Question 1

You only offer 20 face-to-face places. Why not increase this number so that more people can attend?

Accepted Answer

This is a fair question, and one we have looked at from time to time. Where a course is just a series of lectures, you can increase the number of attendees without much trouble. However, our course is highly interactive, and we try to give each candidate the benefit of focused examination practice. The more candidates we have, the more this dilutes the value that everyone receives.  Additionally, to mark SAQs and viva 20 candidates daily is already a substantial undertaking, increasing numbers (as we have tried in the past) is unfortunately unsustainable. However for those candidates that miss out, we do have a great virtual option.

Question 2

How are in-person spots on the course allocated?

Accepted Answer

Due to limited space in the course, we aim to allocate places as fairly as possible while ensuring the greatest benefit for participants.
 Priority is given to candidates planning to sit the Primary ANZCA Examination in the second sitting (immediately following the course).
We also prioritise:
Our local midland trainees who are about to sit, and
New Zealand-based trainees more broadly.
We encourage non–New Zealand trainees to apply, as places are occasionally still available after the prioritisation process.
Following these considerations, in-person places are allocated through an anonymous randomisation process to ensure fairness.
We do not take into account the order that the applications are received.

Question 3

Do you run the course twice a year?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately not. Due to the workload involved, the department is only able to run the in-person/virtual course once per year. However, we now offer an online course for candidates preparing for the first sitting of the Primary Exam. This includes all recorded content from the in-person course, along with additional course materials.

Question 4

If I send you emails in advance, can I get in ahead of the crowd and ensure my place on the course?

Accepted Answer

Good try but unfortunately no. The course is frequently over-subscribed, with usually more than two applicants per place. We think that the fairest method is to cast the net as wide as possible, accept as many applications as possible, and then to randomly select from this pool of applicants. 
We have previously considered (and indeed applied) other selection methods, and we look critically at this method every year to see if it’s still workable. No selection method is perfect; whichever way we do it, some people will get in, and others won’t. The best we can hope for is fairness and transparency, which we think we achieve.

Question 5

I applied for the in-person course but I didn’t get a place. This is my last chance to pass the exam. Is there any way you can squeeze me in somehow?

Accepted Answer

We get asked this frequently and unfortunately the answer is no. We are always very sorry for those people who get turned away, but our resources are finite. You will get a place on our waiting list, and if you are near the top, you are still in with a chance of a place, since each year 1 or 2 candidates with a place withdraw from the course before it starts. If you do miss out, the next best option is to join our virtual course.

Question 6

Can I apply for both the in-person and virtual course?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. If we are unable to offer you an in-person spot, you will be offered a virtual spot.

Question 7

Can I download the recorded course material?

Accepted Answer

The online course material will be available to access until the second sitting primary exam is completed. Slides will be free to download, however we restrict downloading of the course videos to protect our presenters.

Question 8

I’m paying from Australia. What is the best way to transfer money to New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

We recommend using Wise (formerly TransferWise) or a standard international bank transfer through your bank. Wise tends to be quicker and often has lower fees than traditional banks.

If you choose to pay via bank transfer, just make sure to include your name in the payment reference so we can identify your payment easily.

Question 9

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

In-Person Course
Full refund if you withdraw more than two weeks before the course start date.
Partial refund if you withdraw within two weeks of the course start date:
A two-thirds (⅔) refund will be provided.
Virtual Course access will be granted in place of in-person attendance.
In exceptional circumstances, an alternative refund arrangement may be considered at the discretion of the Course Director.
No refund is available once the course has commenced.

In some circumstances, the course faculty may withdraw a candidate if it becomes clear they no longer intend to sit the upcoming ANZCA examination. In these cases, the same refund timeframes and conditions outlined above will apply.

Virtual Plus Course / Virtual Course
Full refund if you withdraw before the course start date.
No refund is available once the course has commenced.

Online Course
No refund is available once course access has been activated or the course has commenced.

Question 10

Where do the course fees go?

Accepted Answer

After covering course expenses—including catering, video equipment, the online platform, and gifts for visiting lecturers—any surplus is transferred to the Waikato Hospital Anaesthetic Trust.
 This trust supports professional development by providing funding for opportunities available to members of the department.

Frequently asked questions