Apply

Eligibility

To be eligible to sit the exam, you must:

• have passed the Divisional Written Examination.
• be registered with the College (for training or interruption) by Friday 28 February 2025.
• have 24 months full time equivalent (FTE) of certified Basic Training (Physician Readiness for Expert Practice (PREP) Basic Training program) before the beginning of the clinical year in which the exam is held have completed all necessary training requirements as specified in the Basic Training.
• haven't exceeded the exam attempt limits and complied with all other requirements in the Progression Through Training Policy.
• comply with the relevant Divisional Clinical Examination application closing date.
• have no outstanding College training fees. See College Fees Terms and Conditions.

Progression through training

In accordance with the Education Policies, all training programs must be completed within the time limit for the length of the program.

In March 2020, the College Education Committee approved a 12-month extension to the time limit to complete training for all trainees who started training in 2020 or earlier, in recognition of the exceptional circumstances due to COVID-19. This extension applies to the training program(s) that the trainee was registered in for the 2020 training year.

These transitional arrangements provided additional time to complete exam attempts and don't extend the time limit to complete other Basic Training requirements as set out in the Progression Through Training Policy (see Item 4). They are in place to ensure current Basic Trainees aren't disadvantaged. 

Note: Training program requirements include but aren't limited to, satisfactory completion of clinical experience requirements, examinations, work-based assessments, projects, and modules.

Application process

Submit your application

Log in to MyRACP and select the DCE exam tile. Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your application. You’ll need to pay the exam fee when you submit it to finish the process.

Application confirmation

Once your application is successfully submitted, you'll get an email confirming receipt. If you don’t get it, check your junk or spam folders. If it's not there, contact the  Member Support Centre to confirm your application was received and processed.

Your exam venue

About 6 weeks before your exam, you’ll get a confirmation email with the details of your exam venue, including the date and time. Be sure to bring a copy of this email with you on exam day—it’s needed to confirm your identity and show you’re assigned to that location.

Exam allocation

You’ll receive an email confirming your exam date, time, and allocated venue at least 6 weeks prior to the exam. If possible, this information will be sent earlier to support planning and travel arrangements.

We carefully manage the allocation process to ensure fairness and consistency for all candidates. We consider several factors when determining allocations, including individual circumstances, training history, and previous exam attempts.

Allocations are structured to balance the number of candidates at each site while considering hospital staffing needs. Wherever possible, candidates will be allocated to a venue where they haven’t trained, worked, or attempted the exam before.

In Australia, exams are held in various states and territories, and you should be prepared to travel to a different location from your usual place of work, which may include interstate travel. In Aotearoa New Zealand, exams are held nationwide, and you should be prepared to travel away from your usual place of work.

If you’ve worked, trained, or taken exam preparation at your allocated venue, or may know patients at the exam location, email DCE@racp.edu.au (Australia) or examinations@racp.org.nz (Aotearoa New Zealand).

We have processes in place to ensure the integrity and fairness of the exam. Examiners aren’t assigned to candidates they have worked with in a supervisory or professional role, wherever possible.

Special consideration

During RACP training, unexpected events may affect a trainee’s ability to complete assessments. These events are rare, beyond a trainee’s control, and could impact attending an exam, performing at their best, or undertaking a work-based assessment.

We support trainees by making reasonable adjustments to ensure fair access to assessments. You can apply for special consideration before the exam if you’re affected by:

• 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 an exam starts, we’ll only consider technical or unexpected issues that happen during the exam.

If your preparation’s been affected, it’s best to withdraw - special consideration isn’t available after results are released.

Your exam result won’t be changed due to special circumstances. For details on how to apply and possible outcomes, see the Special Consideration for Assessment Policy.

Submit your request before the deadline using the Special Consideration form (PDF).

Fees

To be eligible to sit the exam, you must be up-to-date with all your College training fees. 

• Australia: AUD $3350.00
• Aotearoa New Zealand: NZD $3852.85

Exam fees support the delivery of the exam and fund the complex operational and logistical requirements involved in managing the assessment across multiple locations, such as:

• staffing costs for teams managing the examinations
• examiner training and calibration
• venue hire, travel, accommodation, and catering for examiners and contributors
• coordination of examiners across different locations
• licensing and maintenance of secure digital platforms for exam administration and results management
• supporting patient participation in the clinical exams

These costs ensure that each exam is conducted fairly, securely and in accordance with the RACP's high standards of quality and professionalism. 

For more details, refer to the College Fees Terms and Conditions.

Withdrawal and refund

Withdrawals aren't counted as an exam attempt.

If you withdraw, you may be eligible for a refund. The refund amounts depend on when you withdraw.  See College Fees Terms and Conditions.

To request a refund on medical and non-medical compassionate grounds, submit an application form (PDF) under the Special Consideration for Assessment Policy (PDF).

If you withdraw, you may reapply to take the exam the following year if you meet the eligibility criteria. Note that application fees aren't carried over from one year to the next.

To withdraw from the 2025 exam, email DCE@racp.edu.au (Australia) or examinations@racp.org.nz (Aotearoa New Zealand). 

