Apply

Eligibility

To be eligible to sit the exam, you must:

• be accepted in Rehabilitation Medicine Advanced Training in an accredited and/or approved training position or on an approved training interruption
• have current medical registration
• apply by the due date
• pay any outstanding College fees
• haven't exceeded the exam attempt limit and comply with all other Progression Through Training Policy requirements.

If you have outstanding College fees, you’re ineligible to sit the exam. See College Fees Terms and Conditions.

Exam attempt limit and progression

You can't continue advanced training if you exceed the exam attempt limit, which is based on when you commenced training.

See the Progression Through Training Policy for more information about examination attempts.

Overseas Trained Physicians | Check your eligibility requirements with your overseas trained physicians case officer before applying.

Application process

Submit your application

The application form will be available here closer to the date.

Application confirmation

When your application is processed, you'll receive an email confirmation. If you don't receive this, check your junk/spam folders and contact us if it’s not there.

Payment

Once applications have closed, we'll email you a link to pay the exam fee and any other outstanding fees. Check your preferred contact details are up to date in MyRACP for important exam communications and to receive updates on exam day.

Final confirmation

You'll receive a candidate allocation email when your eligibility has been finalised. This confirms your exam registration, venue and session time.

Withdrawal

Withdrawals aren't counted as exam attempts. Contact us to withdraw up until the start of the exam. Refund rules apply. See College Fees Terms and Conditions for more information.

To request a refund for withdrawal on medical or compassionate grounds, submit an application form under the Special Consideration for Assessment Policy.

If you withdraw, you can re-apply to sit the exam the following year if you meet the eligibility criteria. Application fees will not be rolled over from one year to another.

Special consideration

Throughout the course of our training, trainees may experience exceptional circumstances that impact assessment activities. Such circumstances not ordinarily encountered or anticipated and beyond the control of a trainee may impact their ability to attend or perform optimally in an examination, or complete or submit a work-based assessment requirement.

We're committed to supporting all trainees by providing reasonable adjustments where necessary to ensure equitable access to assessment activities, in a way that is transparent, fair, responsive, accountable and people-focused.

Your individual circumstances will be considered prior to the exam, including:

• permanent or long-term disability
• temporary disability due to medical or other relevant conditions
• pregnancy, lactation and infant feeding needs
• compassionate grounds or serious disruptions
• essential commitments (religious, cultural, societal or legal obligations)

Once the exam has started, only technical or other unforeseen issues that occur during the exam will be taken into consideration.

Impaired preparation isn't considered grounds for a post-exam special consideration request. Candidates who believe their preparation has been impaired for any reason are advised to withdraw from the examination. Special consideration requests can’t be accepted once results have been released.

Your mark or result will not be adjusted due to any special circumstances. For more information on application requirements and the possible outcomes, see the Special Consideration for Assessment Policy.

Submit your special consideration request by the closing date using the Special Consideration for Assessment application form and guide (PDF).

Prepare

Exam format

10 clinical stations | 4 min reading time | 10 min station time | About 3 hours

The exam follows the objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) format and includes at least 3 static (short answer) stations. You progress through a series of stations, each presenting a different clinical scenario.

The content is carefully selected to test your competence in foundational rehabilitation medicine concepts, clinical skills, and knowledge areas, which are outlined in the focus section below. The exam is standardised to ensure your performance is referenced to pre-determined objective criteria.

Focus

You must demonstrate that you're able to perform the following clinical tasks competently and/or analyse and interpret findings to manage patient outcomes while embodying professional behaviours.

The new curriculum standards detail Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs), that outline the essential work tasks trainees will need to be able to perform in the workplace, including clinical tasks.

