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 predetermined objective criteria.
Focus
You must demonstrate you 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 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 are expected to be able to apply the foundational concepts to the context of the Rehabilitation Medicine (adult) new Curriculum Standards Knowledge Guides. A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of subspeciality rehabilitation medicine concepts is not expected for this exam.
Trainees in the PREP and new curriculum programs are required to meet the standard outlined in the Rehabilitation Medicine (adult) Learning, Teaching & Assessment Program at the level set using criterion-referenced approaches appropriate to the test format. 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 in 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.
Two examiners are 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. Studying the foundational concepts and focus knowledge areas is essential for success in this exam.
The AFRM Examinations Working Group is currently developing sample questions and marking guides. They will be published in 2025 to support your learning and demonstrate the standard required for the exam.
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.
Support
Preparing for exams can be stressful. Reach out to the RACP Support Program for free, 24/7, completely confidential support. Make an appointment or speak with a consultant by calling 1300 687 327 (Australia) or 0800 666 367 (Aotearoa New Zealand).
The Training Support Unit is here to support your progress through your examinations. The Training Support Unit will be in contact with you to offer support and provide important information shortly after you register for the final attempt of your exam. If you aren't on your final attempt of an exam and would like support from the Training Support Unit, contact us via email trainingsupport@racp.edu.au for Australian Candidates or trainingsupport@racp.org.nz for Aotearoa New Zealand Candidates.