Prepare

Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Regular clinical activities in your own hospital are the best preparation. In most hospitals, the Director of Physician Education (DPE) and other Fellows will assist you by discussing the exam and arranging Long Case and Short Case practice sessions.

Exam format

The exam involves real patient situations in 2 x Long Cases and 4 x Short Cases. 

Case selection

While a broad range of cases are selected for the exam, it's possible you may be asked to examine similar systems on multiple patients.

Examiners

Long Case patient review

You'll be assessed by a team of at least 2 examiners on each Long Case. They will determine your score. Usually, 1 will lead the discussion. A third examiner may be present as an observer.

Before each cycle, examiners will:

• take the patient’s history
• examine the patient
• identify relevant issues for discussion

This review is done without patient notes or prepared histories. This allows examiners to accurately appraise a patient’s ability to give a history and signs.

Short Case patient review

As per the Long Case, you'll be assessed by a team of at least two examiners on each Short Case and they will determine your score. Each patient is assessed by the examiners without patient notes or prepared histories.

Criteria for assessment of performance

Examiners assess if you display the required skills in the time allowed, based on criteria for assessment of performance. The exam is criteria referenced. You're assessed based on the criteria rather than compared to other candidate scores.

The video below outlines the purpose and format of the exam, the purpose of Long and Short Cases and the Criteria for assessment of performance.

Divisional Adult Medicine Criteria for assessment of performance (PDF)

Long Case

The Long Case tests clinical examination skills with an emphasis on these domains:

• accuracy of history.
• accuracy of the clinical examinations (traditional format).
• discussion of the clinical examination (modular format).
• synthesis and prioritisation of clinical problems.
• understanding the impact of the illness on the patient and family.
• development and discussion of an appropriate management plan.

Short Case

The Short Case tests clinical examination skills with an emphasis on these domains:

• interaction with the patient and/or family.
• technique and accuracy of physical examination.
• interpretation and synthesis of physical findings.
• investigations/management.

Note: These criteria help you understand how examiners judge your performance. They don't support a particular method of history-taking and examination.

Marking

Each case is marked out of 6 points, aligned to the performance levels on the criteria for assessment of performance (PDF), where a score of 1 aligns with very poor performance; 4: expected standard and 6: excellent performance.

All cases are different, and some assessment domains will be more important than others for a given case. Examiners take this and your overall performance into account. They provide independent marks and discussion to reach a final consensus score for each case.

Short and Long Case scores will be combined to determine your overall outcome using the Score Combination Grid (PPTX).

This video outlines the process for combining case scores using the banded model approach.

The score combination approach ensures the outcomes are consistent with the overall purpose of the assessment, based on analysis of previous candidate performances.

It draws on expertise of experienced examiners. It has been carefully analysed and shown to result in more valid outcomes while preserving standards consistent with the previous scoring system.

Conduct 

Pre-exam contact at exam sites

The College has an Academic Integrity in Training Policy. The policy defines the principles that underpin the RACP approach to academic integrity and the roles and responsibilities of the relevant parties.

Suspected academic misconduct is treated seriously, and can also include behaviours ahead of exam day,  such as approaching hospitals to obtain exam information.

As these actions are seen as attempting to gain an advantage, they may lead to disqualification from the exam and/or affect your progression through training.

Specific instances include attendance at practice cases or exams at your allocated hospital and attempts to:

• gain information on possible cases from staff organising the exam at your allocated hospital.
• inspect rooms or departments possibly involved in the exam at your allocated hospital.
• find out who the examiners will be.
• contact potential examiners and seek guidance on improving performance.
• contact examiners after the exam except through the standard feedback procedures for unsuccessful candidates.

Exam day

Exam day safety

As in all clinical practice, your safety is a priority. It's important that if you feel unsafe at any time, you should stop and immediately seek help. This will not adversely affect your exam assessment.

Candidates in Australia can seek help from a local exam coordinator or supporting nurse. Candidates in Aotearoa New Zealand can seek help from our staff onsite.

As per the Review of Paediatric Clinical Examination in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, measures are being implemented to make the examination safer for candidates, examiners, patients their families/whānau/carers.

To find out more, read the Review of Paediatric Clinical Examination in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Arriving at the hospital

When you arrive at the hospital:

• make your way to the assembly point as instructed in your allocation letter.
• provide your photo ID to the Local Examination Organiser (LEO) or invigilator for verification.
• submit your signed 2025 Candidate Participation Agreement form (PDF).

Exam timetables

Your exam may start with either a Long or Short Case. This difference may result in a slight variation in start and finish times.

You'll see 1 Long Case patient and two Short Case patients in the morning, followed by a second Long Case and another 2 Short Cases in the afternoon. The order of these cases will differ based on candidate scheduling.

What to wear and bring

Dress code

• wear professional and comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.
• your arms should be bare below the elbow.
• scrubs are not permitted.
• no suits, ties or jackets to be worn whilst examining patients. Jackets may be worn for Long Case presentations.
• analogue/digital watches (not smart devices) may be worn for Long Case presentations but must be removed when examining patients.

