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, paediatric basic trainees sit 2 examinations: Divisional Written Examination (Paediatrics & Child Health); Divisional Clinical Examination (Paediatrics & Child Health). Here is how each is put together and how it is passed.

Divisional Written Examination (Paediatrics & Child Health)

When: End of Basic Training: after 24 months FTE or the Consolidation phase (from Feb 2027, first-timers after the Foundation phase).

Papers 1 & 2

170 items over two papers (Clinical Applications 100 · Medical Sciences 70) · 4 options · 5 h 20 + reading

How it is passed: The real exam combines both papers into one 170-item score against a criterion-referenced cut score (historically about 55–65%); the papers are not passed separately.

Divisional Clinical Examination (Paediatrics & Child Health)

When: After passing the DWE and 24 months FTE; once a year in May, with real children and families.

Long and short cases

2 long cases (60 min with child and family, 10 min prep, 25 min discussion) + 4 short cases (2 min stem, 15 min examining and presenting)

How it is passed: The real exam scores each case 1–6 (4 = expected standard) by domain and combines them on a banded grid with compensation, but a candidate below standard on both long cases cannot pass.

What the exams draw on

Adolescent and young adult medicine (2–4% of the paper)
Cardiology (6–7% of the paper)
Clinical sciences: pharmacology and epidemiology (12–14% of the paper)
Emergency medicine (6–7% of the paper)
Endocrinology (6–7% of the paper)
Gastroenterology (6–7% of the paper)
General and community paediatrics (6–7% of the paper)
Genetic and metabolic medicine (6–7% of the paper)
Haematology and oncology (6–7% of the paper)
Immunology and allergy (6–7% of the paper)
Infectious diseases (6–7% of the paper)
Neonatal and perinatal medicine (6–7% of the paper)
Nephrology and urology (6–7% of the paper)
Neurology (6–7% of the paper)
Respiratory and sleep medicine (6–7% of the paper)
Rheumatology and dermatology (3–5% of the paper)

Answers are expected to reflect Australian and New Zealand practice. The references the questions assume include: Therapeutic Guidelines, AMH Children's Dosing Companion and the PBS; Australian Immunisation Handbook and NZ Immunisation Handbook; RCH Melbourne Clinical Practice Guidelines and state paediatric guidelines (e.g. Children's Health Queensland); ASCIA allergy and anaphylaxis action plans; WHO (0–2 years) and CDC (2–18 years) growth charts; developmental milestones; NDIS early childhood approach; State-based mandatory reporting and child protection law; Gillick competence, adolescent consent and HEADSS; RACP Basic Training curriculum (Foundation, Consolidation, Completion phases) and 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

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