1. What is workplace-based assessment?

Workplace-based assessment is a form of authentic assessment; it tests performance in the real environment facing doctors in their everyday clinical practice. Workplace-based assessment, when it becomes available, will allow an eligible international medical graduate (IMG) to complete their clinical assessment in their workplace setting. They do not need to sit and pass the current Australian Medical Council (AMC) Clinical Examination.

To be eligible for the Standard (workplace-based assessment) Pathway the IMG must pass the AMC onshore or offshore MCQ Examination, meet the national English language proficiency requirements, complete a pre-employment assessment and have satisfactory supervision reports during their employment.

2. When will workplace-based assessments be available?

Elements of the Standard (workplace-based assessment) Pathway, such as the screening AMC MCQ Examination commenced from 1 July 2008. Roll out of the workplace-based assessment (alternative to the AMC Clinical Examination) will be subject to accreditation by the AMC and is under development in 2009.

3. If I am currently registered (under area of need or similar provisions) and employed will I be able to participate in the workplace-based assessment?

The transitional provisions are still to be finalised, but it is expected that any IMG who has sat and passed the AMC onshore or offshore MCQ Examination will eventually be able to proceed through to the workplace-based assessment, when it is implemented.

4. Do I have to be working in a clinical position to be able to participate in the workplace-based assessment?

YES. This option will only be available to IMG's already working in clinical positions in Australia.

5. If I am not able to obtain a clinical position and conditional registration, am I still able to sit the AMC Clinical Examination?

YES. The AMC Examination is still available to any IMG who satisfies the eligibility criteria.

6. If I am working in the health sector but not in a clinical position (eg. in an allied health position or a hospital laboratory) am I eligible to participate in the workplace-based assessment?

NO. You must be working in a clinical position. If you are working in a clinical position you can still proceed through the AMC Examination Standard Pathway.

7. If I fail the workplace-based assessment can I re-apply?

YES. If you fail the workplace-based performance assessment, you can re-apply.

8. How much will it cost?

The cost of completing the workplace-based assessment is yet to be determined.

9. If I do workplace-based assessment in one state is it portable to another state?

Portability is yet to be confirmed as workplace-based assessment is still under development.