The training pathway is administered by the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) in collaboration with RACS. The Surgical Education and Training (SET) Program is a 5-year pathway (nSET1–5) with two major examinations: the Surgical Science Examination (SSE) in Urology and the Fellowship Examination.
The SSE Urology is typically sat during nSET2–3 and is a summative assessment of basic science knowledge relevant to urological practice. The examination consists of one paper with 120 multiple choice questions in Type A, B, and X (true/false) format.
The questions are divided equally across three domains:
| Domain | Topics Included |
|---|---|
| Anatomy (40 questions) | Including embryology and imaging |
| Physiology (40 questions) | Including laser, diathermy, radiation, and physics |
| Pathology (40 questions) | Including pharmacology, microbiology, infection, immunology, and statistics |
The questions are based on basic sciences but have a clear relationship to urological practice. Prior general anatomy, physiology, and pathology knowledge is assumed from the Generic Surgical Science Examination (GSSE).
USANZ publishes an official reading list (updated April 2021) specifying chapters from key textbooks. Candidates should not confine their reading to these sources alone but are expected to apply knowledge from both reading and clinical experience.
Specific chapters covering: evaluation of the urologic patient, urinary tract imaging (CT, MRI, plain film, ultrasound, nuclear medicine), urologic considerations in pregnancy, embryology, molecular genetics and cancer biology, surgical anatomy.
Chapters on: autonomic nervous system, hypothalamic regulation, pituitary gland, adrenal medulla and cortex, calcium and phosphate metabolism, bone physiology, reproductive physiology, renal function and micturition.
Chapters covering: cellular responses, inflammation and repair, hemodynamic disorders, genetic disorders, immune diseases, neoplasia, infectious diseases, kidney pathology, lower urinary tract and male genital system.
The Fellowship Examination is sat toward the end of training and assesses advanced urological management. This is a separate assessment from the SSE and is administered by RACS.
Trainees must be approved as eligible by the RACS Board of Urology for each attempt and require a letter of support from their current Training Supervisor.
The official SSE reading list and sample examination questions are available on the USANZ website (usanz.org.au). Further information about examination structure and policies can be found on the RACS website (surgeons.org).
Urobank's question bank aligns well with the SSE syllabus requirements. Our questions cover the core basic science domains — anatomy, physiology, and pathology — as they relate to urological practice.
With topics organised to match exam curricula and all explanations fully referenced to Campbell-Walsh and EAU Guidelines, Urobank provides an effective revision tool for trainees preparing for both the SSE and other postgraduate urology examinations worldwide.
Basic science questions aligned to the USANZ syllabus and Campbell-Walsh.