Clinical tasks could include:

• communication and counselling skills | EPA 7 and 8
• history-taking | EPA 4
• physical examination | EPA 4
• use and interpretation of diagnostic tests | EPA 4 and 8
• diagnostic decision-making | EPA 4, 7 and 8
• use of pharmacological and physical therapies | EPA 4 and 8
• clinical reasoning and problem-solving | EPA 4 and 9
• multi-disciplinary management | EPA 1, 3, 5, 6 and 9
• preventative strategies | EPA 3, 4 and 9

Foundational rehabilitation concepts that you should be familiar with include:

• biomedical sciences
• applied anatomy and physiology
• general medical and surgical knowledge
• how medical illness can alter function across multiple domains, as described within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Framework
• understanding and applying a biopsychosocial approach to holistic patient management
• the intersection between rehabilitation medicine physicians and other professions within the interdisciplinary team, including Allied Health and nursing roles

All Learning Goals in the new curriculum standards are potentially assessable. The following Learning Goals in the Rehabilitation Medicine (adult) new curriculum standards are priority assessment areas:

• Competencies (which are organised by the domains of the Professional Practice Framework)
• Knowledge Guides:
• Stroke management
• Neurological conditions
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Cardiac and respiratory conditions
• Rehabilitation of older people
• Pain

This stage of training assumes the medical and anatomical knowledge expected of a medical graduate with 2 years of postgraduate experience in the workplace. The progression criteria listed in the Rehabilitation Medicine (adult) Learning, Teaching, and Assessment programs outlines the expected level at entry into training for each Learning Goal.

Standard required

Trainees must apply the foundational concepts listed in the focus areas, to the context of the Rehabilitation Medicine (adult) new Curriculum Standards Knowledge Guides. A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of subspeciality rehabilitation medicine concepts isn't expected for this exam.

Trainees in the PREP and new curriculum programs must meet the standard outlined in the Rehabilitation Medicine (adult) Learning, Teaching & Assessment Program. This will take into account:  

• the knowledge and skills expected of a medical graduate with at least 2 years of postgraduate experience in the workplace
• that trainees are expected to complete this program requirement during their Specialty Entry Phase (first year of training).

Live stations

In live stations, you interact with examiners, patients and/or role players. Role players could act as clinical peers, patients or patient advocates.

You must demonstrate your knowledge of the topic and your capacity to interact with the role player or patient at the right level of engagement, using appropriate language.

There are 2 examiners involved in each evaluation. They may ask questions as part of a scenario or observe your clinical performance and interactions with patients or role players.

Static stations

In static stations, you review an investigation, report or recording. You provide short, written answers in language you would use in a patient’s file. The answer sheet prompts you to give a specific number of responses. If you provide extra responses, only the first answers up to the required number are marked (unless crossed out).

An invigilator or examiner is in the room to provide instructions, but they won’t directly observe your performance.

Rest stations

At least 2 rest stations are included in the exam schedule.

Preparation tips

Regular clinical activities in your training setting are the best preparation. Ask for feedback from your supervisor and/or colleagues on your clinical task performance. Refer to the standards outlined in the Professional Competencies Rating Scale.

Studying the focus including foundational rehabilitation concepts and priority knowledge areas is essential for success in this exam.

The AFRM Examinations Working Group and Faculty Assessment Committee have developed sample stations (PDF) and marking guides to aid your preparation. These materials are designed to support you in understanding the exam structure, format, standards, and allow you to practice your exam technique. 

A summary of the exam purpose, standard, format, preparation activities and examples of assessable content is available in the Preparation Resource (PDF). You can use this as a study tool and guide to understand potential exam stations.

Academic integrity

Some actions are seen as attempting to gain an unfair advantage and are in breach of academic integrity. For example, attempts to:

• find out who the examiners are
• contact potential examiners and seek guidance on improving performance
• contact examiners on exam day

Any actions that breach the Academic Integrity in Training Policy, could lead to your disqualification and affect your progress through training.

Contact us with questions before or after the exam.

Exam day

Timetable

The exam is held in 2 sessions. You'll be assigned a morning or afternoon session.

You attend either the morning or afternoon session. Exact times are confirmed in your candidate allocation email.

