Overview
The Divisional Written Examination (DWE) is comprised of 2 papers designed to assess your understanding of basic science and your clinical knowledge.
To sit the exam, you need to meet the eligibility requirements. Find these on the Apply tab.
Key dates
|
Key dates
|
Australia
|
Aotearoa New Zealand
|
| Applications open |
10am AEST, Wednesday, 27 May 2026 |
10am NZST, Wednesday, 27 May 2026 |
| Applications close |
5pm AEST, Wednesday, 17 June 2026 |
5pm NZST, Wednesday, 17 June 2026 |
| Exam date
|
Tuesday, 20 October 2026 |
Tuesday, 20 October 2026 |
| Special Consideration |
| Pre-exam applications close
|
5pm AEDT, Monday, 5 October 2026. Refer to Appendix A of the Special Consideration for Assessment Policy (PDF)
Special Consideration for Assessment Application Form (PDF)
|
5pm NZDT, Monday, 5 October 2026. Refer to Appendix A of the Special Consideration for Assessment Policy (PDF)
Special Consideration for Assessment Application Form (PDF)
|
| Exam day/post-exam applications close
|
5pm AEDT, Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Special Consideration for Assessment Application Form (PDF)
|
5pm NZDT, Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Special Consideration for Assessment Application Form (PDF)
|
| Proposed results released |
3pm AEDT, Thursday, 19 November 2026
|
3pm NZDT, Thursday, 19 November 2026 |
Locations
Venues are located in capital cities and regional centres across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. If a venue changes, affected candidates are notified in advance.
Exam development
The exam is created through a comprehensive, multi-step process to ensure that all questions effectively assess the required knowledge and skills. The Adult Medicine and Paediatrics & Child Health exams are developed in line with exam blueprints, which outline the expected distribution of questions across specialties. These blueprints are available on the Prepare tab.
Item Writing Panels (IWPs) meet 3 times a year for Adult Medicine and 2 times a year for Paediatrics & Child Health to write and review potential exam questions. Each panel includes over 20 specialists who help write and approve new questions.
Every question is discussed and reviewed by the panel—no question is written or approved by just 1 person. The IWP considers the clinical accuracy, clarity, and relevance of each question, and not all questions are approved for use. Only questions that meet the required standards move to the next stage of quality assurance for possible inclusion in the exam.
The Chairs of the IWPs and the Written Examination Committee work closely with our Assessment Services team to create the final papers. A proportion of previously validated questions, or items with demonstrated psychometric strength, are included in each paper to serve as ‘anchors’ during exam analysis, ensuring consistent exam difficulty across sittings.
Performance standard criteria
Standard-setting processes ensure that all candidates are assessed fairly and consistently. The exams use criterion-referenced methods, meaning that candidate performance is measured against pre-determined standards rather than compared to other candidates. This ensures that all candidates who meet the required standard can pass. Bell curves and fixed passing quotas aren't used.
The pass mark for the exam is determined using the Modified Angoff method, a widely accepted approach based on expert judgment of item difficulty. A panel of experienced Fellows estimates the likelihood that a minimally competent candidate would answer each question correctly. These ratings are aggregated to establish the cut score. A full-paper calibration using this method is conducted every 5 years. Historically, the pass mark has ranged between 55% and 65%.
To ensure fairness and consistency between examination sittings, psychometric analysis using the Rasch model (an item response theory model) is applied. This anchors the cut score to previously used questions, stabilising difficulty across cycles.
Marking
The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark. There are no penalties for incorrect answers, and your final score is the sum of marks across both papers. It's not necessary to pass each paper separately.
All answer sheets are scanned independently by 2 external scanning companies to ensure accuracy. If discrepancies or ambiguities are detected during the scanning process, papers are reviewed by a human marker.
Each exam includes a combination of newly developed and previously used questions. Previously used questions contribute to your total score and play a key role in equating exam difficulty. After every exam all questions across both the primary and reserve papers undergo statistical analysis to identify anomalies, such as multiple correct answers, ambiguous wording, or extreme difficulty. The Written Examination Committee reviews any flagged questions and only excludes them from scoring if doing so enhances the validity of the exam.
Results
Results will be available on the Basic Training Portal (PREP)/Training Management Platform (TMP) and sent to your email. For confidentiality reasons, results will not be discussed over the phone or by email.
Directors of Physician or Paediatric Education (DPEs) will receive an email the same day with a list of their trainees' names and results.
