Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) Program

The Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) Program is an alternative to the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Clinical Exam for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking general registration.

The program is designed to give IMGs the opportunity to demonstrate that they possess an adequate and appropriate set of clinical skills and the essential professional qualities to practice safely in the Australian Healthcare environment, whilst working in our hospital system.

The Program’s workplace assessments are conducted over 12 months and use a combination of assessments methods to ensure that a broad scope of clinical and non-clinical knowledge and skills are tested across different clinical specialities. These examinations are conducted by a dedicated group of assessors who have volunteered to support the program.

WBA Program Information

Cost:  $ 12,000 (AUD), plus a separate AMC fee of approximately $1,000 (paid directly to the AMC)

Duration: 12 Months 

Location:  Caboolture Hospital (only)

WBA Candidate positions are open to all eligible IMGs working in Metro North Hospitals, however successful applicants will be required to transfer to Caboolture Hospital to complete the WBA Program.

WBA Assessment Process

WBA candidates will be assessed in the same six (6) clinical areas as the AMC Part 2 exam. These areas include:

• Adult Health – Medicine (both acute and chronic management)
• Adult Health – Surgery (both acute and chronic management)
• Women’s Health
• Child Health
• Mental Health
• Emergency Medicine

Clinical domains for WBA assessment

Throughout the assessment process, candidates are assessed in the following aspects:

• Clinical skills (history taking, physical examination, investigations and diagnosis, prescribing and management, counselling/patient education, clinical procedures)
• Clinical judgment
• Communication skills
• Ability to work as an effective member of the healthcare team
• Ability to apply aspects of public health relevant to clinical settings
• Indigenous health and cultural competence
• Professionalism
• Patient safety

Assessment Methods

Several assessments methods are utilised to ensure multiple aspects of performance are examined, including direct observations and indirect methods. The Metro North WBA Program uses the following methods of assessments:

• Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX)
• Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS)
• Case-based Discussion (CBD)
• In-Training Assessment (ITA)
• Multi-Source Feedback (MSF)/360 Degree Assessment
• WBA Logbook (Clinical skills / patient symptoms / education)

Selection Process for Candidacy

How do I obtain a WBA candidate position?

1. WBA Standard Selection Process

The WBA Standard Selection Process is open to all IMGs currently working in a Metro North Hospital who meet the *WBA candidacy eligibility requirements at the time of application.

How to apply for a WBA candidate position through the Standard Selection Process:

The WBA Standard Selection Process is held twice a year only (please note, applications will not be accepted outside the campaign periods).

1. Information regarding the Standard Selection Process will be disseminated from respective Medical Education and Medical Workforce Units when the selection campaign opens. Application documents are to be submitted via email to WBA-CKW@health.qld.gov.au
2. All applications submitted during a selection campaign, will be reviewed, and shortlisted by the WBA Selection Panel. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview.
3. WBA Candidate positions will be offered in order of merit.
   Applicants that are not deemed suitable in this selection campaign are welcome to apply again in future WBA Selection Campaigns.WBA Candidate positions are only offered to rotational RMOs, therefore IMGs in a PHO position will be required to accept an RMO position for the duration of the program (no exceptions).All candidates must be working at Caboolture Hospital for the duration of the program.

*WBA Candidacy Eligibility Requirements – Standard Selection Process

• Completion of a minimum of 20 weeks employment as a Medical Officer in Metro North
• Two (2) satisfactory end term assessments from the employment period in Metro North

2. RMO WBA Pathway

In 2026, Caboolture Hospital will be offering dedicated RMO WBA Pathway positions through the RMO Campaign. The RMO WBA Pathway provides an opportunity for IMGs who are currently working in Australia to apply for conditional entry into the Metro North WBA Program.

Applicants who preference this pathway will undergo a combined QH/WBA selection process at the point of application, and successful applicants will be offered a two-year employment contract at Caboolture Hospital as a rotational RMO.

WBA pathway RMOs who meet the WBA candidacy eligibility requirements** within their first 12 months of employment will automatically progress into the WBA program without an additional selection process.

How to apply for a RMO WBA Pathway positions in 2026:

• Select Caboolture Hospital as Preference 1
• Select JHO rotational or SHO rotational
• In the comments add “RMO WBA Pathway”

**WBA Candidacy Eligibility Requirements – RMO WBA Program

• Completion of a minimum of 20 weeks employment as a Medical Officer at Caboolture Hospital
• Two (2) satisfactory end term assessments from the employment period at Caboolture Hospital
• Letter of recommendation from the Director of Clinical Training

Applicants who have already enrolled for the AMC 2 Clinical Exam

Applicants are eligible to apply to the WBA program if they have an AMC 2 Clinical Exam date, however, if the applicant is successful in obtaining a WBA position, and commence on the WBA Program, they cannot undertake the AMC 2 clinical exam. This will be effective from the date of the official program start date.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be required to submit the following documents as part of the selection process:

• Curriculum Vitae, including employment history and two (2) referees
• Cover Letter, including a reflection on Australian Healthcare experiences (max 1 page)
• Two (2) letters of support to apply for the WBA program from Supervisors
• Service in a Metro North Hospital (minimum 20 weeks – two recent satisfactory End Term Assessments)
• AHPRA registration and supervision requirements
• Attendance at educational activities
• The WBA Application Logbook (provided to applicants at the commencement of a WBA Selection Campaign – held twice a year):
  • Evidence of completion of all mandatory and requisite Medical Officer training
  • Competency of listed procedural skills
  • Completion of two (2) online courses

Applications will be reviewed to ensure that all pre-requites are met. Shortlisted candidates will be ranked according to the above criteria and invited to interview.

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