Candidates who are successful in the written examination are invited to the oral examination. Candidates must complete both sections of the fellowship examination in the same sitting to achieve a pass.
Any applications for special consideration are due four weeks prior to the closing date. For 2025, candidates who would prefer to handwrite their answers to the written examination may nominate to do so at the time of applying to sit.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes in the pain medicine training program curriculum guide the range of content which may be assessed. Competencies relevant to the knowledge, behaviours, and clinical skills are found in sections one to three of the FPM curriculum.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of what treatments/therapies are available and may be undertaken when referring a patient to other pain management specialists.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible to sit the fellowship exam, trainees must:
- Complete two in-training assessments (ITAs) by the application closing date.
- Completed the general physical examination assessment
- Applied on the approved form and paid the fellowship examination fee
Late applications are unable to be accepted.
Format
| Section | Format | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Written section | 10 short-answer questions (SAQ) | 2.5 hours |
Oral section | 4 objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) stations | 10 minutes each |
4 structured viva voce examination stations | 15 minutes each |
Dates and venues
| Section | Dates | Venue(s) | Application form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written examination | Thursday 11 September 2025 | Australia: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Townsville (venue to be confirmed) New Zealand: Wellington Hong Kong and Singapore | |
| Oral examination | Saturday 15 November 2025 | Melbourne |
Withdrawing from the exam
Candidates wishing to withdraw their application on medical or compassionate grounds must inform the faculty in writing before the date of the exam.
Trainees unable to attend the examination
On the day of the exam, if a candidate is unable to present for the exam on medical or compassionate grounds, the candidate must submit a written notice and provide evidence of cause within seven days of the exam.
No special consideration will be given to a candidate who elects against advice to continue with the exam. Please refer to the information about the Reconsideration, Review, and Appeal Policy and the Special Consideration Policy.