Workplace based assessment (WBA)
The workplace based assessment (WBA) pathway is designed for international medical graduates who have passed the AMC Computer Adaptive Test Multiple Choice Question (CAT MCQ) examination and are eligible for limited registration as a medical practitioner.
About the program
The WBA program assesses an IMG’s clinical skills and knowledge across 6 different clinical areas in the every day workplace against the level expected of an Australian medical graduate at the end of postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) or internship level. These clinical areas are:
- adult medicine
- adult surgery
- emergency medicine
- obstetrics and gynaecology (women’s health)
- paediatrics (child health)
- psychiatry (mental health)
Throughout the 12-month assessment program, candidates are provided regular feedback to allow for self-assessment, self-correction and reflection as needed. This feedback loop supports candidates to identify their strengths and development areas. The WBA is not a bridging or training course.
Successful completion of the WBA program results in the candidate being awarded the AMC Certificate. Participation in the WBA program does not guarantee general registration; candidates must meet all the requirements of the Medical Board of Australia prior to being granted general registration.
It is the responsibility of each IMG candidate to:
- ensure they obtain sufficient experience across the 6 clinical areas
- complete all assessments in accordance with the AMC approved WBA requirements
- undertake pre-reading and appropriate clinical experience to develop skills in preparation for assessments
Participating Health Services
Currently in Western Australia the following Health Service Providers hold AMC Accreditation to deliver the WBA program in a provisional or general accreditation capacity:
- Armadale Health Service
- Peel Health Campus
- Rockingham General Hospital
- WA Country Health Service – Geraldton, Bunbury and Kalgoorlie
The opening rounds for these Health Services can vary. All positions for observerships and WBA places will be advertised on MedCareersWA.
Inside the Work-Based Assessment program experience
“The Work-Based Assessment program at Armadale Health Service has truly been a life-changing experience for me.
As an immigrant doctor who had only cleared AMC 1, I was eager but unfamiliar with working in the Australian healthcare system. This program gave me the chance I needed to prove myself and grow."
"Over this year, I’ve worked in the Emergency Department and General Medicine, and I’m excited about my upcoming rotations in Paediatrics, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, and Surgery.
Each rotation has not only built my clinical skills but also boosted my confidence. The diverse experience across all core terms is exactly what I needed to meet the 47 weeks required for general registration."
"But more than that, it’s been about the people—the supportive mentors, the welcoming staff, and the diverse patients—who have made this journey so rewarding. I’m deeply grateful for this program, as it has given me the essential experience and, more importantly, the belief that I can thrive as a doctor in Australia.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to any overseas doctor looking to find their place in this incredible healthcare system."
Find out more
Candidates who are successful in their application to participate in the Workplace Based Assessment program undertake paid employment at registered medical officer (RMO) as per the WA Health – Medical Practitioners – AMA Industrial Agreement 2024
WBA opportunities will be advertised on MedCareersWA.
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The following are mandatory requirements stipulated by the AMC for participation in the WBA program:
- The candidate has authorised the AMC to begin the primary source verification process through the electronic portfolio of international credentials (EPIC).
- The candidate has passed the AMC computer adaptive test (CAT) multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ) examination (onshore or offshore).
- The candidate has been assessed as eligible for the standard pathway and has been granted limited registration by the Medical Board of Australia. The Medical Board of Australia requires all applicants for initial registration to demonstrate English language skills to be suitable for registration.
Successful candidates are required to pay a fee from $12,500 to the hospital providing the WBA program. This can be paid in instalments and may very between each hospital site.
This fee funds:
- program-related expenses associated with the management of the program
- delivery of training workshops for supervisors and assessors
- assessor fees
- program governance.
Applicants are also required to pay an administration fee directly to the AMC (external site).
Candidates accepted into the WBA program will be contacted to pay the appropriate fees.
FAQs
Currently the WA Health WBA program is part of the IMG Pathway to Registration project and is aimed at IMGs who:
- haven’t been registered as a doctor in Australia previously
- are Australian permanent residents currently living in WA
- have completed an observership period of at least 6 weeks in a WA hospital, within the last 2 years
- completed and passed the AMC MCQ
- meet the English language requirements and recency of practice requirements of the Medical Board
Yes, you can. The WACHS observership needs to be for a minimum of 6-weeks and completed in the last 2 years.
The WBA program is advertised on MedCareersWA, therefore you may wish to subscribe for job alerts. Applications can only be accepted through the advertised recruitment process. The RMO clinical year begins in early January and runs for 12 months.
Once you have completed your WBA program and gained the AMC Certificate you will be eligible to apply for a Resident Medical Officer job in the Annual or Mid-Year centralised recruitment rounds. You may also like to contact the hospital directly.
For more information on medical recruitment in WA Health – please visit (link to RMO/Registrar page) and (link to How to Apply page)
Current Opportunities
RMO WBA Program
RMO: $95,802 - $114,858 SMHS 492765 Peel Health Campus. WA Health WA Australia Peel Health Campus. WA Health Peel Health Campus 👤 Resident Medical Officer Fixed Term Full TimeSign up for job alerts
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