To ensure fairness, accuracy, and integrity, results undergo a rigorous quality assurance process:
Responsive Table
| Steps post-exam day | Description |
|---|
| Exam data collection | Scanning and processing of answer sheets, with double verification by external companies. |
| Data verification | Checking for anomalies and data comparison. |
| RACP item analysis | Review of item statistics by internal experts. |
| Item review by SMEs | Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) review flagged items. |
| Item analysis meeting | Discussion and finalisation of item decisions. |
| Cut-score determination | Establishing the final pass threshold. |
| Results meeting | Discussion of candidate exam results and decision on incidents and post-exam special consideration applications. All candidate details are de-identified. |
| Results confirmation | Confirmation of results for release. |
| Results administrations | Final preparation of results for release. |
| Results release | Results are typically released mid-week to ensure candidates can access College support if needed. |
To protect the integrity of scoresheets, robust security and quality assurance processes are in place. All scoresheets are photocopied before leaving the exam venue and are securely transported via person-to-person courier from each site. Upon arrival,
the exam management supplier conducts thorough checks to confirm that all scoresheets have been received and reconciled against trainee attendance records. While every effort is made to work efficiently, these steps are critical to ensuring the fairness,
accuracy, and reliability of results. See more about past Divisional Written Examination results.
Candidate feedback
The feedback after the exam helps candidates and DPEs understand performance and identify areas for improvement. It's usually provided within 4 weeks of the release of exam results.
Feedback for candidates
- Candidates receive a personalised report that breaks down their results by curriculum-linked topic areas, indicating the number of items in each area and the number answered correctly.
Feedback for DPEs
- DPEs receive a summary report that include:
- candidate performance by topic area
- performance by training setting, state or territory
- overall exam averages
- Training hospital-level summaries for all candidates in their setting, which supports targeted educational planning.
Note: reports are only issued where candidate numbers are sufficient to ensure de-identified data.
Quality assurance
A robust quality assurance framework governs the exam to ensure fairness, accuracy, and consistency across all assessments. Each stage of the exam process follows detailed business rules tailored to the exam’s purpose, format, and potential risks. From planning and development with relevant committees to item creation, stringent measures uphold rigorous assessment standards.
Data integrity is prioritised through comprehensive quality checks before results are finalised, while results meetings and ratification procedures provide additional oversight, particularly for candidate results close to the minimum expected standard, and whether there have been unforeseen circumstances that may impact outcomes. Clear and timely communication ensures transparency for both candidates and stakeholders, while structured feedback mechanisms continuously refine future assessments.
Risk management
In addition to quality assurance, we maintain a comprehensive risk management framework to safeguard exam integrity and minimise disruptions. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have strengthened this framework, enhancing our ability to respond to unforeseen challenges.
Our risk management plans include strategies for mitigating potential disruptions, ensuring coordinated responses to unexpected events. A crisis communications plan facilitates timely updates, while contingency plans outline alternative examination delivery methods if required.
These plans are reviewed before each exam cycle. Through proactive risk management and rigorous quality assurance, we remain committed to upholding the highest assessment standards, providing candidates and stakeholders with confidence in the exam process.
As part of our ongoing safety and quality improvements, we're implementing recommendations from the Review of Paediatric Clinical Examination in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand for all Assessments. This aims to enhance safety for candidates, examiners, patients, and their families/whānau/carers.
Contingency plans
Contingency plans are in place in case significant events or disruptions prevent the October 2026 Divisional Written Examination from going ahead. The available contingency options may be applied to an individual exam site or multiple impacted sites. The safety of all participants is at the core of these plans.
Ensure your contact details are up to date, including your mobile phone number. You can check or update your contact details by logging into MyRACP and clicking on the 'My details' tile. If there are any changes in timings or other issues impacting your exam location on the day, you'll receive an SMS and an email with relevant updates and detailed information. Ensure your contact information is correct and remain subscribed to the College communication channels so we can reach you directly.
Plan A | The Divisional Written Examination will proceed as scheduled as a paper-based exam at exam centres across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Plan B | If significant events or disruptions prevent the October DWE from going ahead at one or multiple exam venues, impacted trainees will be offered a full refund and will be able to register for the February DWE the following year.
