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

Duration: 12 Months 

Location:  Caboolture Hospital (only)

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

WBA Assessment framework

Clinical areas assessed

Candidates are assessed across the same six (6) clinical areas as the AMC Part 2 Clinical Exam:

• 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
• Emergency Medicine

Clinical domains assessed

Throughout the program, candidates are assessed in the following domains:

• 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

A range of assessment tools are used to ensure performance is assessed across multiple contexts and settings, including:

• 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?

There are two pathways to obtaining a WBA Candidate position:

Option 1: Standard Selection Process

Option 2: RMO WBA Pathway

1. Standard Selection Process

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

• The Standard WBA Selection Process is conducted twice per year only
• Applications will not be accepted outside of campaign periods

How to apply:

• Campaign information is distributed by local Medical Education and Medical Workforce Units
• Applications must be submitted via email to WBA-CKW@health.qld.gov.au
• All applications are reviewed and shortlisted by the WBA Selection Panel. Shortlisted applicants are invited to interview. WBA Candidate positions are offered in order of merit.

Applicants that are not deemed suitable in this selection campaign are welcome to apply again.

Important Employment Conditions

• WBA Candidate positions are only available to rotational RMOs
• IMGs employed as Principal House Officers (PHOs) must accept an RMO position for the full duration of the program (no exceptions)
• All WBA candidates must be employed at Caboolture Hospital for the duration of the program

WBA Candidacy Eligibility Requirements – Standard Process

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Completion of a minimum of 20 weeks employment as a Medical Officer within Metro North (at the time of application)
• Two (2) satisfactory End of Term Assessments from the Metro North employment period

2. RMO WBA Pathway

From 2026, Caboolture Hospital will offer dedicated RMO WBA Pathway positions through the Queensland Health RMO Campaign.

This pathway allows IMGs currently working in Australia to apply for conditional entry into the Metro North WBA Program.

Applicants who preference this pathway will undergo a combined Queensland Health / WBA selection process. Successful applicants will be offered a two-year rotational RMO contract at Caboolture Hospital.

RMO WBA Pathway participants who meet the WBA candidacy eligibility requirements within their first 12 months of employment will automatically progress into the WBA Program without a further selection process.

How to apply

When applying through the RMO Campaign:

1. Select Caboolture Hospital as Preference 1
2. Select RMO WBA Pathway

Application Eligibility Requirements

• Currently working as a Medical Officer in Australia
• Able to provide all documents listed under Application Requirements, including two recent satisfactory End of Term Assessments

WBA Candidacy Eligibility Requirements

RMO WBA Pathway Candidates must fulfil the following requirements in order to automatically enter the WBA Program:

• Completion of a minimum of 20 weeks employment as a Medical Officer at Caboolture Hospital
• Two (2) satisfactory End of Term Assessments from Caboolture Hospital
• Recommendation from the Director of Clinical Training

Applicants who have already enrolled for the AMC 2 Clinical Exam

Applicants may apply for the WBA Program if they already hold an AMC Part 2 (Clinical) Exam date.

However, if an applicant is successful and commences the WBA Program:

• The applicant will enter the AMC WBA Pathway
• The applicant must not sit the AMC Part 2 Clinical Exam while enrolled in the WBA Program
• This restriction applies from the official WBA Program commencement date

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents as part of the selection process:

• Curriculum Vitae, including employment history and two (2) referees
• Cover Letter (maximum one page), including reflection on Australian healthcare experience
• Two (2) Letters of Support from Supervisors supporting WBA application
• Evidence of minimum 20 weeks employment, including two recent satisfactory End of Term Assessments
• Evidence of compliance with AHPRA registration and supervision requirements
• Evidence of attendance at required educational activities

WBA Application Logbook

Applicants will be provided with a WBA Application Logbook at the commencement of a selection campaign. The logbook must demonstrate:

• Completion of all mandatory and required Medical Officer training
• Competency in listed procedural skills
• Completion of two (2) required online courses

Applications are reviewed to ensure all prerequisites are met. Eligible applicants are ranked according to the selection criteria and shortlisted candidates are invited to interview.

Pathway Comparison – Standard Selection vs RMO WBA Pathway

How to Use This Information

• Standard Selection Process is best suited to IMGs already established within Metro North who meet eligibility requirements at the time of application.
• RMO WBA Pathway is designed for IMGs employed as Medical Officers in Australia seeking a structured entry into the WBA Program through a supported, two-year rotational RMO position at Caboolture Hospital.

For pathway advice or eligibility clarification, please contact the WBA Team at WBA-CKW@health.qld.gov.au.

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