Note: No changes can be made to exam session allocations after allocation emails have been distributed. To protect exam confidentiality, morning candidates will be held on-site until afternoon candidates arrive, which may be up to 30 minutes. You may not access your mobile phone or any other communication device during this time. The Chief Examiner will advise when you may leave.

Bring

• your candidate allocation email confirming your name, candidate number, session time and venue
• current valid photo ID with your full name and signature, for example a passport or driver licence (Digital valid photo ID is acceptable. A picture of your photo ID is not acceptable.)
• blue or black ballpoint pens (no pencils, gel or felt-tip pens)
• 1 x stethoscope
• 1 x basic analogue watch
• water in a clear plastic bottle (optional)

Tip: Dress appropriately. Consider the weather conditions, the venue and your comfort while examining patients. You don’t need to wear a suit, but you should look professional. Consider wearing layers to adjust to the room temperature.

On sign-in, you receive an ID badge and candidate ID stickers.

Not permitted

• written material
• calculators
• electronic devices (including smartwatches and communication devices)
• food or beverages
• all other belongings (for example, bags)

Clinical assessment equipment is provided at each station. You can't bring your own equipment or aids into the assessment area unless you're granted special consideration before the exam.

During the exam, all electronic devices like mobile phones and smartwatches must be switched off and placed in your bag. Your bag is 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

You rotate through the 10 clinical stations in order. Your timetable and the exam invigilators guide you from station to station.

You'll be seated outside your first station 5 minutes before the exam starts. 

The clinical scenario is printed on Candidate Information Sheet, attached to your seat by a lanyard. After the announcement "You may now begin reading", you have 4 minutes to read it and familiarise yourself with the scenario. You can't make notes during this time. The same information is available inside the station.

When the bell rings, leave the Candidate Information Sheet outside, enter the room and hand your candidate ID stickers to the examiners. You have 10 minutes to complete the station.

You'll hear an alert (e.g. whistle) at the 7-minute mark to warn you that there are 3 minutes remaining.

When the bell rings again, the station time is over. Leave all papers and materials in the room except your candidate ID stickers. Leave the room, move to the seat in front of the next station and begin reading immediately.

There will be no further announcements, the bells indicate all subsequent times. Our staff will demonstrate the bell and whistle sounds before the exam so you know what to expect.

Completing a station early

If you complete a station in under 10 minutes, an examiner will ask if you have anything to add. If not, you can leave and sit outside the same station until the bell rings for you to move on.

You can’t re-enter a station once you’ve left. 

General exam protocol

• When introducing yourself to the examiners and role players, you can use your own name or another of your choosing. Your name choice doesn’t affect your marks.
• The clinical scenario provides the setting for the station. Role players are matched as closely as possible to the description in the clinical scenario. However, occasionally they may be a different age or look different to the description. Focus on the information in the scenario and assume the role player is as described.
• Unless specified, you can ask for any questions or information to be repeated. Information is repeated verbatim and not rephrased or otherwise modified.
• If you complete a station under 10 minutes, the examiner asks if you've anything else to add. If not, leave and sit outside the same station until the bell rings for you to move on. You can't re-enter a station after leaving. 
• Take your candidate ID stickers with you when leaving the station.

Rest stations

There are at least 2 rest stations for you to regroup and use the bathroom (escorted by an invigilator). Otherwise, you must remain in the station for the full duration.

Starting or finishing the exam at a rest station is avoided where possible.

Hand hygiene

To maintain health and safety standards, you must wash or sanitise your hands before and after each station.

Alcohol-based hand sanitiser gel is provided at each station. If you sanitise your hands before entering the station, advise the examiners.

Inappropriate examinations

You're expected to ask for the patient's consent to examine them and to ask the patient to let you know if they experience any pain or discomfort. 

