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DWE and DCE Eligibility Changes

From 2027, first-time eligibility for the Divisional Written Examination (DWE) and Divisional Clinical Examination (DCE) will be determined by completion of the required training phases rather than time spent in training.

This change has been approved by the College Education Committee and supported through consultation with relevant examination, assessment, training, education, and trainee committees.

 

 In brief

  • Eligibility will be based on completion of the relevant training phase
  • The change applies to all exam sittings from February 2027

What's changing?

From 2027: 

  • trainees who successfully complete the Foundation Phase of Basic Training may be eligible to attempt the DWE for the first time
  • trainees who successfully complete the DWE and the Consolidation Phase of training may be eligible to attempt the DCE for the first time
  • trainees who are awaiting progression decisions will have their eligibility assessed based on demonstrated completion of phase requirements, including ‘progressing’ recommendations

The February and October 2027 sittings are the first DWE administrations under the revised eligibility criteria. 

What's not changing? 

  • exam standards
  • a maximum of 4 DWE attempts
  • existing DCE eligibility requirements of DWE and certified training time completion

Purpose of the change 

The change aims to:

  • provide greater flexibility in training and exam planning
  • align exam eligibility with demonstrated progression
  • support trainees with different training pathways and personal circumstances

The change is not intended to accelerate training or create an expectation that trainees should attempt exams earlier.  

Support for trainees and training settings 

We're implementing several measures to support this change:

  • clear communication to trainees emphasising that earlier DWE sitting is optional and should be based on readiness
  • expanded learning resources, including access to previously used DWE items to support self-directed learning and familiarity with exam standards
  • ongoing monitoring and information gathering to understand sitting patterns and support capacity planning.

Training settings are encouraged to support trainees in assessing readiness.

FAQs 

Who does this change apply to? 

This change applies to trainees who have not yet attempted the DWE and DCE. The revised eligibility requirements will take effect for applications to DWE and DCE in 2027.  

Do I have to sit the DWE in the Consolidation Phase? 

No. This change is optional, not expected. You can still choose to attempt the DWE later in training in the Completion Phase, based on your readiness, personal circumstances, and local education supports.

What is the earliest I could sit the DWE?

You may be eligible to attempt the DWE after successfully completing the Foundation Phase of training. This means your earliest possible sitting would usually be early in the Consolidation Phase, depending on progression decisions and timing. 

Does sitting earlier give me any advantage?

No advantage or disadvantage is built into the exam timing:

  • the standard required to pass the DWE is unchanged
  • your result is not adjusted based on when you sit or who else is sitting
  • sitting earlier doesn't change the number of attempts you have available

The decision should be based on readiness, not speed.

I completed the Foundation Phase in 2025. Can I sit the October 2026 DWE?

No. While this is not a mandatory change in exam timing for trainees, it is a moderate to high-impact change for training settings to incorporate this increased flexibility for trainees into their rostering and education programs and to adjust College operational systems.

Although trainees who started Basic Training in 2025 are likely to have completed the new eligibility requirements in time to attempt the October 2026 DWE, the change will not take effect until applications open for the February 2027 DWE. This timing mitigates disruption to training settings during their 2026 rostering and education cycles, in accordance with the RACP change management policy.

 

How long does DWE preparation usually take? 

Trainee feedback indicates preparation typically requires:

  • 12 months, with at least 6 months of concentrated study
  • consistent weekly preparation

This is an important consideration when deciding when to sit. 

What if my training setting prepares trainees for the DWE later? 

Education programs vary between settings. If you're considering an earlier attempt: 

  • find out how teaching, study groups, and exam preparation are organised locally
  • discuss options with your Supervisor and Director of Physician Education (DPE)
  • consider whether self-directed study would be sufficient if local programs don't align with when you wish to attempt the DWE for the first time

What if I’m waiting on a progression decision? 

If you're awaiting a progression decision for a phase of training, eligibility will be based on whether you have demonstrated successful completion of the phase requirements, including ‘progressing’ recommendations in rotation and phase reports. 

Is anything changing about the DCE? 

No. There is no change to the requirements for attempting the DCE. Eligibility is now considered in terms of phase completion rather than time alone. 

To attempt the DCE, you must: 

  • successfully complete the DWE, and 
  • successfully complete the Foundation and Consolidation Phases of training (minimum 24 months certified FTE). 

Are there new study resources? 

Yes. We're expanding exam preparation resources, including: 

  • a curated selection of previously used DWE items, and 
  • guidance on exam format, question style, and expected standard. 

Further information will be released as resources become available. 

Who should I talk to if I’m unsure?

You're encouraged to discuss exam timing with: 

  • your Supervisor
  • your DPE
  • peers and family (where relevant)
  • College guidance and resources to inform your decision

What should I do now?  

  • complete your orientation modules as expected and start familiarising yourself with the College’s learning resources
  • focus on building your knowledge base during the Foundation Phase
  • discuss readiness with your Supervisor and DPE, consult with your peers and family where relevant, and use College resources to guide your decision

Further information 

Guidance and resources are available here:

Additional updates will be provided as the first affected cohort progresses toward eligibility. 

This change is supported by the Written and Clinical Examination Committees, the Basic Training Committees in Australia, the Education Committees in Aotearoa New Zealand, the College Trainees’ Committee, and the College Assessment Committee.

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