The ANZCA exams explained: format, timing and how they are passed

The FANZCA is awarded by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. On the way, anaesthesia trainees sit 2 examinations: Primary Examination (PEx); Final Examination (FEx). Here is how each is put together and how it is passed.

Primary Examination (PEx)

When: During basic training; must pass to progress to advanced training.

PEx MCQ

150 MCQs · 150 minutes · computer-based

How it is passed: The MCQ is a pass/fail hurdle: you must pass it to be invited to the vivas.

PEx SAQ

15 short-answer questions · 150 minutes · each marked out of 10 from 2026.2

How it is passed: From 2026.2 you need at least 42.7% on the SAQ paper (with a pass in the MCQ) to be invited to the vivas.

PEx vivas

3 vivas · 2 min reading · 20 min each

How it is passed: Overall pass needs at least 50% across the SAQ and vivas combined (each worth half), after passing the MCQ.

Final Examination (FEx)

When: Advanced training, after 26 weeks FTE advanced training and at least 88 weeks FTE clinical anaesthesia.

FEx MCQ

150 MCQs · 150 minutes · same day as the SAQ paper

How it is passed: At least 40% in the MCQ (and the SAQ) to be invited to the vivas.

FEx SAQ

15 short-answer questions · 150 minutes

How it is passed: At least 40% in the SAQ (and the MCQ) to be invited to the vivas. The SAQ is the commonest hurdle.

FEx vivas

10 vivas · 15 min each: 8 anaesthesia vivas (days 1–2) and 2 medical vivas (day 3)

How it is passed: Overall at least 50%, a pass in the anaesthesia viva section plus at least one other section, and at least 5/10 in 4 of the 8 anaesthesia vivas; 3/10 or less in 3 or more anaesthesia vivas fails.

What the exams draw on

Applied physiology · Pharmacology · Applied anatomy · Measurement and equipment · Quality and safety · Perioperative medicine and preoperative assessment · Airway management · Obstetric anaesthesia · Paediatric anaesthesia · Cardiac, thoracic and vascular · Neurosurgical anaesthesia · Regional anaesthesia and pain medicine · Resuscitation, trauma and critical care · General medicine (medical viva).

Answers are expected to reflect Australian and New Zealand practice. The references the questions assume include: ANZCA professional documents (PG/PS series, e.g. PG09 procedural sedation, PG15 perioperative care); Acute Pain Management: Scientific Evidence (ANZCA and FPM); ANZCOR / Australian Resuscitation Council ALS algorithms; Australian and New Zealand Anaesthetic Allergy Group (ANZAAG) anaphylaxis guidelines; National Blood Authority Patient Blood Management guidelines; Therapeutic Guidelines and Australian Medicines Handbook; TGA scheduling; Consent law (Rogers v Whitaker) and state guardianship law; ANZCA Anaesthesia Training Program curriculum and handbook.

Formats change. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and dates on the ANZCA website before you sit.

Where do you stand?

Thirty questions across every area, scored by area with a plain verdict. Free.

Am I ready? Free check →Read a marked sample

Next: Why candidates lose marks in the ANZCA exams →

Not affiliated with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA).