Exam day
Timetable
Arrive and sign in no later than 15 minutes before your session time.
60 mins |
Reading time |
30 mins |
Session 1 (questions 1 to 4) |
20 mins |
Changeover period |
30 mins |
Session 2 (questions 5 to 8) |
Exact times are confirmed in your candidate allocation letter.
Personal items

Bring
- your candidate allocation letter confirming your name, candidate number, session time and venue
- current photo ID with your full name and signature, for example a passport or driver licence
- blue or black ballpoint pens (no pencils, gel or felt-tip pens)
- 1 x highlighter (optional)
- silent timing device such as a basic analogue watch or silent desk-top timer (clocks are provided in each room)
- water in a clear plastic bottle (optional)
- earplugs (optional)
All allowable items will be inspected by staff on arrival.
Tip: Dress appropriately. Consider the weather conditions, the venue and your comfort. You don’t need to dress formally, but you should look professional.

Not permitted during the exam
- written material (other than your candidate allocation letter)
- calculators
- electronic devices (including smart watches and communication devices)
- food or beverages (water is provided)
- all other belongings (for example, bags)
If you wish to bring any food into the exam due a medical condition or other personal reasons, submit a Special Consideration for Assessment application.
During the exam, all electronic devices such as mobile phones and smart watches must be switched off and placed in your bag. Your bag will be securely stored on-site. If you’re found with one of these devices on you during the exam, an incident report will be completed, you’ll be automatically disqualified and immediately escorted out of the venue.
Completing the exam
An invigilator is assigned to you for the duration of the exam. They provide instructions and support you through the process.
Reading and preparation time
Candidates are seated in a classroom style arrangement in a large room, with a privacy screen between neighboring candidates.
A maximum of 4 candidates will be in the room. Each candidate is provided with a large rectangular desk and an ergonomic chair.
An RACP invigilator will be present in the room to provide timing instructions and to note any incidents.
On your desk, you get a ring-bound folder containing:
- the full set of 8 exam questions (1 question per page)
- a timetable
- notepaper (loose leaf, A4; lined on one side and unlined on the other)
Water, mints, tissues, pens and an analogue clock are also provided. You may also bring your own bottle of water, pens, highlighter, timing device and earplugs if desired.
You have 60 minutes to make notes to prepare your responses to the questions. At the end of the reading period, you'll move into a room with your first panel of examiners.
Session time
The examiners introduce themselves briefly then start your session. All 3 examiners are involved in your assessment and will take notes during the session.
You discuss 8 questions in total:
- Session 1 | Questions 1 to 4
- Session 2 | Questions 5 to 8
Within each session, you can answer the questions in any order you choose.
It’s your responsibility to manage your time appropriately across the 4 questions.
Changeover period
Between sessions there's a 20-mintue changeover where you return to the reading room to review the questions and your notes before the next session.
All candidates will re-enter the reading room at the same time. This may involve a short wait. You're not allowed to review your notes while waiting to re-enter.
If you need the toilet, your invigilator will escort you.
At the end of the changeover period, you are moved into a room with your second panel of examiners.
Roles
Examiners
In addition to their examiner duties, they also note any procedural problems that occur during the session.
Quality Assurer and Observers
An AFPHM-approved Quality Assurer or Observer may also be present. They are not involved in examining or contributing in any way to the assessment.
The Quality Assurer’s role is to ensure the exam procedures and timetable are followed and to observe the examiners’ conduct.
The Observer is present to learn about the exam process before becoming an examiner.
Leaving the exam venue
After the exam, your invigilator collects your folder and all papers. Your personal belongings are returned and you can leave.
Conduct
Exam materials and content are confidential. The following actions are considered academic misconduct:
- removing exam materials from the venue
- wilfully damaging or interfering with equipment
- reproducing or distributing the contents of exam material
- communicating any part of the exam content, directly or indirectly, to candidates who are scheduled to sit the exam after you
If you breach these requirements, you are excluded from the assessment.
See the Academic Integrity in Training Policy for more information.