ANZCA CICM Dual Training Pathway FAQs

Everything you need to know about the proposed ANZCA CICM dual training pathway, including the reasons for its development, duration, eligibility requirements and the timeframes.​

Why is the dual training pathway being developed?

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.

What makes the dual training pathway different from other qualifications currently available?

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.

Who can undertake the dual 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.

Who is working on the dual training pathway?

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between ANZCA and CICM which 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, established in 2022, oversees formation of the dual training pathway and relevant working groups. Professor Peter Morley AM, a dual fellow, is chair of the ANZCA CICM Dual Training Pathway Conjoint Committee which has nine members consisting of representatives from ANZCA (3) and CICM (3), dual fellowship holders (2), a community representative (1) and a current ANZCA CICM dual trainee in attendance.

Two working groups have been formed to progress comparison of the anaesthesia and intensive care areas and to 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 group’s work included all training components, except for the examinations. The CIWG developed a report which provided findings and recommendations for cross-recognition of training requirements to achieve community-focused outcomes. The CIWG provided its recommendations to the Conjoint Committee, ANZCA Council and CICM Board in late 2023.
2. The ANZCA and CICM Primary Examination Comparison Working Group (PEC-WG) will be established in early 2024 to assess the ANZCA primary and CICM first part examinations and report on similarities and differences. The Conjoint Committee will consider the recommendations put forward by this working group followed by ANZCA Council and CICM Board approval.

How will the dual training pathway be structured?

The Conjoint Committee and respective working groups are developing details of the program and pathway structure, which will be released as soon as they are finalised.

How long will the dual training pathway take?

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.

Will recognition of prior learning (RPL) be available?

Yes. A recognition of prior learning process is being developed. Specific requirements for granting RPL will be made available in the dual training pathway guidance document.

How will the candidates be assessed?

The Conjoint Committee is in the process of establishing an ANZCA and CICM Primary Examination Comparison Working Group (PEC-WG) who will work on assessment mapping. We’ll updated details of the assessment activities as they become known.

Are there separate standards for the dual training pathway?

No, each college maintains its current standards to ensure alignment with the specialist graduate outcomes.

When will the dual training pathway be available and how do I apply?

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 dualtrainingpathway@anzca.edu.au and we will provide updates as they become available. 

What will the dual training pathway cost?

The cost of the dual training pathway is still being determined. Please continue to check these FAQs for updated information or register with dualtrainingpathway@anzca.edu.au and we will provide updates as they become available.

Will candidates need to sit primary exams for both colleges?

The ANZCA and CICM Primary Examination Comparison Working Group (PEC-WG) will map the ANZCA primary and CICM first part exams and present recommendations to the Conjoint Committee and respective college governance bodies. The exam-specific requirements are expected to be finalised in late 2024.

If you have any questions not covered above, please contact us.

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Last updated 08:54 22.12.2023