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 a 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 | Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) | Saturday 16 August 2025 | Monday 7 July 2025 | Application form |
| Victoria | Peninsula Health, Frankston | Saturday 23 August 2025 | Wednesday 16 July 2025 | Application form |
| New Zealand | Wellington Pain Clinic | Tuesday 26 August 2025 | Friday 18 July 2025 | Application form |
| Western Australia | TBA | |||
| New South Wales | TBA |
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.
Related content
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.