Rural generalist anaesthesia exams
Rural Generalist Anaesthesia trainees must successfully complete the multiple choice question examination (MCQs) and the RGA Standardised Structured Scenario-based Assessment (RGA-SSSA) during training.
The court of examiners will be managed by the RGA Examination Committee and will include rural generalist anaesthetists and FANZCAs.
Trainees should familiarise themselves with the format, minimum marks, and eligibility requirements for each of these important exams.
Multiple choice question exam
The purpose of the multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam is to drive early learning on quality and safety in anaesthetic practice and is mapped to the learning outcomes within the RGA curriculum. Trainees are required to successfully complete the examination within the first 26 weeks FTE of training.
Eligibility criteria
Trainees must be in an approved RGA training position at the time of the exam, and must pay the examination fee to be given access to the MCQ exam platform.
Understanding the format of the MCQ exam
Trainees will be able to complete the MCQ exam online on the Learn@ANZCA platform. Each trainee will sit a randomised exam covering the learning outcomes as per the RGA curriculum
The multiple choice questions will have 4 distractors with one correct answer. Trainees will have access to have practice questions prior to attempting the examination
Trainees are permitted a maximum of three attempts at the MCQ exam.
Section
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Format
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Duration
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Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
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50 questions
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60 minutes
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Trainees will require a score of 70% or more to pass.
Trainees are advised of their exam results at the completion of the exam and the results will be shown in the ePortfolio.
The practice tests
The practice test can be taken any number of times during your learning and revision activities. This practice exam takes the form of 25 randomized questions across each of the 9 learning outcome areas that are mapped to the MCQ task. There is a 30-minute time limit for each practice exam.
At the conclusion of the 25 questions, trainees will see a report of how many questions were correct and links or further information on each question.
Click here to access the practice tests in learn@ANZCA
After you have completed the practice tests, trainees will need to register and pay for the exam and submit the candidate and witness form here.
Conditions for sitting the MCQ
Candidates for the MCQ exam need to take note of the following procedures for application, entry and completion of the exams.
Applications
Trainee must complete an application form to enter the exam and pay the fee. Trainee will receive a receipt of payment and then be given access to the MCQ exam on the Learn@ANZCA platform. Prior to registering for the exam, trainees will have access to a bank of practice exams to prepare for the MCQ exam.
The MCQ exam will consist of 50 questions which must be completed in 60 minutes. Trainees will have up to three attempts to pass the examination. The one entry fee covers up to three attempts.
Register, pay and sit the MCQ examination.
Sitting the MCQ examination.
Trainee will be able to sit their exam either in their work place or at home. Trainees are asked to find a suitable quiet place where they can complete the exam uninterrupted.The trainee is asked to sign a declaration and then send the declaration at the conclusion of the exam to the RGA Assessment team. Receipt of this form will finalise the result in the RGA Training ePortfolio.
Rural generalist anaesthesia standardised structure scenario-based assessment (RGA-SSSA)
The Standardised Structured Scenario-based Assessment (SSSA) is a standardised viva assessment designed to assess the practical integration and application of knowledge in clinical practice, with a focus on RGA practice in the rural and remote context. Candidates should be aware that whilst the exam is not held at the absolute end of their training, the standard expected across all aspects of the exam is that of someone ready to commence independent anaesthesia practice.
As all aspects of the curriculum mapped to the SSSA are examinable and are referenced to the curriculum, so candidates are advised to be familiar with all aspects of the curriculum.
The assessment is set in an invented rural community often referred to as ‘Scenarioville’ that describes the demographics, logistics and health service availability of a simulated rural community in which the assessment is set.
The assessment is conducted via the Zoom platform and candidates should familiarise themselves with the format of the exam, adhere to the IT requirements and source a compliant venue.
There is no requirement for an invigilator to be present at the exam, should the candidate choose to have an invigilator, they are allowed a single support person who will meet the conditions of an invigilator to be present in the room. The person will need to be preapproved as part of eligibility. It is to note the support person is not funded role.
Candidates are required to sign the academic integrity declaration and send the declaration at the conclusion of the exam to the RGA Assessment team. Receipt of this form will finalise the result in the RGA Training ePortfolio.
RGA-SSSA withdrawal
Any candidate who withdraws from the exam, must send their request in writing to the college. The refund of application fees will be as advised in Regulation and the RGA Handbook.
- Entitled to a full refund if the request is made before the closing date of the RGA-SSSA application deadline
- Candidates who withdraw from an RGA-SSSA during the interval between the closing date for applications and up to 15 days before the date of the RGA-SSSA will incur a withdrawal fee and the balance of the RGA-SSSA fee may be refunded.
- Candidates who withdraw from an RGA-SSSA 14 or fewer days before the RGA-SSSA will not receive a refund of the RGA-SSSA fee, unless ANZCA determines otherwise.
- A candidate may also withdraw on medical or compassionate grounds before the RGA-SSSA date by making a written application with a request for full refund.
Special consideration
Candidates with an existing chronic illness or disability which may impact their performance at the exam will be considered for assistance appropriate to their disability, provided that this assistance does not compromise the fairness or reliability of the examination. The candidate must submit a fully documented application (including supporting documentation) to RGA examination committee at least 13 weeks prior to the examination closing date.
Candidates will not be disadvantaged due to events beyond their control but will not be given any advantage that would be unfair to other candidates.
Application to sit the RGA-SSSA
Trainee must pay the exam fee and complete an application form to register for the exam.
Payment is made online. Once payment has been successful, you will be sent a receipt and the application form via email, which must be completed and sent to the college to complete the registration process.
Learning outcomes
RGA-SSSA is mapped to the learning outcomes within the RGA curriculum.
Eligibility criteria
Trainees are eligible to sit the RGA-SSSA once they have successfully completed:
- at least 26 weeks FTE of approved clinical anaesthesia time.
- EPAs 1 – 4 and have commenced the remaining EPAs.
- the RGA multiple-choice question exam.
Trainees must be in an approved training position at the time of their first examination attempt.
Trainees must apply and pay the exam fee prior to the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.
Format
The focus of the advance certificate rural generalist anaesthesia standardised structure scenario-based assessment (RGA-SSSA) is on the practical integration and application of knowledge in clinical practice, with a focus on RGA practice in the rural and remote context.
The exam consists of 8 scenarios which assess knowledge and clinical judgement. The scenarios are set in an invented rural community often referred to as ‘scenarioville’ - that describes the demographics, logistics and health service availability of a simulated rural community in which the assessment is set.
Examiners will be centrally located, and trainees will be at their location. Trainees will be provided access to the system prior to the exam.
Trainees are permitted a maximum of three attempts at the RGA-SSSA. To achieve a pass in the RGA-SSSA the candidate must meet the minimum standards required by the examination.
Dates
2024 RGA-SSSA dates
2024.1 Exam date |
29-30 June 2024
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Registration Closing Date
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15 May 2024
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Withdrawal fee date
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14 June 2024 |
2024.2 Exam date |
30 November - 1 December 2024
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Registration Closing Date
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15 October 2024
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Withdrawal fee date
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14 November 2024 |
Forms and Information documentation
Trainees participating in the RGA-SSSA are required to adhere to our conditions of entry. Below are the forms and information on the exam to assist your preparation.
Forms
Academic Integrity Document to be sent at the completion of the exam to [email protected].
Special consideration application to be sent to the college at least 13 weeks prior to the closing date.
Incident Report Form to be sent at the completion of the exam should an incident arise during the examination
Information
Examination preparation requirements
Exam overview and on the day process
Scenarioville
Previous exam reports & Sample Questions
RGA-SSSA exam reports available to help you prepare for your exam.
Register to sit the 2024.2 RGA-SSSA
If you have a query about RGA exams that is not answered here, please contact us.