Apply
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the exam, you must:
- be registered with the College (for training or interruption)
- have 24 months full time equivalent (FTE) certified Basic Training (PREP program) or completed the Consolidation phase of training (new curriculum) before:
- the beginning of the clinical year for the February exam
- 31 August for the October exam
- have completed all necessary training requirements as specified in the handbook (PREP program) or learning, teaching, and assessment programs (new curriculum)
- have not exceeded the exam attempt limits and comply with all other requirements in the Progression Through Training Policy
- comply with the relevant Divisional Written Examination application closing date
- pay any outstanding College fees
If you have outstanding training fees, you're ineligible to sit the exam. See College Fees Terms and Conditions.
Progression through training
In accordance with the Progression Through Training Policy (PDF) all training programs must be completed within the time limit for the length of the program.
|
Trainee Cohort
|
Divisional Written Exam (DWE) attempts
|
Divisional Clinical Exam (DCE) attempts
|
Maximum time limit to complete exam attempts
|
|
Basic Trainees (commenced from 1 January 2017)
|
- Third written exam attempt is before October 2023 DWE
|
3
|
3
|
Exams must be completed within the 8-year Basic Training time-limit
|
- Third written exam attempt is on or after October 2023 DWE
|
4
|
3 |
Exams must be completed within the 8-year Basic Training time-limit
|
|
Basic Trainees (commenced prior to 1 January 2017)
|
- Third written exam attempt is before October 2023 DWE
- Have not attempted the Written Exam prior to 2017 DWE
|
3
|
3
|
8 years from 1 January 2017
|
- Third written exam attempt is on or after the October 2023 DWE
- Have not attempted the DWE prior to 2017
|
4
|
3
|
8 years from 1 January 2017
|
- Have not attempted the DWE prior to 2017 but registered (in 2016) for the 2017 DWE
Includes those who subsequently withdrew from the 2017 DWE
|
5
|
3
|
8 years from 1 January 2017
|
- Had 1 or more DWE attempts prior to 2017
|
Up to 5
|
5
|
8 years from 1 January 2017
|
- Had 1 or more DCE attempts prior to 2017
|
N/A
|
Up to 5
|
5 years from 1 January 2017
|
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 provide 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're 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
Refer to the key dates for more information. Applications open at 10am (AEST/NZST) on Wednesday 27 May 2026, and close at 5pm (AEST/NZST) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
Submit your application
Log in to MyRACP and click on the DWE exam tile. Then, click 'Apply Now' to start your application. You must pay the exam fee when you submit your application to complete the process.
Application confirmation
After submitting your application, you’ll get an email confirming receipt. If you don’t receive an email, check your junk/spam folders. If it’s still missing, contact our member support centre
Your exam venue
Approximately 4 weeks before your exam date, you’ll receive an email with your exam venue details, date, and time. Bring a copy of this email on exam day as proof of your allocation and identification.
Locations
Venues are located in Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand capital cities and regional centres. They are subject to change, with prior notice to affected candidates. Exam locations will be confirmed soon.
Special consideration
Throughout RACP training programs, trainees may experience exceptional circumstances that impact their assessment activities. These circumstances are not ordinarily encountered or anticipated and are beyond the trainee’s control and may affect their
ability to attend or perform optimally in an exam, or complete or submit a work-based assessment requirement.
We're committed to supporting all trainees by providing reasonable adjustments where necessary to ensure equitable access to assessment activities, in a manner that is transparent, fair, respectful, responsive, accountable and people-focused.
Before the exam
Special consideration may be approved for:
- permanent or long-term disability
- temporary disability due to medical or other relevant conditions
- pregnancy, lactation and infant-feeding needs
- essential religious, cultural, social or legal commitments
- compassionate grounds or other significant disruptive events occurring before the examination
Applications should be submitted as early as possible, preferably at the time of exam application, to allow sufficient time for review and implementation of any approved arrangements.
Applications submitted after the published deadline may still be considered in exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the College, and additional supporting documentation may be required.
During the exam
Special consideration may be given for technical or procedural issues. Candidates must notify the examiner or invigilator of the issue immediately so the incident can be acknowledged, mitigated where possible and documented.
After the exam
Special consideration may be requested for:
- technical or procedural issues that could not be resolved during the exam
- temporary disability that occurred during the exam and prevented completion
- racism, discrimination, or bias experienced during the exam
Applications must be submitted within 5 calendar days of the exam and before results are released. Temporary disability, where the candidate elected to continue the exam, isn't eligible for post-exam consideration.
