Prior to 2001, two training programs in intensive care medicine were available in Australia and New Zealand.

The Faculty of Anaesthetists (RACS) commenced a training and examination system in intensive care in 1976. The training program consisted of four years and two examinations. Successful diplomates were awarded Fellowship of the Faculty of Anaesthetists, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FARACS), endorsed in intensive care. In 1992, the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists was formed and the Council established a Faculty of Intensive Care in 1993, responsible for the conduct of all intensive care activities.

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians established a training program in intensive care at approximately the same time as the Faculty of Anaesthetists RACS. The program involved three years of basic physician training, the written and clinical examinations in Internal Medicine and three years of advanced training, comprising two core years in intensive care and one elective year.

In 1996, a Joint Specialist Advisory Committee (Intensive Care) between the Faculty of Intensive Care and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, its aim to develop a single training program for the specialty, and to supervise all intensive care trainees on behalf of the two bodies. This aim was realised in 2001, with the establishment of the Joint Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine.  An elected Board took office in February 2002, under the Chairmanship of Dr Geoff Clarke.