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 and beyond a trainee’s control, and they could impact attending an exam, performing at their best, or undertaking a work-based assessment.

Before the exam

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)

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

For information about special consideration for issues occurring during the exam, refer to the Exam Day section.

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  

Regular clinical activities at your own hospital are the best way to prepare. In most hospitals, the Director of Paediatric 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 will be assessed by a team of at least 2 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 Paediatrics & Child Health 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 do not support a particular method of history-taking and examination.

Marking

Each case is marked out of 6 points.

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.

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

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

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

Adolescent patients

It’s inappropriate for you to request patients’ parents or guardians to leave the room to interview adolescent patients privately. 

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 examination assessment.

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 2 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.

Long case first

Short case first

What to wear and bring

Dress code

• wear professional and comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.
• you should be bare below the elbow.
• scrubs are acceptable; however, they should not identify any hospital names.
• 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; however, they 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 (for example, passport or driver licence) – digital IDs are not accepted.
• your own stationery (for example, blank manila folders, blank cards, paper, pens/pencils).
• your own equipment.
• water in a transparent with no labels.
• non-pungent food in a small, clear container. Please ensure that the food is not crunchy, and the container and/or package is not noisy so as not to disrupt the other candidates. Consumption is to be done in between cases only.
• medication required for personal use (e.g. over the counter pain relief such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, anti-nausea medication, Insulin and glucose monitor for personal use if required). These must be kept in a zip locked bag labelled with your name and candidate number (matching your exam allocation letter) and must be always kept on your possession.

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).
• 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.
• props such as a jar, key and shirtsleeve with button for hand function testing (optional).
• handheld visual acuity chart(s).
• standard growth chart (PCH only).
• wipes to clean your equipment.
• non-scientific calculator.
• analogue or digital (not a smart device) stopwatch or timer for personal use only. Candidates cannot give any of these to the Examination Assistants to assist with time keeping as it is the responsibility of each candidate to manage their time adequately.

Not permitted

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

• pre-printed/written templates including developmental cards, or reminders, textbooks, notes, MIMS, drug compendia.
• references.
• pro forma sheets.
• iPads/tablets^*.
• smartwatches.
• other written or electronic data-storing/sharing/recording devices.
• bubbles (due to COVID-19 restrictions).
• 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. Maintenance of adequate hand hygiene is considered part of a competent clinical examination; pay careful attention to this on the day.

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).

Follow the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (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

Candidates will be assigned an examination assistant who will act as their guide on exam day.

They will

• escort you to the relevant rooms during the exam.
• assist with issues before or during the exam.
• knock on and open the door at the end of the patient interview.
• escort you to the toilet or provide water if required.

They will not

• assist you with time keeping in any way, including holding timers.
• provide feedback on performance or share any patient details.
• hand you any equipment.
• assist patients during a gait examination. If required, examiners will assist the patient and ensure their safety.

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

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. Refer to the Academic Integrity in Training Policy (PDF).

Special Consideration

After the exam

Once an exam starts, we’ll only consider technical or unexpected issues that happen during the exam. This includes incidents on the day when you feel you may have been subject to discrimination or bias.

It's important to note that your exam result won’t be changed due to special consideration. For example, you can't be granted a pass result based solely on special consideration. Instead, you may be eligible for:

• Redesignation of examination status (the attempt isn't considered towards your attempt limit),
• Refund of the examination fee, or
• A supplementary examination attempt may be awarded in some cases.

You have 5 business days from the date you sat the exam to apply for special consideration using the Special Consideration form (PDF). It’s best that you apply for special consideration as soon as possible and within the 5-day period to ensure that your circumstances are considered in the results meetings. All applications for special consideration are de-identified.

For details on how to apply and possible outcomes, see the Special Consideration for Assessment Policy  If you’re not sure about the process or whether to apply for Special Consideration, contact our team for advice on the steps available to you.

If you’re dissatisfied with the outcome of your application for Special Consideration, you can apply for Reconsideration or Review under the Reconsideration, Review and Appeals Process By-Law (PDF) within 28 days.

Note: If you don’t apply for special consideration after your exam, you're not eligible for Reconsideration, Review or Appeal under the By-Law.

Complaints

The Complaints Management Policy (PDF) outlines our commitment to managing feedback and complaints received in a transparent, timely, culturally safe, and fair manner.

Note: complaints are unrelated to exam results and will not be considered in the results meeting. 

Resources

We have 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

Journal articles

• Kaufman J and White S M, 2017. Short Case: An approach to the child and dysmorphic features, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, vol. 53, pp. 221-222.
• Fahey M and Adsett D, 2015. Short Case: Gait examination, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, vol. 51, pp. 845-846.
• McMahon S K, 2015. Short Case: The child with short stature, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, vol. 51, pp. 947-948.
• Isaacs D, 2015. Short Case: The respiratory examination, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, vol. 51, pp. 749-750.
• Fahey M, 2015. Short Case: The eye examination, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, vol. 51, pp. 571-572.
• Ward C, 2015. Short Case: Reading the electrocardiogram, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, vol. 51, pp. 473-475.
• Fahey M, 2015. Short Case: Floppy baby, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, vol. 51, pp. 355-356.
• Lade S and Peacock K, 2015. Short Case: The developmental examination, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, vol. 51, pp. 243-244.
• Kara T and Evans H M, 2015. Short Case: Abdominal examination, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, vol. 51, pp. 132-134.
• Pincus S and Ward C, 2014. Short Case: Examination of the heart, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, vol. 50, pp. 938-939.
• Isaacs D, 2014 Viewpoint: Paediatric short case examination, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, vol. 50, pp. 861-863.

Resources

Member login required

DCE Examiner Manual (PDF)
PCH Local Examination Organiser (LEO) Manual (PDF)
DCE Examiner Manual (PDF)
Candidate Support Officer Guide (PDF)
Quality Assurance Lead Guide (PDF)
Conflict of Interest Management Guide (PDF)
Candidate Information Session Slides (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Frequently Asked Questions

Previous exam outcomes and psychometric reports

Reports are available 4 to 6 weeks after the exam results are released.

Find out more about previous exam pass rates.

Commercial Exam Preparation Courses

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