Impaired preparation isn't grounds for special consideration. Candidates who believe their preparation has been significantly affected should withdraw before sitting the exam. All applications require supporting documentation and are reviewed confidentially.
Special consideration may result in reasonable adjustments or alternative arrangements but will not change your marks or exam result.
For full details and application requirements, see the Special Consideration for Assessment Policy and
the Special Consideration for Assessment application guide and form (PDF).
Fees
To be eligible to sit the exam, you must be up-to date with all your College training fees. See College Fees Terms and Conditions.
Australia | AUD $2329.00
Aotearoa New Zealand | NZD $2678.35
Exam fees support the delivery of the exam and fund the complex operational and logistical requirements involved in managing the assessment across multiple locations.
Fees contribute to a wide range of essential costs, such as:
- venue hire and invigilation services
- production and manual processing of exam materials
- contracts with external companies for scanning and data verification
- meetings of the Written Examination Committee
- travel, accommodation, and catering for those involved in exam development and setting the standards
- licensing and maintenance of secure digital platforms used for exam administration and results management
These costs ensure that each exam is conducted fairly, securely and in accordance with the RACP's high standards of quality and professionalism.
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 exam, email examinations@racp.edu.au.
The purpose of the exam is to:
- assess the depth and breadth of your understanding of basic science and clinical knowledge
- allow you to demonstrate the standard of clinical knowledge required to progress to the Divisional Clinical Examination and complete Basic Training.
The exam covers a broad sample of medical specialties following the Knowledge Guides in your curriculum, as outlined in the relevant examination blueprint.
Adult Medicine blueprint
| Specialty |
Items* |
Cardiology
|
8-12
|
Dermatology
|
1-3 |
| Endocrinology |
8-12 |
| Gastroenterology |
8-12 |
| General Medicine |
10-14 |
| Genetic and Metabolic Medicine |
5-9 |
| Geriatric Medicine |
5-9 |
| Haematology |
8-12 |
| Immunology and Allergy |
5-9 |
| Infectious Diseases |
8-12 |
| Medical Obstetrics |
1-3
|
| Medical Oncology |
8-12
|
| Nephrology |
8-12
|
| Neurology |
8-12 |
| Palliative Medicine |
1-3 |
| Pharmacology, Toxicology and Addiction Medicine |
8-12 |
| Respiratory and Sleep Medicine |
8-12 |
| Rheumatology |
8-12 |
* Items refer to the target number of multiple-choice questions on the exam.
Paediatrics & Child Health blueprint
| Specialty |
Items* |
Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine
|
4-7
|
Cardiology
|
10-12
|
Clinical Sciences – Pharmacology
|
10-12
|
Clinical Sciences – Epidemiology
|
10-12
|
Dermatology
|
1-2
|
Emergency Medicine
|
10-12
|
Endocrinology
|
10-12
|
Gastroenterology
|
10-12
|
General and Community Paediatrics
|
10-12
|
Genetic and Metabolic Medicine
|
10-12
|
Haematology and Oncology
|
10-12
|
Immunology and Allergy
|
10-12
|
Infectious Diseases
|
10-12
|
Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine
|
10-12
|
Nephrology and Urology
|
10-12
|
Neurology
|
10-12
|
Respiratory and Sleep Medicine
|
10-12
|
Rheumatology
|
4-7
|
*Items refer to the target number of multiple-choice questions on the exam.
Important areas of knowledge for physician practice will be assessed, including your understanding of:
- impacts of patients’ comorbidities on their overall health
- specifics of disease and treatment interactions
This exam process will determine if you’re eligible to progress to the Divisional Clinical Examination and complete Basic Training.
Exam format
The paper-based exam for both Adult Medicine and Paediatrics & Child Health is made up of 2 sections:
- Clinical Applications examines your understanding of the practice of medicine and therapeutics.
- Medical Sciences examines your understanding of the principles of medicine and the basic sciences applicable to clinical medicine.
Each section consists of a combination of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and extended matching questions (EMQs):
| Section |
Questions |
MCQs |
EMQs |
Time |
| Clinical Applications |
100 |
92 |
8 |
3 hours and
10 minutes |
| Medical Sciences |
70 |
66 |
4 |
2 hours and
10 minutes |
Visual material
Some questions require you to interpret visual material, such as:
- plain x-rays
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- ECGs
- radioisotope scans
- respiratory function tests
- sleep study patterns
Other visual materials may be included in the exam sections, but you won’t be required to interpret them to answer the question. Generally, they’ll be accompanied by the type of report you would see from the laboratory, such as:
- blood films
- bone marrow films
- echocardiograms
- electromyograms
- electroencephalograms
- histology sections
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
MCQs cover a range of sub-specialties. Each question has 4 options. You must choose only 1 option as your response.
