The RACP exams explained: format, timing and how they are passed

The FRACP is awarded by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. On the way, basic physician trainees sit 2 examinations: Divisional Written Examination (Adult Medicine); Divisional Clinical Examination (Adult Medicine). Here is how each is put together and how it is passed.

Divisional Written Examination (Adult Medicine)

When: End of Basic Training: after 24 months FTE certified training (PREP) or the Consolidation phase; from February 2027 first-timers may sit after the Foundation phase. Two sittings a year (October and February)..

Papers 1 and 2

Paper 1 Clinical Applications (100 items, 3 h 10) + Paper 2 Medical Sciences (70 items, 2 h 10) · 4-option SBA plus EMQs · 10 min reading each

How it is passed: One combined score across both papers (170 items) against a Modified Angoff cut score with Rasch equating; no per-paper hurdle and no negative marking.

Divisional Clinical Examination (Adult Medicine)

When: After passing the DWE and completing 24 months FTE or the Consolidation phase; once a year in May–June at accredited hospitals with real patients..

Long and short cases

2 long cases (60 min with the patient, 10 min preparation, 25 min with examiners) + 4 short cases (2 min stem, 15 min examining and presenting) · real patients

How it is passed: Each case is scored 1–6 (4 = expected standard) and the six scores are combined on a banded grid that allows compensation, but a candidate below standard on both long cases cannot pass.

What the exams draw on

Cardiology (5–7% of the paper)
Endocrinology (5–7% of the paper)
Gastroenterology and hepatology (5–7% of the paper)
General medicine (6–8% of the paper)
Genetic and metabolic medicine (3–5% of the paper)
Geriatric medicine (3–5% of the paper)
Haematology (5–7% of the paper)
Immunology and allergy (3–5% of the paper)
Infectious diseases (5–7% of the paper)
Medical oncology (5–7% of the paper)
Nephrology (5–7% of the paper)
Neurology (5–7% of the paper)
Pharmacology, toxicology and addiction (5–7% of the paper)
Respiratory and sleep medicine (5–7% of the paper)
Rheumatology (5–7% of the paper)
Dermatology, obstetric medicine and palliative medicine (2–5% of the paper)

Answers are expected to reflect Australian and New Zealand practice. The references the questions assume include: Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG) and the Australian Medicines Handbook; PBS prescribing rules; Australian Immunisation Handbook; Austroads 'Assessing Fitness to Drive'; Heart Foundation and CSANZ, ADS, KDIGO, COPD-X, ASCIA and eviQ guidance; State capacity and guardianship law; NDIS; My Aged Care; RACP Basic Training curriculum (Foundation, Consolidation and Completion phases; Knowledge Guides).

Formats change. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and dates on the RACP website before you sit.

Where do you stand?

Thirty questions across every area, scored by area with a plain verdict. Free.

Am I ready? Free check →Read a marked sample

Next: Why candidates lose marks in the RACP exams →

Not affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).