Local long case assessment
The local long case assessment is held in the training unit and assessed by two FPM fellows.
The assessors do not necessarily need to work at the unit or know the trainee but at least one of the fellows must have previously assessed a long case. The patient should be known to one of the assessors but not the trainee and must be invited as opposed to being a waiting list patient.
Guidance notes have been prepared to support units in the delivery of the local long case assessment. The marking guide is available via the FPM Trainee Support Resources in Learn@ANZCA. The marking form must be submitted via the ePortfolio.
Once a trainee has passed a local long case they can sit the external long case assessment. If they are then unsuccessful at the externally run long case assessment, they must re-sit the local long case assessment and achieve a pass before they can repeat the external long case assessment.
External long case assessment
External long case assessments are usually held in major cities across Australia and in New Zealand twice a year, and once a year in Hong Kong and Adelaide. Trainees need to meet the eligibility criteria and submit their application by the relevant application closing date, which varies for each region in view of the scheduling of these assessments.
These assessments are limited to trainees who live in the region. In regions where the external long cases are not delivered, trainees are encouraged to contact the faculty prior to applying. Candidates sitting the external long case assessments are advised to complete a rapid antigen test (RAT), if experiencing flu-like symptoms on the day of the assessment.
| Regions | Venue | Assessment date | Application closing date | Application form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland | Princess Alexandra Hospital | Tuesday 28 April 2026 | Tuesday 17 March 2026 | Registration link |
| Victoria | Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre | Saturday 28 March 2026 | Friday 20 February 2026 | Registration link |
| New Zealand | TBC | TBC | TBC | N/A |
| Western Australia | Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Hospital | Monday 20 April 2026 | Friday 6 March 2026 | Registration link |
| New South Wales | Concord Hospital | Saturday 9 May 2026 | Friday 27 March 2026 | Registration link |
| South Australia | CALHN Pain Management Unit at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital | TBC | TBC | N/A |
Hong Kong | Kowloon East Pain Management Centre, United Christian Hospital | Saturday 25 April 2026 | Friday 13 March 2026 | Registration link |
Eligibility criteria
Trainees may present for the external long case assessment if by the published closing date, they have:
- Completed at least one satisfactory ITA.
- Completed the physical examination assessment.
- Passed one local long case assessment.
- Applied on the approved form and paid the long case assessment fee.
If unsuccessful at the external long case assessment, a trainee must complete an additional local long case assessment prior to re-sitting the external long case.
Available 24/7, the ANZCA Doctors' Support Program is a professional counselling service that offers confidential support for a variety of work-related and personal problems that may be affecting you at work or at home. It's free for all ANZCA fellows, trainees, SIMGs and immediate family members.
Doctors' HelplineRelated content
The Foundations Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Examination is a three hour, 150-question examination that is designed to be sat between 3-9 months after commencement of pain medicine training.
The FPM fellowship exam covers the theory and practice of pain medicine and comprises of two sections; the written examination and the oral examination. 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.
Important information for all candidates participating in FPM exams, including our conditions of application and entry.
As part of our ongoing support for our fellows, trainees, and SIMGs, ANZCA has engaged the professional services of Converge International – a confidential and independent counselling and coaching program.