Personal items

• printed or digital copy of your candidate allocation email.
• current photo ID with your full name and signature (e.g., passport or driver licence) – digital IDs aren't accepted.
• your own stationery (e.g., blank manila folders, blank cards, paper, pens/pencils).
• water in a transparent, unlabelled bottle.
• non-pungent food in a small, clear container. Ensure the food isn't crunchy and the container/package isn't noisy to avoid disrupting other candidates; consume only between cases.
• medication for personal use (e.g., over-the-counter pain relief like Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, anti-nausea medication, Insulin, and glucose monitor) must be in a zip-locked bag labelled with your name and candidate number (matching your exam allocation letter) and kept in your possession at all times.

Mobile phones

• mobile phones will be collected at the start of each exam cycle.
• mobile phones will be returned for the lunch break and then returned at the end of the day.

Equipment for your examination case

• blank paper/cards and pencils/pen (optional).
• BMI charts (optional).
• handheld visual acuity chart(s).
• stethoscope (must not be electronically augmented unless you have obtained permission for medical reasons).
• otoscope, standard and MacroView or standard auroscope (optional).
• standard handheld ophthalmoscope, not a Panoptic ophthalmoscope (optional).
• red-topped hat pin or equivalent, for visual field testing.
• pocket torch.
• tape measure and/or ruler.
• tendon hammer.
• single-use spatulas.
• tuning forks (128 and 256 Hz).
• cotton wool.
• single-use disposable pins should be used for neurological examinations (for both face-to-face Long and Short Cases). Dispose of pins appropriately.
• printed picture for higher centres testing (optional).
• props such as a jar, key and shirtsleeve with button for hand function testing (optional).
• wipes to clean your equipment.
• if hospitals have cases which require the candidate to complete an eye exam using an ophthalmoscope, this will be provided by the individual hospital sites.
• analogue or digital (not smart device) stopwatch or timer for personal use only. Candidates can't give these to Examination Assistants for timekeeping, as managing time is each candidate's responsibility.

Not permitted

Tip: Recording devices, including mobile phones, lead to automatic disqualification. Unauthorised materials may also lead to disqualification.

• pre-printed/written templates or reminders, textbooks, notes, MIMS, drug compendia.
• references.
• pro forma sheets.
• iPads/tablets.
• smartwatches.
• other written or electronic data-storing/sharing/recording devices.
• post-it notes and any other items used to mark on the patient.

Your examination equipment may be checked. If you have an unacceptable item, declare it to the organisers. They’ll keep it until the exam is finished.

Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is key for preventing healthcare-associated infection. To maintain health and safety standards, you must perform it correctly. Hand sanitiser is provided outside or inside the patients’ rooms.

Handshaking with examiners is discouraged in the interests of time and infection control, as you would need to sanitise your hands again.

It’s also essential under the Australian Health Service Safety and Quality Accreditation Scheme. See the World Health Organization’s Hand Hygiene: Why, How & When? (PDF).

Note: Your examination hospital infection control policies may be different to your training site. If additional procedures beyond universal standards are required, you will be advised.

Examination assistants

In Australia, medical students, interns or Basic Trainees yet to sit the exam may act as Examination Assistants. In Aotearoa New Zealand, our staff fulfils this role.

They will

• escort you to the relevant rooms during the exam.
• sit in during the presentations of Short Cases (Australia only).
• assist with issues before or during the exam.
• knock on and open the door at the end of the Long Case patient interview.
• Provide water between cases, if required.
• Escort you to the toilet at appropriate times during the exam cycle.

They shouldn't

• be involved in the exam in any way.
• communicate with you when you're with the examiners.

You must not ask them

• to assist you with timekeeping in examination rooms.
• for feedback on your performance.
• for any details about the patients before or after the exam.

Patient records

In line with the Academic Integrity in Training Policy (PDF), all patient records, including your own notes about patients, are confidential. You can't reproduce or distribute them. After the exam, you must leave patient notes with the organisers for destruction.

Resources

We've a comprehensive list of DCE training resources that includes learning tools and guides, webinars and presentations on preparing for the exam. Look over our event listings for lectures, courses and video conferences.

Divisional Examination Readiness

The Divisional Examination Readiness course is an RACP online learning resource that can help you prepare for the written and clinical exams.

College Learning Series

The College Learning Series is an online educational resource covering clinical topics linked to the curriculum. Log in to view specific lectures related to the clinical examinations:

• Associate Professor Anne Powell | A guide to the Long Case presentation
• Dr Elke Hendrich | A guide to the Short Case presentation

Fireside Chat webinar series

The Fireside Chat webinar series offers tips for performing under pressure and how to best practice Short Cases using patients you see in your everyday work. Below are topics you might find useful:

• Performing under pressure | tips and tricks for challenging environments including exams
• Optimising learning through work | preparing for exams in day-to-day practice

Additional resources

DCE Examiner Manual (PDF)

Additional resources will be available soon.

Commercial Exam Preparation Courses

We don't endorse any commercial preparation courses.