Example of an MCQ
In infectious mononucleosis, which one of the following cell types, in the peripheral blood, would be most likely to contain the virus?
- B cells
- Monocytes
- Neutrophils
- T cells
Answer: A
Extended matching questions (EMQs)
The exam includes a small number of EMQs. They have a similar reliability and validity to single-best-answer MCQs but are more effective at assessing problem solving and clinical reasoning.
Example of an EMQ
Choose the most appropriate option for each stem/clinical scenario:
Options list
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Aortic dissection
- Prolapsed intervertebral disc
- Lumbar spondylosis
- Vertebral fracture
- Intervertebral disc infection
- Pars interarticularis defect
- Metastatic malignancy
Lead-in statement: For each patient with back pain, select the most likely diagnosis.
Stems/clinical scenarios
- A 23-year-old man has a 6-month history of low back pain. This is predominantly at the thoracolumbar junction and in the right buttock. His pain is worse in the morning and he has difficulty in getting out of bed. There is some improvement during the day. Examination shows restriction of lumbar spinal movement, particularly lateral flexion.
Answer: A
- A 32-year-old woman presents with acute onset of low back pain. The pain is constant and is not significantly affected by posture. All spinal movements are painful and difficult. Three weeks earlier, she had a urinary tract infection, which had been treated with amoxicillin.
Answer: F
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 provides 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 support groups that meet regularly, share resource ideas and provide a forum for constructive feedback.
Join the RACP Trainee Facebook group (a closed group) 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're 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 your exam preparation early
Start preparing as early as possible. Most successful candidates start 12 months ahead of their exam.
Online tools and apps
We don't endorse any external online tools or apps and we don't take responsibility for any impact they have towards your preparation.
There are apps and tools available to help create, collate and organise study notes, flashcards and mind maps for revision, including:
Chegg
AnkiApp
Brainscape
Pastest | question bank resource developed for the UK MRCP/MRCPCH exams
Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects | covers learning techniques and strategies to maximise your study time
Exam day
Effective 1 January 2025, staggered start times were implemented across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Check the timetable for your area for more details.
Timetable
Western Australia
| Time |
Task |
| 7:30 am |
Arrive at the exam venue |
| 7:45 am – 8:15 am |
Enter exam area |
| 8:15 am |
Pre-exam announcements |
| 8:30 am |
Clinical Applications - reading begins (10 mins) |
| 8:40 am |
Clinical Applications - exam begins (3 hours) |
| 11:40 am |
Clinical Applications - exam concludes |
| 11:40 am – 12:30 pm |
Lunch (50 mins) |
| 12:30 pm – 12:45 pm |
Re-enter exam area |
| 12:45 pm |
Pre-exam announcements |
| 1:00 pm |
Medical Sciences - reading begins (10 mins) |
| 1:10 pm |
Medical Sciences - exam begins (2 hours) |
| 3:10 pm |
Medical Sciences - exam concludes |
NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD, SA, TAS, NT
| Time |
Task |
| 8:00 am |
Arrive at the exam venue |
| 8:15 am – 8:45 am |
Enter exam area |
| 8:45 am |
Pre-exam announcements |
| 9:00 am |
Clinical Applications – reading begins (10 mins) |
| 9:10 am |
Clinical Applications - exam begins (3 hours) |
| 12:10 pm |
Clinical Applications - exam concludes |
| 12:10 pm – 1:00 pm |
Lunch (50 mins) |
| 1:00 pm – 1:15 pm |
Re-enter exam area |
| 1:15 pm |
Pre-exam announcements |
| 1:30 pm |
Medical Sciences – reading begins (10 mins) |
| 1:40 pm |
Medical Sciences – exam begins (2 hours) |
| 3:40 pm |
Medical Sciences – exam concludes |
Aotearoa New Zealand
| Time |
Task |
| 9:00 am |
Arrive at the exam venue |
| 9:15 am – 9:45 am |
Enter exam area |
| 9:45 am |
Pre-exam announcements |
| 10:00 am |
Clinical Applications – reading begins (10 mins) |
| 10:10 am |
Clinical Applications - exam begins (3 hours) |
| 1:10 pm |
Clinical Applications - exam concludes |
| 1:10 pm - 2:00 pm |
Lunch (50 mins) |
| 2:00 pm – 2:15 pm |
Re-enter exam area |
| 2:15 pm |
Pre-exam announcements |
| 2:30 pm |
Medical Sciences – reading begins (10 mins) |
| 2:40 pm |
Medical Sciences – exam begins (2 hours) |
| 4:40 pm |
Medical Sciences – exam concludes |
Items on the day
Personal items
- printed or digital copy of your allocation letter confirming your name, candidate number and allocated venue
- current photo ID with your full name and signature, for example your passport or driver's licence — digital IDs aren't accepted
- blue or black ballpoint pens (no pencils, gel or felt-tipped pens)
- 1 x ruler (optional)
- 1 x highlighter (optional)
- face masks (optional)
- basic analogue watch (optional)
- still water in water bottles (optional)
Recommendations
- place essential items such as pens, highlighter and ruler in a small, clear, resealable plastic bag to keep on your desk
- wear extra clothing layers to adjust to the room temperature.
