WACS ORL Membership study guide
WACS ORL Membership · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The WACS ORL Membership is a postgraduate, single-best-answer examination intended for otorhinolaryngologists who want an independent, structured assessment of the breadth of their specialty knowledge. Candidates typically hold a primary ORL qualification or are in advanced training, and use the credential to evidence continuing professional development, to benchmark themselves against an international standard, or to support credentialing and career progression where local rules allow. The WACS ORL Membership study guide has 9 sections and about 2,511 words.
01Otology and Neurotology
This domain tests middle-ear and lateral skull-base reasoning: sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, and vestibular schwannoma. The exam favors time-critical decisions and correct use of imaging.
281 words, about 1 min02Rhinology and Sinus Surgery
This domain tests acute and chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, and red-flag recognition. Expect questions on when antibiotics are indicated, when imaging changes management, and how type 2 inflammation guides biologics.
303 words, about 2 min03Laryngology and Voice Disorders
This domain tests dysphonia evaluation, benign vocal fold lesions, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and red flags for malignancy. The exam emphasizes laryngoscopy and voice therapy before surgery.
263 words, about 1 min04Head and Neck Oncology
This domain tests staging, biopsy strategy, margin control, neck management, and adjuvant therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The exam expects AJCC 8th edition concepts and awareness of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.
308 words, about 2 min05Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
This domain tests acute otitis media (AOM), otitis media with effusion (OME), recurrent throat infection, and pediatric airway basics. The exam favors age-specific observation rules and avoidance of unnecessary antibiotics.
277 words, about 1 min06Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
This domain tests nasal reconstruction, facial trauma assessment, skin cancer margins, and facial nerve preservation. The exam emphasizes function and aesthetics, not just closure.
287 words, about 1 min07Sleep Medicine and Airway
This domain tests obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis, positive airway pressure, oral appliances, upper airway surgery, and pediatric OSA. The exam focuses on severity thresholds and appropriate patient selection.
257 words, about 1 min08Audiology and Vestibular Medicine
This domain tests audiogram interpretation, sudden hearing loss, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, and Meniere disease. The exam expects bedside maneuver recognition and appropriate imaging.
268 words, about 1 min09General ORL, Ethics, and Patient Safety
This domain tests airway emergencies, epistaxis, foreign bodies, informed consent, confidentiality, error disclosure, and surgical safety. The exam favors systematic ABC assessment and transparent communication.
267 words, about 1 min