Primary exam preparation courses (formerly Part 1)

We offer a range of activities around Australia and New Zealand specially designed to help trainees prepare for the written and oral components of the ANZCA primary exams.

These activities are organised by our Australian regional committees and the New Zealand National Committee and delivered by local fellows on a voluntary basis, so the content, structure, cost, and availability of these courses varies.

Where spaces are limited, we will prioritise local candidates who are sitting the upcoming exam. In the case of a course that isn't available in every Australian region, participating regional committees will make a limited number of places available to interstate trainees on a first come basis.

Primary refresher courses and mock vivas are offered in most major centres, but some committees put on additional exam preparation activities.

Primary Refresher Course

This comprehensive course gives trainees the chance to refresh the physiology and pharmacology knowledge they require to pass the primary exam.

The content and structure is different in every jurisdiction, so please refer to the individual event listings in the calendar below for detailed information.

Lectures are conducted in a variety of formats including lecture format and more interactive styles.

Each session highlights important features of the topic and helps candidates to organise and present their knowledge clearly and with perspective. To that end, lecturers are encouraged to present their topic to include information on written and oral examinations including exam preparation, techniques, and previous multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions and vivas.

This course content is offered (in one form or another) in all training jurisdictions apart from the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania.

Trainees in South Australia should note that course content is delivered in weekly Wednesday afternoon sessions. For dates, times, locations, and course program please contact us.

Trainees in Western Australia should note that course content is delivered in weekly Friday afternoon sessions from 2-5pm. For dates, times, locations, and course program please contact us.

We try to keep the cost of attending these courses to a minimum, so they are accessible to all trainees. Course fees are different in every jurisdiction, so please refer to the individual event listings in the calendar below for information.

Primary Viva Course

Some committees organise simulated viva sessions with mock examiners to give trainees the chance to experience the oral exam process and receive feedback and suggestions for improvement.

The course generally consists of a series of practice sessions at local hospitals. The content and structure is different in every jurisdiction, so please refer to the individual event listings in the calendar below for detailed information.

Although the aim is to obtain viva practice, it is not possible within the given time frame to review all information required for the primary oral examination.

Mock vivas are currently offered in New Zealand, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.

We offer this course free of charge to all trainees sitting the ANZCA primary exam.

Other primary exam preparation courses

Some committees and accredited training units organise additional exam preparation courses. Use our external events calendar to find out what's on offer in your area.

Explore this section

Final exam preparation courses (formerly Part 2)

We strongly encourage all trainees preparing for the ANZCA final exam to take advantage of the refresher courses and mock vivas we run in major centres around Australia and New Zealand.

Learn more

Becoming a primary examiner

Information on the eligibility and application process for becoming an ANZCA primary examiner.

Learn more