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Objective To estimate the cost of resources required to deliver a program to assess international medical graduates (IMGs) in Newcastle, Australia, known as the Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) Program. Design and setting A costing study to identify and evaluate the resources required and the overheads of delivering the program for a cohort of 15 IMGs, based on costs in 2012. Main outcome measures Labour-related costs. Results The total cost in 2012 for delivering the program to a typical cohort of 15 candidates was $243,384. This equated to an average of $16,226 per IMG. After allowing for the fees paid by IMGs, the WBA Program had a deficit of $153,384, or $10,226 per candidate, which represents the contribution made by the health system. Conclusion The cost per candidate to the health system of this intensive WBA program for IMGs is small.

OBJECTIVES: To test whether a summative workplace-based assessment (WBA) is feasible and acceptable for international medical graduates (IMGs). DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A 6-month trial with 27 IMGs from teaching hospitals in Newcastle, Australia. IMGs were assessed by 65 trained assessors from different disciplines, using blueprinted, preset criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mini-clinical evaluation exercises, case-based discussions, in-training assessments and multisource feedback. At the end of the trial, assessors and candidates gave feedback. RESULTS: All IMGs were successful at the end of the assessment. The format was well received and acceptable to the candidates and assessors. CONCLUSIONS: WBA is feasible and acceptable to assessors and candidates for assessment of IMGs, but it is intensive in use of resources and time.