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The North Shore PRimary Exam Prep (PREP) Course is an intensive revision course for ANZCA trainees preparing for the primary examination, with input from experienced examiners, primary exam lecturers, fellows, and senior trainees. It is run as two separate components, both held twice a year.

The PREP Course is purely focused on examination practice. Participants learn as they practice answering questions, discuss answers, and perform peer-assessment. There is no didactic teaching of exam topics. Do not come expecting to be taught, come intending to learn.

It is a requirement that participants register for the ANZCA Primary Exam corresponding to the course. If you have not done the requisite learning in the months prior, this course will be of little use to you. Prior to the course, participants will be given instructions on submitting mock SAQs and vivas with model answers.

Participants can choose to attend either the written or viva course, or both.

Written PREP

A 4-day course for the written component. Participants sit mock MCQs and SAQs, with review of questions and group discussions to facilitate learning.

Participants will be required to write a small number of sample SAQs (with model answers) prior to attending the course.
Viva PREP

A 3-day course for the viva component, held after the written exam. Participants learn by participating in practice vivas, with group discussions on content and exam technique.

Participants will be required to write a small number of sample vivas with an answer framework, prior to attending the course
Organising Committee

Dr Jennifer Fabling (Convener)
Dr Daniel Fung (Co-Convener)
Dr Olivia Albert
Dr Shadi Gadalla
Dr Greta Pearce
Dr Nav Sidhu
Dr Ann-Marie Stevenson
Dr Samuel Wall



Venue


All courses are held at Smales Farm, Takapuna, Auckland (opposite North Shore Hospital).



Dates

Please note that course dates are subject to change to preserve coordination with ANZCA exam dates, once the latter are finalised.

2024 - 1st sitting
Written PREP: 5 & 7-9 Feb 2024 (Closing date 23 Dec 2023. Note that Tue 6 Feb is a Public Holiday, the course will run on Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri)
Viva PREP: 25-27 Mar 2024 (Closing date 19 Feb 2024)


2024 - 2nd sitting
Written PREP: 22-25 Jul 2024 (Closing date 17 Jun 2024)
Viva PREP: 2-4 Sep 2024 (Closing date 29 Jul 2024)



Registration and Payment

Register by completing the appropriate form using the links below. Once registered, proceed with payment by direct fund transfer to Pupuke Anaesthesia Trust, 03-0181-0013547-00 with 'your-last-name'-PREP as the reference. If paying from overseas, we recommend using a third party facility such as Wise or XE, as these can be easier than some banks. Our SWIFT code is WPACNZ2W.

Receipts are issued at the end of each month. If you would like a receipt issued promptly, email us a screenshot of your payment.

Course fee (in NZ Dollars): $1,200 for Written PREP course, $1,000 for Viva PREP course, or $2,200 for both courses. A waitlist will operate once courses are full. If a waitlist is in operation, please do not make any payment until a place is offered to you.

When registrations open for the exam, participants will be asked to email proof of registration for the corresponding exam sitting.

To register for the FIRST sitting written and/or viva PREP course, click here
NOTE: The written and viva courses are full and running a waitlist.

To register for the SECOND sitting written and/or viva PREP course, click here
NOTE: The written and viva courses are full and running a waitlist.

When a course is full, you will be placed on a waitlist.

For all enquiries, please email: Lucille.antonio@waitematadhb.govt.nz


FAQs

How popular is the course? Do I have to register early?
In recent years, all courses have been full and we have been running waitlists. In most years, those near the top of the waitlist are eventually successful in attending the course as a small proportion of registered participants withdraw due to personal reasons.

Is there accommodation nearby?
Here is a list of accommodation options (in order of approximate distance):
  • Quest Apartments Takapuna - 215 Shakespeare Rd, Takapuna
  • City of Sails Motel - 219 Shakespeare Rd, Takapuna
  • The Spencer on Byron Hotel - 9-17 Byron Ave, Takapuna
  • Emerald Inn - 16 The Promenade, Takapuna

What time does the course start?
0830 every morning

Where is the Whenua Pupuke building on the North Shore Hospital site?
Download map (Whenua Pupuke is adjacent to the lake, bottom right of map)
NOTE: The 2024 courses are to be held at Smales Farm, opposite North Shore Hospital (not Whenua Pupuke)

What do I need to bring to the course?
Prepared SAQ/viva answer schedule (topics to be individually advised)
Selection of pens for trial (gel pens recommended for ease and clarity of speed writing)

What is the daily schedule?
Start at 0830. On each day of the Written PREP, you will complete SAQ and/or MCQ papers under examination conditions with time allocated for feedback, and brief tutorials on exam technique. There is no teaching of exam content but there will be opportunity to submit topics for group discussion. There will be breaks for morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Most days end at 1630-1700.

What is included with the course fees?
Meals during the day, course dinner, answer booklets

Is there a participant limit?
We currently have a limit of 24 for the written and viva courses. The courses tend to fill quickly. Once the limit is reached, we operate a waitlist.

What if I choose to withdraw from the course?
We will provide a full refund (minus any bank fees for overseas payments) if 6 weeks notice is given AND a replacement is found. If you are unable to attend due to Covid-19 restrictions, we will provide a full refund.


For further enquiries, please email us at Lucille.antonio@waitematadhb.govt.nz