The dual training pathway offers a mechanism for combining training towards FANZCA and FCICM in less time than it currently takes to complete both training programs sequentially.
A dual pathway graduate will be both a FANZCA and a FCICM. This qualification is particularly advantageous in rural and regional centers across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand given the same individual could work in both specialist scopes of practice.
A dual training pathway takes advantage of the skills shared between anaesthesia and intensive care medicine whilst ensuring that the dually qualified specialist has achieved equivalent learning outcomes to graduates of each individual training pathway.
This pathway will be available to trainees who have been accepted into both the ANZCA and CICM training programs. Each college will maintain its existing selection processes.
The pathway can be undertaken in a variety of ways and we recommend trainees wishing to undertake the dual training pathway consult with an ANZCA director of professional affairs (DPA) and CICM Censor.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between ANZCA and CICM establishes the collaboration for joint recognition of a dual training pathway with the aim to actively cultivate and maintain the highest principles and standards in the training, practice and ethics of anaesthesia and intensive care medicine. The MOU also defines the project governance and terms of reference for the Conjoint Committee which oversees the development of the dual training pathway.
The Conjoint Committee is chaired by Professor Peter Morley AM, a dual Fellowship holder. The Conjoint Committee has nine members consisting of representatives from ANZCA (3), CICM (3), dual Fellowship holders (2), a community representative (1) and a current ANZCA / CICM dual trainee.
Two working groups report to the Conjoint Committee.
1. The Curriculum Integration Working Group (CIWG) was formed to undertake the ANZCA and CICM curriculum comparison work. The scope of this work included all training components, except for the examinations. The CIWG provided findings and recommendations for cross-recognition of training requirements to achieve community-focused outcomes which were endorsed by the Conjoint Committee, ANZCA Council and CICM Board in late 2023.
2. The ANZCA and CICM Primary Examination Comparison Working Group (PEC-WG) was established to assess commonalities and differences between the ANZCA primary and CICM first part examinations. Recommendations from this working group were endorsed by the Conjoint Committee and approved by ANZCA Council and CICM Board in June 2024.
The pathway has been designed to offer completion in less time than ANZCA and CICM training programs being undertaken separately. A Guidance Document (DRAFT) to support trainees, supervisors and other key stakeholders navigating the dual training pathway has been drafted. It presents the most efficient pathway to achieving admission to Fellowship for both training programs.
The new pathway duration will be dependent upon individual trainees’ circumstances and chosen pathway. Seven and a half years is the minimum time to complete the dual training pathway.
Yes. A recognition of prior learning process, and relevant timelines, are still being considered by both colleges.
Once eligibilities for RPL towards DTP training requirements have been determined, dual trainees may apply to Directors of Professional Affairs (DPAs) of each college for assessment and award of training credits.
Dual trainees are required to complete the following examinations throughout dual training.
| Training period |
Examination |
| ANZCA Basic Training / CICM Phase 1 |
ANZCA Primary Exam plus CICM Gap Assessment
OR
CICM First Part Exam plus ANZCA Gap Assessment |
| CICM Phase 2 |
CICM Second Part Examination |
| ANZCA Advanced Training |
ANZCA Fellowship Examination |
Trainees undertaking the ANZCA CICM Dual Training Pathway will not be required to sit both the ANZCA Primary and the CICM First Part examinations.
Dual trainees will be required to successfully complete one core examination, either the ANZCA Primary OR the CICM First Part Exam, plus a gap assessment. The gap assessment addresses syllabus not covered by the selected core exam, i.e. trainees undertaking the CICM First Part exam are required to complete the ANZCA Gap Assessment, and vice versa.
A DTP trainee will only be eligible to sit either, not both, the ANZCA Primary or CICM First Part exam. If the DTP trainee is unsuccessful with the selected exam and wishes to continue with DTP, they will be required to continue with the selected (first attempted) exam and be subject to the rules governing the examination process, including the maximum number of permitted attempts, as stipulated by the respective college.
This process is for Dual Trainees only. If a trainee decides to withdraw from dual training and continue with single specialty training – they must comply with the relevant college’s training requirements.
PLEASE NOTE: The regulations and timelines related to completion of the ANZCA Primary / CICM First Part exam and gap assessment are still being considered. FAQs and the DTP Guidance document will be updated as decisions are confirmed by ANZCA Council and CICM Board.
No, each college will maintain its current standards and program requirements to ensure alignment with the specialist graduate outcomes.
It is anticipated that the dual training pathway will be available from 2026. Guidance and support for both trainees and their supervisors will be developed and made available in due course.
Trainees will need to be accepted into both training programs and seek advice from the ANZCA DPA and/or CICM Censor to plan training activities/progression.
If you are interested in applying, please continue to check these FAQs for updated information or register with [email protected] and we will provide updates as they become available.
The cost of the dual training pathway is still being determined. Please continue to check these FAQs for updated information or register with [email protected] and we will provide updates as they become available.