Format of the Examination

Written Examination

The Written Examination in internal medicine consists of two multiple choice papers, taken on the same day, as follows:

Paper 1:

Medical Sciences (2 hours morning)
70 A-type questions (single best response of five alternatives).
Questions will test the knowledge of principles of medicine and basic sciences applicable to clinical medicine.

Paper 2:

Clinical Applications (3 hours afternoon)
100 A-type questions (single best response of five alternatives)
Questions will assess investigational material and test the knowledge of the practice of medicine and therapeutics.

The Clinical Examination is designed to test clinical and communication skills.

The examination format will require candidates to be examined on two long cases and four short cases. The structure of the examination will allow this to be done within two examination cycles on the one day. In each cycle candidates will be examined on one long case and two short cases. Each candidate will be examined during these two cycles by at least four pairs of examiners. Each case will be scored independently, and the passing score will be determined by the aggregate mark.

The standard required includes the breadth of knowledge, aptitude and skills sufficient for the management of general medical patients in order to proceed to advanced training. More detailed guidelines on the format of the Clinical Examination are available from the Wellington office and are normally sent to a candidate prior to the examination.

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