Prepare
Exam format
The content is carefully selected to assess your readiness for competent, independent practice as a Rehabilitation Medicine Physician.
Paper A (MEQ) and Paper B (MCQ) are separate assessments taken on the same day. The exam is delivered using Paper-based Testing (PBT).
You must get a satisfactory mark in both papers to get an overall pass.
Paper A - Modified Essay Question (MEQ)
10 min reading time | 3.5-hour exam | 8 clinical, administrative or research-based scenarios
This paper assesses how well you can apply and integrate your medical and rehabilitation knowledge and skills within the Professional Practice Framework.
Paper A (MEQ) consists of 8 clinical, administrative or research-based scenarios, each with a number of related short-answer questions. The questions require you to integrate and apply your medical and rehabilitation knowledge.
All Competencies, Entrustable Professional Activities and Knowledge Guides are assessable. The exam requires you to provide clear and succinct answers, either in dot points or a few lines, which demonstrate your ability to:
- assess and evaluate complex clinical, administrative or research-based scenarios, including interpretation of investigations and clinical assessment tools
- apply critical thinking and sound clinical reasoning
- employ a systematic approach to the assessment, prognostication and management of impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions
- apply evidence-based medical and rehabilitation knowledge and management
- understand the rehabilitation interventions utilised by members of other professions within the medical, allied health and nursing team
Paper B - Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ)
10 min reading time | 3-hour exam | 130 MCQs
Paper B consists of 130 single-answer MCQs. Each MCQ includes 4 answer options with only 1 correct answer.
All Knowledge Guides are assessable. Trainees may be assessed on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical sciences, relevant investigations, procedures and clinical assessment tools associated with each condition and important specific issues.
Content relating to the Professional Practice Framework and Entrustable Professional Activities may be assessed.
Note: These weightings are target percentages of topic areas used to develop the MCQ exam. Actual content breakdowns can vary. Questions can belong to more than 1 topic area.
Preparation tips
Read all tabs on this exam webpage for important information on how to apply, the format, focus assessment areas, how to prepare, what to expect on exam day and results.
Familiarise yourself with the new Curriculum Standards and study the Knowledge Guides. If you’re a PREP trainee, you may also find this a helpful resource to act as a checklist when studying.
Start your exam preparation early
Start preparing as early as possible. Most successful candidates start 12 months ahead of their exam.
Practice your approach
A supervisor or mentor can help you with practice questions. Go through your thought process out loud with them as you construct an answer. Using this approach with them may help you obtain valuable feedback and a better insight into your approach to the questions.
Organise and equip yourself
Having a quiet, comfortable place where you can study is important. Find a way to study that best suits your individual learning style. Develop a study plan and revision timetable. Use different learning approaches such as flashcards, mind maps, diagrams or opportunities to teach others as part of your revision.
Study with others
The shared experience of studying with others has helped many trainees feel more motivated, confident and on track during the crucial preparation period.
Many have joined (or created) a group that was supportive, met regularly, shared resource ideas and provided an environment conducive to constructive feedback.
The RACP Trainee Facebook group (closed group) is a space for you to meet with other trainees and share experiences, tips, events and ideas as well as receive trainee information from the College.
Attempting the exam again
Meet with your supervisor or mentor
If you're actively training, meet with your supervisor, or your mentor if you're on an interruption of training, to talk through your previous attempts at the exam. Your supervisor or mentor is likely to have valuable insights to share about areas you need to focus on and areas to improve.
Use the Improving Performance Action Plan template and plan your study to maximise time spent on these focus areas. For example, once a week, you could spend time on each area to make sure you have a thorough understanding of each topic.
You could also ask your supervisor or mentor to share trial case studies and cross-reference them with the Adult Rehabilitation Medicine Advanced Training Curriculum
Repeat what worked
What study materials did you use last time? What was helpful and what wasn't? Review your materials as well as look for other valuable study materials and opportunities, especially any onsite learning that's available to you.
RACP Support Program
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 exams. 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're not 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.