Primary Exam
Read these first.
Read these first.
These 2 documents will outline your study plan forward. They are both official ANZCA documents. The first is the “Primer for the Primary” which outlines how “in-depth” some topics are required, the second is the ANZCA Primary Exam study guide breaking the exam into topics. The Primer was written before the restructure of the Primary exam in 2024 but still remains relevant.
Primer for the Primary
ANZCA Study Guide
Primary Syllabus ANKI deck
Syllabus
An Anki deck written to the Syllabus. Contains tags, allowing topic study as required
The deck is currently being upgraded with Tags that exactly match the Primary Syllabus released by the college. This should help individualised study by topic and to create your own "internal” decks to enable specialised study.
Secondary ANKI Decks
Primer for the Primary
Answers to the True/False questions in the “Primer for the Primary” with references. Excellent high fidelity quick study
MCQ black bank
An older primary MCQ deck that has been circulating for some time.
Diagram or Die
A deck made to the popular physiology graphs required in the primary
For the Commute…
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Dr Podcast
From the UK, Dr Podcast breaks down the Primary Syllabus into 10-20min podcasts. It is expensive but very helpful if you can get your hands on it.
https://drpodcast.co.uk/collections/anaesthetic-podcasts/products/primary-frca-podcasts
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Anaesthesia Coffee Break
A new podcast run by 2 anaesthetists for the primary exam
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/anaesthesia-coffee-break/id1540682318
Further resources
Propofol Dreams
A resource to find well structured answers to multiple past SAQs that are broken into important topics of the curriculum.
ANZCA Primary notes
A fantastic place to start, this website is perfectly broken down into different topics and gives a very good indication of depth required. Many regards to Dr Hollingworth for this amazing resource.
Primary LO of the Day
A blog written by a wonderful team that frequently post on differing curriculum topics.
The “Primer for the Primary”
As released by ANZCA
ANZCA Study guide
It always pays to know what you need to study. Come back to it regularly. Try and make a checklist of what you need to cover.
MAC 95
The one that started it all, MAC 95 is quite possible the best resource available for the Primary. It does require a 1 off purchase, but for how much the exam costs and the time you put in it is well worth it.
Amanda Diaz
Amanda Diaz’s Primary notes.
Ketamine Nightmares
Incredibly well structured and detailed notes to the entire curriculum for the Primary and Final.
The Physiology Viva Book
Written by Kerry Brandis, the physiology viva book is essential reading for any Primary candidate. Commonly available in your anaesthetic library, otherwise link in title to purchase.
Adrenaline Memories
Paid membership for weekly SAQ breakdowns, with amazing resources
Essential Pharmacology
A small blue book full of all your Primary pharmacology needs. Can be found with most prior Primary candidates, otherwise, available to purchase.
Deranged Physiology
From the delightful mind of Dr Alex Yartsev, this is one ultimate resource for physiology study. Aimed at ICU Primary candidates it is still an invaluable resources for Anaesthetic exam candidates