If you have specific requirements (e.g. medical needs or special accommodations), contact us in advance.
Exam day arrangements
- venues may vary – follow the instructions provided by the invigilators at your location
- at some venues, you may be allowed to keep your bag under your desk
- if you bring your own lunch, it can be stored in your bag, but you won't be able to access it or other personal belongings during the exam
Not permitted
- recording and electronic devices including digital watches, smart pens, tablets, scanners, dictionaries (that function in a similar way to a tablet)
- wearable AI devices, e.g. smart glasses, smart watches
- pagers
- laptop computers
- personal communication aids
- calculators
- ear plugs (unless special permission has been granted by RACP)
- headphones
- food and beverages (other than still water) to be consumed during the exam unless special permission has been granted by RACP
- dictionaries
- pencils or pencil cases
- frixton (erasable) pens, gel pens or felt tip pens
Devices and unauthorised materials
Carrying recording devices on your person, including mobile phones and wearable AI devices, will result in automatic disqualification.
All mobile phones, digital watches, sport watches, smartwatches (including but not limited to Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung), pagers and electronic communication devices must be:
- switched off
- placed on the floor under your chair
- clearly visible to invigilators
Devices that sound during the exam will be subject to an incident report.
Answer sheet tips
Your answer sheet will be scanned to create a digital copy of your responses. Use a black or blue ballpoint pen for the clearest scan.
Pencil use isn't permitted as erased marks may leave shadows and can interfere with scanning.
Seating arrangements
Seating lists showing your allocated seat number will be displayed near the venue entrance.
If you have seating questions, speak to the Chief Invigilator as early as possible on exam day.
Starting the exam
You'll have 10 minutes reading time at the beginning of each paper. During this time, you must not write on or mark the paper in any way.
When the exam begins, ensure you complete your details on the cover of the exam booklet and both sides of the answer sheet.
Leaving the exam room
Don’t leave the exam room without the invigilator’s approval. If you need the toilet, the invigilator will escort you.
If you want to leave before the end of the exam, stay seated and raise your hand. An invigilator will check your materials and release you.
When you finish the exam, any paper you have used during the exam will be collected. You can leave after the first 30 minutes of the exam, but not in the last 10 minutes.
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 your exam performance may have been impacted.
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
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.
Special consideration application process
Technical or procedural issue during exam
Submit special consideration application within 5 days of your exam
Results Committee reviews your application
Outcome will be shared when results are released
If unsatisfied, apply for reconsideration or review
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 (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.
Conduct
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 at the exam. Exams can be inherently stressful experiences. We're committed on creating a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment for all involved. Everyone, including candidates, our staff, and invigilators, are expected to engage with fairness, dignity, courtesy, and respect.
All RACP Fellows, trainees, and staff are required to uphold the College’s Code of Conduct and act in accordance with relevant workplace relations legislation. We also have a legal obligation to identify and manage any psychosocial hazards that may affect staff wellbeing.
To maintain a supportive and safe exam environment, any conduct or language, including disrespectful, aggressive, or inappropriate behaviour, that undermines respectful or constructive engagement will not be tolerated and will be documented and addressed in line with College policies and procedures.
Support
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 examinations. 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.