Foundations MCQ exam
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 training.
To pass the examination, a trainee needs to reflect the level of knowledge and application of this knowledge expected of a trainee halfway through the core training stage.
Any applications for special consideration are due four weeks prior to the closing date for the examination you plan to sit. Usually, candidates requiring special consideration will need to sit this exam in Melbourne.
Learning outcomes
The exam tests learning outcomes from across the curriculum. Specific learning outcomes covered in this assessment are mapped within the curriculum document (to be published in December 2025) to support your exam preparation.
Eligibility criteria
Trainees may present for the examination if by the published closing date, they have:
- Completed at least three months full time equivalent (FTE) of pain medicine training.
- Received approval from their SOT for their application and submitted the ‘preparedness to sit form’
- Applied and paid the nominated examination fee.
Late applications cannot be accepted.
How to prepare and Supervisor of Training (SOT) confirmation process
As part of the eligibility process, trainees need to demonstrate to their SOT that they have actively prepared to sit the foundations MCQ examination. The preparedness to sit form will need to be signed by your SOT and submitted to [email protected] prior to the closing date for the exam.
Suggested preparation activities include working through the essential topic area study guides on Learn@ANZCA, regularly attending the centralised trainee tutorial program and private study of references in the pain medicine library guides.
A mock examination website (under development) will be published in early 2026 to allow trainees to familiarise themselves with the exam delivery platform. The foundations MCQ exam will be delivered on the same platform that the short answer question paper of the fellowship examination was situated.
Further information will also be presented at the orientation to pain medicine course in early 2026.
Format
The examination is delivered, using an online platform using single-best answer questions. The questions are a combination of:
- Basic knowledge questions.
- Applied knowledge questions.
The exam runs for three hours, allowing approximately one minute per question and 30 minutes for review. Each question includes five possible answers.
Dates and venues
| Sitting | Date | Venue(s) | Exam application closing date | Application form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sitting one | Thursday 11 June, 2026 | Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney | Thursday 7 May 2026 | N/A |
| Sitting two | Thursday 15 October 2025 | Brisbane Melbourne Perth Sydney | Thursday 10 September 2026 | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Candidates wishing to withdraw their application on medical or compassionate grounds must inform the faculty in writing before the date of the exam as outlined in by-law 4.10.
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.
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 resources
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Trainees must successfully complete at least one local long case assessment and one external long case assessment during the training program. Both assessments use the same marking form. To achieve a pass the trainee must demonstrate proficiency at the level of a specialist pain medicine physician in their first year of practice.
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.