Accreditation of new WBA Providers
This page is for WBA providers and organisations seeking to provide a WBA program.
The list of AMC-accredited workplace based assessment providers is available here.
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The workplace based assessment (WBA) pathway it is an alternative to the AMC clinical exam component of the assessment pathway for international medical graduates. A WBA program is a structured program (minimum six months) of on-the-job assessment. It tests if the candidate has adequate and appropriate set of clinical skills and the professional qualities to practice safely within the Australian healthcare environment and cultural setting. The AMC accredits providers to conduct workplace based assessment programs against accreditation standards. The standards cover: the context (governance, expertise and resources) of the WBA program provider, independence in decision making, selection of candidates for the WBA program; assessment methods, plans blueprints and standards; reporting and recording assessment results; selection and training of assessors, review and evaluation Ongoing accreditation of WBA providers is subject to the provider continuing to demonstrate via annual The WBA program is for international medical graduates (IMGs) on the AMC Standard Pathway who are seeking general registration with the Medical Board of Australia. The WBA pathway is designed for IMGs who:
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A WBA program is a structured program (generally with a duration of 12 months but no less than six months) of on-the-job assessment. It tests if the candidate has an adequate and appropriate set of clinical skills and the professional qualities to practise safely within the Australian healthcare environment and cultural setting.
Successful candidates are awarded the AMC Certificate, which provides a qualification for general registration. It is an alternative to the clinical examination component of the AMC Standard Pathway for IMGs.
Steps for organisations seeking accreditation
Notice of intent
An organisation wishing to make an application for accreditation as a WBA provider should register a notice of intent with the AMC so that the AMC can advise on the timing of the application process and schedule review of the application.
It is best to do this early, in the planning stage. The Notice of Intent form is available here and can be submitted electronically via email to prevac@amc.org.au.
Application for initial accreditation
Applicants must make a submission to the AMC addressing how the proposed program will meet the accreditation standards.
The accreditation standards and procedures are available here.
The submission template is available here.
Applicants are advised to engage with established AMC-accredited WBA Programs in advance of their submission. The list and contact details for AMC-accredited WBA providers is here.
There is also a WBA Resource Guide which is available online at http://wbaonline.amc.org.au/ and which provides relevant information and advice on how to set-up a WBA program.
Key things to consider:
- has the proposed WBA program the formal support of health service management?
- will there be administrative support for the program?
This includes, the selection process, coordination of training for assessors, coordination of assessments, the monitoring and evaluation of the program.
- are there adequate candidate employment opportunities?
WBA candidates must be able to be assessed in the performance of work across a range of clinical areas. If the program is proposing to take candidates with an employment contract in a single post/setting additional arrangements may need to be made for the candidate to work and be assessed in the full range of clinical areas. It is necessary to demonstrate the breadth of work required and the health service’s support for special arrangements.
A health service may apply for accreditation individually, or as part of an arrangement with other local hospitals and/or general practices.
All WBA programs must include Mini-Clinical Evaluation exercises, Case-based Discussions, and multisource feedback. Most providers also include other assessment methods to ensure all clinical areas and assessment domains are appropriately assessed, such as direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS), in-training assessments (ITAs), and logbooks.
The mandatory national assessment forms for Mini-Clinical Evaluation exercises, Case-based Discussions, and multisource feedback are available These forms are available via the WBAOnline website: http://wbaonline.amc.org.au/forms/
Table of requirements for Mini-Clinical Evaluation, Case-based Discussion and Multisource Feedback
| Method | Requirements |
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| Mini-CEX | Number and details: • twelve (12) Mini-CEXs must be completed throughout the program in total • must cover two (2) in each clinical area Passing requirements: • nine out of twelve (9/12); and • at least one in each clinical area |
| Case-based discussion (CBD) | Number and details: • six (6) CBDs must be completed throughout the program in total • must cover at least three (3) clinical areas Passing requirements: • five out of six (5/6) |
| Multisource feedback (MSF) | Number and details: • As a guide, two rounds of MSF should be completed; the first round being formative and the second round being summative. • It is recommended that a minimum of six and up to twelve suitable assessors in each category of assessor should complete the feedback for each candidate in each group, for example, six medical colleagues and six co-workers. Greater numbers are required when using patients |
Consideration of the application
The AMC Prevocational Standards Accreditation Committee will assess the submission against the standards and will consider feedback on the provider’s assessment plan and blueprint from the AMC Assessment Committee Chair. The Prevocational Standards Accreditation Committee will make a recommendation to the AMC Directors on initial accreditation. AMC Directors will then make an accreditation decision based on this recommendation.
There is a fee for consideration of a new WBA application (currently $2500 excluding GST) and an ongoing annual fee for AMC monitoring of the program (currently $1000 excluding GST).
The AMC recommend that potential providers consider the viability of their health service for the WBA
The Australian Medical Council Accreditation of Workplace Based Assessment Providers: Standards and Procedures are available on the AMC website. This document provides information about WBA and the processes involved in accreditation. Specifically, section B9 of the standards and procedures describes the AMC accreditation process for WBA, including for new providers.