Workplace-based assessment (Standard Pathway)

Some IMGs in the Standard Pathway can have their clinical skills and knowledge assessed in the workplace by AMC-accredited authorities as an alternative to the AMC Clinical Examination. However, the program currently has limited availability, with five pilot assessment programs available. The AMC is not responsible for securing employment for workplace-based assessment.

Workplace-based assessment of your performance in everyday clinical practice in the Australian healthcare setting tracks your progress in integrating clinical knowledge and skills as a basis for safe and effective clinical judgments and decision making. It also assesses how well you deal with patients and whether you work productively in a team of healthcare professionals.

The content and the assessment standard of accredited workplace-based assessment programs are approved by the AMC and overseen by members of the AMC Board of Examiners, who ensure that the format and content of the assessments are consistent with the required standard.

The assessment methods for workplace-based assessment programs are rigorous and structured. Disciplines covered include medicine and surgery; obstetrics and gynaecology; paediatrics; and psychiatry.

Eligibility

Before you can take part in a workplace-based performance assessment, you must have passed the AMC CAT MCQ Examination and been granted limited registration by the Medical Board of Australia. You need limited registration to be employed in an approved clinical position for workplace-based assessment.

Process summary

Are you working as a practising doctor in an AMC-accredited hospital?---If no, you are ineligible for workplace-based assessment. You may apply for the clinical examination---If yes, talk to your WBA contact officer at the accredited authority to provide an expression of interest---Your accredited authority nominates your application with the AMC---The AMC confirms eligibility---The AMC sends you notification of whether you have been offered a place for workplace-based assessment---Have you been offered a place for workplace-based assessment?---If no, you may apply for the clinical assessment---If yes, complete a workplace-based performance assessment program---Have you successfully completed the workplace-based performance assessment program?---If no, you may reapply for the workplace-based assessment program or clinical examination---If yes, receive AMC certificate

Accredited assessment programs

Workplace-based assessment programs must be accredited by the AMC. To date, accredited workplace-based assessment programs are available on a pilot basis at the sites shown in Table 2.

Table 2 : AMC-accredited workplace based assessment program providers

Program provider Location
Goulburn Valley Health Shepparton, Victoria
Monash Health (Formerly Southern Health) Victoria
Hunter New England Local Health District Newcastle, Armidale and Tamworth, New South Wales
Launceston General Hospital Launceston and Burnie, Tasmania
Western Australia Health Bunbury and Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Rural and remote areas nationally

To find out more about how your employer (hospital) can become a provider of an accredited program, email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Applying for a place

To apply for a workplace-based assessment program, you first need to contact the relevant workplace-based assessment manager at the site where you intend to work or are already working. The authority will explain the selection and application process and any additional requirements before offering you a place in the assessment program. Some authorities require you to undertake a pre–workplace-based assessment program in addition to meeting the AMC's eligibility requirements.

The accredited authority has the final responsibility for offering places in its workplace-based assessment program. The AMC has no role in securing employment for workplace-based assessment.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 April 2013 15:13
 
Australian Medical Council