Prepare
Exam format
7 clinical stations | 4 min reading time | 10 min station time | About 2.5 hours
The exam uses the objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) format. The content is carefully selected to test your clinical skills as per the General Rehabilitation Medicine Advanced Training Curriculum (PDF), and is standardised to ensure your performance is referenced to predetermined objective criteria.
You progress through a series of stations each presenting a different clinical scenario.
Clinical tasks could include:
- history-taking
- physical examination
- use and interpretation of diagnostic tests
- diagnostic decision-making
- use of pharmacological and physical therapies
- clinical reasoning and problem-solving
- communication and counselling procedural skills
- multi-disciplinary management preventative strategies
- patient education and counselling
Live stations
In live stations, you interact with examiners, patients and/or role players. Role players could act as a clinical peer, patient or patient advocate.
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 an appropriate level of language.
Two examiners are involved in each evaluation. They may ask questions as part of a scenario or simply 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 clearly crossed out).
An examiner is in the room to provide instructions, but they won’t directly observe your performance.
Rest stations
Rest stations are included in the exam schedule.
Preparation tips
Regular clinical activities in your training setting are the best preparation.
You should be able to perform a physical examination, and interpret general medical problems, surgical problems and other data required for patient management.
Academic integrity
Some actions are seen as attempting to gain an unfair advantage. For example, attempts to:
- find out who examiners are
- contact potential examiners and seek guidance on improving performance
- contact examiners on exam day
These actions are a breach of 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.
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).