Neurosurgery Surgical Science Examination

Examination Requirement

Trainees are required to complete the Neurosurgery Surgical Science Examination by the end of SET2. It is critical to note that trainees will be dismissed if they fail to pass the examination after four (4) attempts, or have undertaken two (2) years of active training in the SET Program without successfully completing the Examination.

Please be mindful that the examinations are only held twice yearly (usually February and June). As such if you wait until your second year of active training to present for the Examination you will only have two possible attempts. Our strong advice is to start preparing immediately following selection to the SET Program.

The majority of the MCQ based questions witin the Examiantion are neurosurgical anatomy with the remainder focused on pathology and physiology/drug questions relevant to neurosurgery.

Recommended Reading List for the Neurosurgery Surgical Science Examination

The Board has produced the following recommended reading list for the Neurosurgery Surgical Science Examination. It is expected that you will read more widely than the recommended reading list however it is not necessary to read most texts from cover to cover. The recommended reading list is a guide only to assist you in prioritising preparation and is not exhaustive. The recommended reading list also has advise on preparation.

Recommended Reading List & Advice for the Neurosurgery Surgical Science Examination

Dates, Fees and Application Process

Information on the examinations can be obtained from the College website at www.surgeons.org including dates and application forms. Please remember you must apply for the examinations and pay the applicable College fees. The closing dates for sitting the examinations are usually in December and April however it will be your responsibility to check this information and make sure you comply.

SET Program Regulations (existing structure)

SET Program Regulations (new structure for 2012 onwards only)

Further information including dates, fees and the applciation process