Preparation tips
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. This approach helps you obtain valuable feedback and a better insight into your approach.
Organise and equip yourself
Finding a quiet, comfortable place to study is important. Study in a way 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 helps many trainees feel motivated, confident and on-track during the preparation period.
Many have joined or created supportive groups that meet regularly, share resource ideas and provide an environment for constructive feedback.
Join the RACP Trainee Facebook group (a closed group) or the ROC Trainees Community to meet other trainees, share experiences, tips, events and ideas.
Attempting the Exam again
Meet with your DPE or mentor
If you're actively training, meet with your Director of Physician or Paediatric Education (DPE), or your mentor if you are on Interruption of Training, to talk through your previous exam attempts. They'll have valuable insights to share about areas to focus on and 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 Basic Training Curricula and the Knowledge Guides.
Repeat what worked
What study materials did you use last time? What was helpful and what wasn't? Review your materials and look for additional materials and opportunities, especially onsite learning.
Start early
Start preparing as early as possible. Most successful candidates start 12 months ahead of their exam.