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

The FRANZCOG is awarded by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. On the way, O&G registrars sit 2 examinations: FRANZCOG Written Examination; FRANZCOG Oral Examination. Here is how each is put together and how it is passed.

FRANZCOG Written Examination

When: Basic Training, after 46 weeks FTE of approved training.

SAQ Parts 1 & 2

12 short-answer questions in two 2-hour parts (6 SAQs, 90 marks each) · 64% of the total

How it is passed: From 2026 the SAQ and MCQ are separate components and both must be passed; up to three attempts per component.

MCQ

100 single-best-answer questions · 2 hours · 36% of the total

How it is passed: The MCQ component must be passed in its own right, separately from the SAQs.

FRANZCOG Oral Examination

When: After 66 weeks FTE of Basic Training and a written pass.

Structured oral (OSCE)

12 stations · 4 min reading · 12 min each · 20 marks per station

How it is passed: The College does not publish the oral pass standard; examiners score each station across eight domains, including rapport, respect and communication.

What the exams draw on

Antenatal care & screening · Maternal medicine · Fetal medicine & fetal growth · Labour, birth & operative obstetrics · Obstetric emergencies (PPH, shoulder dystocia, eclampsia) · Postnatal care, lactation & perinatal mental health · Early pregnancy, miscarriage & ectopic · General gynaecology & menstrual disorders · Reproductive endocrinology & infertility · Contraception, abortion & sexual health · Urogynaecology & pelvic floor · Gynaecological oncology & cervical screening · Menopause & midlife health · Professionalism, ethics, law & communication.

Answers are expected to reflect Australian and New Zealand practice. The references the questions assume include: RANZCOG College Statements and clinical guidelines; FRANZCOG Digital Curriculum (exams are blueprinted to it); National Cervical Screening Program (HPV-based, self-collection), NIPT and first-trimester combined screening, Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines; SOMANZ hypertension in pregnancy guideline, ADIPS gestational diabetes criteria, anti-D prophylaxis guidelines (National Blood Authority / Lifeblood); Therapeutic Guidelines, PBS, TGA pregnancy categories, Australian Immunisation Handbook; State and territory abortion and consent law; Medicare items; ACSQHC Clinical Care Standards (heavy menstrual bleeding, third and fourth degree perineal tears); Te Whatu Ora and New Zealand guidance for NZ trainees.

Formats change. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and dates on the RANZCOG 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 RANZCOG exams →

Not affiliated with RANZCOG.