With a phased Implementation Plan endorsed by our Board, several important reforms to the Divisional Clinical Examination (DCE) are already well underway. These actions reflect our commitment to delivering fair, transparent, and culturally safe assessment experiences for all participants.

Each initiative has been developed in close collaboration with our committees, examiners, trainees, and staff, and shaped by pilot evaluations and broad member feedback. This collective effort reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the DCE. All initiatives will be evaluated to assess their effectiveness and impact, with findings informing the next phase of implementation across all our exams. Together, we're taking important steps toward an assessment experience that is fair, inclusive, and well supported for everyone involved.

Examiner training

New training has been introduced to help examiners build their understanding of bias and racism. While a single session can't address all dimensions of these complex issues, this initiative marks a vital first step toward meaningful, long-term change.

Developed by expert external consultants, Oro Nuku Ltd, the training offers an evidence-based approach to recognising bias and racism as global systems and includes practical strategies to support culturally safe assessment practices. The content is tailored to the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand contexts. We thank all examiners for attending this important training.

Candidate information sessions

Online information sessions (PDF - member login required)  were held in April and May 2025 to support candidates preparing for the DCE. These sessions offered practical guidance on what to expect on the day, highlighted available support resources, and outlined new initiatives aimed at enhancing the wellbeing and safety of candidates, examiners, patients, and their carers / whānau / family.

Candidates also participated in live Q&A sessions to clarify key information. The updated Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) are available and will be revised after the sessions are complete.

Candidate support officers

We'll pilot the Candidate Support Officer (CSO) role across exam sites in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to enhance onsite support. CSOs will be available throughout the exam day to offer general guidance and act as a confidential point of contact for immediate candidate concerns.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, CSOs will be our staff, while in Australia, hospitals are encouraged to nominate experienced personnel. All CSOs will be trained to share information on wellbeing services, including culturally safe options for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori candidates. Cultural Advisors will also be present at selected sites to help ensure a culturally safe and inclusive environment.

Quality Assurance Leads (QALs)

As part of a pilot program, experienced Fellows will serve as QALs to support site calibration and continuous improvement. QALs will observe selected exams to identify examples of good practice and offer constructive, peer-based feedback on how the exam is conducted.

QALs will not assess candidates or examiners, nor will they interfere with the exam process. A structured opt-out option will be available for any candidate who prefers not to be observed.

Read the Quality Assurance Lead Guide (PDF - member login required) 

Conflicts of interest management

A new Conflicts of Interest Management Guide (PDF - member login required) outlines how actual, perceived, and potential conflicts are identified and managed to protect the integrity of the examination.

While the underlying principles apply across the College, a tailored approach has been adopted for Aotearoa New Zealand to reflect local operational realities. We acknowledge the challenges involved and the importance of maintaining fairness, diversity, and examiner engagement. In unavoidable conflict situations, candidates will be informed. The cross-Tasman examiner exchange has been expanded, and the Taskforce remains committed to ensuring the approach is practical and responsive to local needs.