Implementation progress

The RACP continues to progress implementation of the Review of the Paediatric Clinical Examination in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, following the release of the Review Report in January 2025.

Our thanks are extended to trainees, examiners and committees who contribute to RACP examinations and those who have provided feedback on the Review Report, Implementation Plan and new initiatives. This feedback has been invaluable and has directly informed all actions taken and priorities identified throughout each phase of implementation.

Phase 1 progress

In 2025, the RACP Taskforce delivered Phase 1 of the Board-approved Implementation Plan, focusing on the Divisional Clinical Examination (DCE). This phase addressed all 18 recommendations of the Review Report and prioritised reforms across:

• examination delivery and quality assurance
• governance and accountability
• examiner training and calibration
• candidate information, feedback and support

Implementation was iterative and informed by stakeholder feedback. Throughout 2025, the Taskforce engaged extensively with the College community, briefing more than 40 RACP committees across over 80 meetings and forums, alongside targeted engagement with trainees and examiners. These conversations informed refinements to examination processes and helped strengthen transparency, consistency, and equity in the 2025 examination experience.

The 12-month Implementation Report, approved by the RACP Board, summarises the actions completed during Phase 1 and identifies initiatives that remain ongoing. These activities continue to be monitored through regular reporting to the College Assessment Committee, Clinical Examination Committees, and Trainees’ Committees.

Key areas of reform

Reforms implemented or progressed during Phase 1 include:

• enhanced examiner training and calibration, including unconscious bias and cultural awareness training
• strengthened conflicts of interest processes and examiner guidance
• clearer candidate information, FAQs, and Q&A opportunities before and after examinations
• improvements to candidate feedback and post-examination reporting
• clearer complaints pathways and supporting information

These changes establish a stronger baseline for assessment quality and consistency across the College.

Phase 2: 2026 Implementation Plan

In 2026, implementation will move into Phase 2, expanding reforms beyond the DCE to all RACP Divisions, Faculties, and Chapters.

The 2026 Implementation Plan sets out priorities for this next phase, including:

• embedding 2025 reforms into business-as-usual processes
• expanding examiner training, calibration, and governance improvements across all clinical examinations
• progressing broader governance and process enhancements to support consistency and sustainability
• continuing to strengthen transparency, equity, and trust in clinical assessment

Some initiatives will be introduced incrementally, with timing informed by program readiness, size, and structure. In 2026, we will explore ways to strengthen both the breadth and depth of trainee feedback, aligning with AMC requirements and supporting our ongoing commitment to quality improvement. Collaboration with the Cross College Examinations Review will continue, with ongoing evaluation and feedback informing further refinement throughout 2026.

Please refer to the RACP Board–approved 2026 Implementation Plan Summary for more information on each activity.

Ongoing engagement and reporting

Stakeholder engagement remains a central pillar of implementation. The RACP will continue to engage with trainees, examiners, committees, and delivery partners through targeted briefings, feedback opportunities, and regular updates. Progress will continue to be reported to the RACP Board, relevant committees, and members to support accountability and alignment with the College’s strategic objectives.

We look forward to continuing to work with trainees, examiners, and committees during Phase 2 in 2026. If you would like to be involved in 2026 consultation activities, please contact us via PCHExamsReview@racp.edu.au or PCHExamsReview@racp.org.nz to be connected with the Taskforce.