Writtens - on the day
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What to bring
The only thing candidates need to bring to the venue is photo identification. A candidate may bring their own pen if completing the examination on paper, however the venue can also supply these.
At registration at the venue, all candidates will be required to hand in watches, phones, tablets and other electronic devices. These items are held in a secure room and are returned to candidates at the conclusion of the session. These items are collected again prior to the second session (if applicable).
If you bring a bag, this may be taken into the examination room and left at the front. No devices can be left in it that may make a noise - these should be handed in during registration.
Prohibited materials
Certain items cannot be brought into the examination room. Candidates are advised to read the information on prohibited materials and cheating.
Between sessions
Most specialties have two written papers that are held on the same day with a break between them. There are breakout areas at the venues where candidates can wait.
Candidates are also able to leave the venue to go for a walk or get something to eat. RACS does not provide catering for candidates during the break.
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.
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)
Timing and venues
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 | 150 Minutes |
General Surgery Neurosurgery (paper 1) Orthopaedic Surgery (paper 1) Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Paediatric Surgery Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (paper 1) Urology Vascular Surgery (One examination only - takes place in 2 sessions
|
Cardiothoracic Surgery Neurosurgery (paper 2) Orthopaedic Surgery (paper 2) Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (paper 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 |