Results FAQs

To achieve an overall pass, a candidate must achieve all of the following conditions:

1. a minimum pass standard in each discipline component (Anatomy, Pathology and Physiology) during the same sitting, AND
2. a combined discipline score equal to or exceeding the overall pass standard.

The minimum required component scores represent the minimum acceptable knowledge in a component. The overall score represents the cumulative knowledge required to pass. The minimum component score allows a candidate to compensate for a weaker component by stronger scores in others but ensures a minimum level of knowledge is attained. The cumulative minimum required component scores are set below the minimum required overall score.

A minimum standard pass recognises candidates who have demonstrated the required minimum level of knowledge across all disciplines and whose performance was close to the pass standard on more than one occasion.

A candidate who falls within the following criteria in any two attempts at an examination, will be elevated to a pass on the second occasion:

1. Achieve the minimum pass standard in each discipline component (Anatomy, Pathology and Physiology) during the same sitting, AND
2. Achieve a combined disciplines score that it no more than one error width below the overall pass standard.

The one error width is a confidential metric and is not disclosed to candidates. Each examination cycle undergoes rigorous a standard setting process and statistical analysis and as a result, the performance statistics vary slightly from one examination to another.

Candidates are not provided with their combined discipline component score, the overall pass score or their distance from the overall pass score. However, where a candidate has met the one error width criterion, this will be indicated in their feedback letter.

To achieve an overall pass, a candidate must achieve all of the following conditions:

1. a minimum pass standard in each discipline component (Anatomy, Pathology and Physiology) during the same sitting, AND
2. a combined discipline score equal to or exceeding the overall pass standard.

The minimum component scores represent the lowest acceptable score consistent with demonstrating adequate knowledge as a surgical trainee in that subject. Failure to  achieve the required standard in any one component will result in a component fail and an overall failure of the examination, regardless of performance in other components.

No. The examination must be undertaken in its entirety at each attempt. The minimum pass standard in each discipline component must be achieved during the same sitting to meet the conditions to achieve an overall pass. It is not possible to resit individual discipline components separately. As a result, candidates who are unsuccessful must reattempt all components of the examination at their next sitting.

No. Only component scores in a single examination can be used.

The examiners setting the exam construct test questions for each component that are approximately 50 per cent for anatomy, 25 per cent for pathology and 25 per cent for physiology. A comprehensive review of the examination and how each question performed means that some questions may be removed from scoring the examination (only after review and consensus by the relevant committee). When this occurs, the contributions for each component alters slightly, and the whole examination is scored from a reduced total. This may slightly change the relative contribution of each component of the examination, but not the worth of each correct (or incorrect) response.

Producing the results requires more than just scoring and marking. The anatomy spot questions need to be reviewed individually by members of the Anatomy Subcommittee and all results undergo statistical analysis and review.

All questions from all disciplines which are found to be statistical outliers or are performing unexpectedly are reviewed when the Anatomy, Pathology and Physiology Subcommittees convene in Melbourne after the examination. These questions are discussed and may be remarked or removed from the examination scoring if they are felt to be detrimental to the candidates.

Following this process the entire exam is analysed again to determine the final candidate scores and the minimum required score for each individual component of the examination (anatomy, pathology and physiology) as well as the minimum required score overall.

Finally, applications for special consideration are deliberated by the Surgical Science Examinations Committee before all results are finally ratified and then released to candidates.