 10 minute warning Finish
Perth  11.45am 11.55am  12.00pm  2.20pm  2.30pm 
Adelaide  1.15pm 1.25pm  1.30pm  3.50pm  4.00pm 
Brisbane/Melbourne/Sydney 1.45pm  1.55pm  2.00pm  4.20pm  4.30pm 
Auckland/Wellington 3.45pm  3.55pm  4.00pm  6.20pm  6.30pm 

 

Candidate information

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.

Back to Preparing for the Fellowship Examination
  • Notes to candidates
  • Preparing for the written component
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  • eLearning resources
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