If you perform an inappropriate physical examination and the role player is at risk of being hurt, the examiners will warn you to modify your technique. If you continue to conduct an inappropriate exam, examiners will stop you and move on to the next question.

The examiners can give the physical examination component of the station a 0 score. All other questions are marked on their own merit.

Examiner and Observer Roles

Leaving the exam

After the exam’s finished and before you depart, the Chief Examiner conducts a debrief and notes technical or procedural issues.

Personal belongings are returned and you’re allowed to leave.

Note: to protect exam confidentiality, morning candidates will be held on-site until afternoon candidates arrive. This may be for up to 30 minutes. You're not permitted to access your mobile phones or any communication device during this time. The Chief Examiner will advise when you can leave.

Issues on exam day

If you experience issues leading up to the exam or on exam day that prevent you from attending, contact us. This may include illness, natural disasters or personal/family issues.

If you arrive up to 30 minutes late, you can attempt the exam but you won’t be allowed additional time.

If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, you won’t be permitted to enter the exam.

Variation in the exam day procedure is advised in the Chief Examiner’s pre-exam brief. If circumstances require a procedure change during the exam, clear instructions will be provided.

Conduct

Exam materials and content are confidential. You must sign a confidentiality agreement before the exam.

The following is considered academic misconduct:

• removing exam materials from the venue
• wilfully damaging or interfering with a station or equipment
• reproducing or distributing the contents of exam material
• discussing your performance or details of the exam with the role players, observers, or examiners during or after the exam

For more information see the Academic Integrity in Training Policy.

Results

Marking

Passing a station

For each station, a score is awarded by consensus of 2 examiners. Each station is equally weighted. 

Static stations are assessed using a pre-determined marking guide. Examiners agree on a final score per sub-question. The pass marks are determined using the Modified Angoff method, which is based on the assessment of the exam by subject matter experts. 

Live stations are assessed using a pre-determined marking guide and a professional competencies rating (see the Professional Competencies Rating Scale below).  Examiners agree on a Global Assessment Rating and a final score per sub-question. Live station pass marks are determined using the Borderline Regression method. 

Your score for live stations is based on two components: marking guide scores specific to that station (60%) and professional competencies ratings (40%). 

Passing the exam

The overall pass mark is the sum of the station pass marks. 

You pass the exam if: 

1. your aggregate score is greater than, or equal to, the overall pass mark, and
2. you pass 6+ stations. 

AFRM Examinations Glossary (PDF)

See previous exam pass rates.

Professional competencies

Your professional competence is assessed in live stations via the Professional Competencies Rating Scale, which aligns to the domains of the Professional Practice Framework.

Professional competencies scores are determined using a pre-set rating scale for: 

• quality and safety of physical examination 
• quality and safety of history taking 
• communication 
• judgement and decision making
• medical expertise 

Not all domains are relevant to every station.  

Professional Competencies Rating Scales:

Physical Examination (PDF)
History Taking (PDF) 
Communication (PDF) 

Results email

You receive an email with your exam result.

Ensure we've your current email address and contact number. You can update your details via MyRACP. Contact us if you don't receive the email.

Feedback

All candidates receive a copy of the general feedback which provides a cohort-based overview of key strengths and areas for improvement, summarised by examiners at the end of the exam. 

A personalised feedback report summarising the performance band you achieved for each station will be included in your results email.

For each station, there are 6 performance band ranges. 

• excellent performance
• better than expected standard
• meets expected standard
• below expected standard
• poor performance
• very poor performance

To ensure equitable access and fairness to all candidates, the AFRM Annual Trainees Meeting provides sessions on examinations, including exam preparation and other aspects of the exam, with opportunity for questions. 

We encourage you to work with your Advanced Training Supervisor or colleagues to assist with exam preparation. You can also refer to our AFRM training resources.

See previous years Module 2 Clinical Assessment feedback reports:

Feedback Report for 2024 (PDF)
Feedback Report for 2023 (PDF)
Feedback Report for 2022 (PDF)