The final F.F.A.R.A.C.S. examination

The development of the Final Examination of Fellowship of the Faculty of Anaesthetists of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is described from its inception in 1956 to the present. A statistical analysis was made of the examinations in 1969 and 1970. The correlations between marks for essay questions, within the multiple choice examination and between clinical examinations were low, suggesting that the reliability of these tests was unsatisfactory. At this same time, applied anatomy was added to the subjects in this examination. The examination was restructured with more emphasis on the oral and multiple choice examination and the marking system was revised. Continuing analysis has shown higher correlations between and within most parts of the examination. The correlations for the essay marks have remained lower, but essays have been retained in an attempt to assess and encourage the skills involved. Feedback of teaching and learning information obtained from analysis of the examination is provided to Regional Education Officers and Supervisors of Training.