What is the Workplace-Based Assessment?
The Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA) is designed to evaluate the clinical skills and competencies of International Medical Graduates in real-world medical settings. Unlike the traditional AMC Clinical Examination, which is a one-day test, the WBA provides a continuous assessment over several months, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of a doctor's abilities.
Key Features of the WBA
The Work-Based Assessment (WBA) evaluates how well the candidate can do their job in real-life situations. Let us have a look at the important features,
Assessment Types:
- Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS): Multiple judges assess the specific clinical procedures performed by the IMG.
- Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercises (mini-CEX): Evaluates the IMG's clinical performance in a variety of patient encounters.
- Case-Based Discussions (CbD): Reviews the IMG's clinical reasoning and decision-making through discussions about specific cases.
- Multi-Source Feedback (MSF): Collects feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and other healthcare professionals about the IMG's performance.
Duration:
- The WBA typically spans six months to a year, providing enough time for thorough assessment.
Settings:
- Conducted in accredited hospitals or general practices across Australia, ensuring IMGs are evaluated in actual clinical environments.
Judges:
- Senior medical practitioners and supervisors trained to assess IMGs based on set criteria.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the WBA program, IMGs must first pass the AMC CAT MCQ (Computer Adaptive Test Multiple Choice Questions) exam, receive limited registration by the Medical Board of Australia and hold a hospital or general practice appointment for the full program duration.
This initial step ensures that candidates have the foundational medical knowledge required for clinical practice in Australia.
Benefits of the WBA
The WBA program is an excellent pathway for IMGs who prefer a continuous, practical assessment method over a one-time clinical exam. Let's look at some of its many benefits.
Continuous Evaluation:
- Unlike the traditional one-day exam, the WBA offers a continuous assessment over several months, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of an IMG's skills and knowledge.
Real-World Performance:
- By assessing IMGs in actual clinical settings, the WBA ensures that candidates can perform effectively in day-to-day medical practice.
Regular Feedback:
- The WBA provides regular feedback, allowing IMGs to understand their strengths and areas for improvement and to refine their skills throughout the assessment period.
The WBA Process
Now, let's look at the step-by-step procedure of the work-based assessment process.
- Application: IMGs must apply for the WBA program at an accredited institution.
- Enrollment: Once accepted, candidates undergo a structured assessment plan involving various evaluations.
- Completion: After successfully completing the WBA program, IMGs can be deemed competent for medical registration in Australia, similar to passing the AMC Clinical Examination.
| Program provider | Location |
| Armadale Kalamunda Group | Armadale Health Service, Western Australia |
Central Coast Local Health District | Gosford, Wyong, Woy Woy Hospitals, New South Wales |
| Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service | Rockhampton Hospital, Gladstone Hospital, Queensland |
| Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service | Toowoomba Hospital, Queensland |
| Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service | Gold Coast University Hospital & Robina Hospital, Queensland |
| Hunter New England Local Health District | Newcastle, Armidale, Tamworth and Taree, New South Wales |
| Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District | Shellharbour, Bulli, Port Kembla, Coledale, Wollongong and Shoalhaven Hospitals |
| Joondalup Health Campus | Joondalup Health Campus, Western Australia |
| Latrobe Regional Hospital | Latrobe Regional Hospital, Victoria |
| Limestone Coast Local Health Network | Mount Gambier Hospital, South Australia |
| Mackay Hospital and Health Service | Mackay Base Hospital, Queensland |
| Metro North Hospital and Health Service | Caboolture Hospital, Queensland |
| Monash Health | Monash Medical Centre, Victoria |
| Mildura Base Public Hospital | Mildura Base Public Hospital, Victoria |
| Mid North Coast Local Health District | Kempsey District Hospital (with some support from Port Macquarie Base Hospital) and Coffs Harbour Health Campus, New South Wales |
| Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District | Nepean Hospital, New South Wales |
| Northern Adelaide Local Health Network | Lyell McEwin Hospital, Modbury Hospital, South Australia |
| Northern NSW Local Health District – Richmond Medical Workforce | Lismore Base Hospital, Casino and District Memorial Hospital, Ballina Hospital, Kyogle Memorial Hospital, New South Wales |
| Rockingham General Hospital | Rockingham General Hospital, Western Australia |
| Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service | Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Nambour Hospital, Gympie Hospital, Maleny Hospital and Caloundra Hospital, Queensland |
| South Western Sydney Local Health District | Campbelltown, Bankstown, Bowral and Fairfield Hospitals, New South Wales |
| Tasmanian Health Service | Launceston General Hospital; North West Regional Hospital, Burnie; Mersey Community Hospital, Latrobe and Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmania |
| WA Country Health Service | Bunbury, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie, Western Australia |
| Western Sydney Local Health District | Blacktown Hospital and Mount Druitt Hospital, New South Wales |
| Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service | Hervey Bay, Bundaberg and Maryborough Hospitals, Queensland |
Is the WBA Right Choice for You?
The WBA can be an excellent choice for IMGs who prefer continuous, practical assessment over a single exam day. It offers a more comprehensive evaluation of clinical skills and real-world performance and provides ongoing feedback. If you thrive in a clinical environment and value continuous learning and improvement, the WBA could be the ideal pathway for you.
Conclusion
The Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA) for the AMC exam represents a dynamic and practical approach to evaluating international medical graduates. By offering continuous, real-world assessment, the WBA ensures that candidates are thoroughly prepared for the standards of medical practice in Australia. If you're an IMG considering your pathways to registration, the WBA is certainly worth exploring. Academically is a global healthcare academy, and we provide you with the best preparatory course for AMC along with detailed study handouts, mock tests, question banks and more. Check it all out here: AMC Exam Preparation Course for Doctors
For a free counselling session with our world-class experts, fill out this form.
