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[ Home ](https://mdster.com) 2. [ Family Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/family-medicine) 3. FRNZCGP FRNZCGP Exam Preparation ========================== Fellowship of The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners Australia/New Zealand In New Zealand, the RNZCGP’s General Practice Education Programme (GPEP) is the vocational training pathway leading to Fellowship (FRNZCGP) and vocational registration in general practice. RNZCGP states that GPEP Year 1 concludes with both written and clinical examinations, and later stages culminate in a Fellowship assessment visit once clinical, academic, and examination requirements are met. The Fellowship assessment visit is performed in the registrar’s practice and assesses competence through observed consultations, record review, and discussion with an assessor. GPEP Year 1 Written Examination GPEP Year 1 Clinical Examination Fellowship assessment visit 2,926+ Questions 2,345+ Flashcards 73+ Podcasts About the FRNZCGP Exam ------------------------ The Fellowship of The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP) is the culminating qualification of the General Practice Education Programme (GPEP) in New Zealand. Achieving Fellowship signifies that a doctor is fully qualified for vocational registration in general practice. The assessment pathway includes GPEP Year 1 written and clinical examinations, followed by an in-practice Fellowship Assessment Visit at the end of training. ### Eligibility Candidates must be enrolled in the RNZCGP's General Practice Education Programme (GPEP) and hold a current practicing certificate with the Medical Council of New Zealand. The Year 1 exams are taken at the end of the first year of GPEP training. The final Fellowship Assessment Visit requires completion of all prior clinical, academic, and examination milestones across the entire GPEP pathway. ### Exam Format The pathway is multimodal. It includes a GPEP Year 1 Written Examination (objective assessment of clinical knowledge), a GPEP Year 1 Clinical Examination (OSCE-style simulated consultations), and a final Fellowship Assessment Visit (a workplace-based assessment involving observed consultations, record reviews, and structured discussion with an assessor). ### Duration The GPEP Year 1 Written Exam typically takes 3 hours, while the Clinical Exam is a half-day OSCE circuit. The culminating Fellowship Assessment Visit takes 4 to 5 hours within the registrar's own practice setting. ### Passing Criteria Progression requires passing both Year 1 exams, which use criterion-referenced standard-setting to ensure safe practice. The Fellowship Assessment Visit evaluates candidates against the RNZCGP curriculum domains, requiring a demonstration of independent, competent clinical practice. ### Exam Fees Fees vary depending on the GPEP pathway (College-employed vs. practice-employed) and training year. Total training and examination fees generally range from NZD $5,000 to over $10,000 annually. Candidates must verify the exact current fee schedule directly with the RNZCGP. ### Exam Frequency GPEP Year 1 Written and Clinical exams are generally held annually toward the end of the first training year. Fellowship Assessment Visits are scheduled on an individual basis once all program requirements are satisfied. ### Registration Process Candidates register for the GPEP program through the RNZCGP website. Registration for specific examination components is handled internally via the College's training portal once candidates meet the prerequisite milestones for their specific training year. FRNZCGP Key Syllabus Topics ----------------------------- Core topics and subject areas covered in the FRNZCGP examination ### Māori Health and Health Equity Understanding and applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring cultural safety, and taking actionable steps to address health inequities in Aotearoa New Zealand. ~High yield ### Communication and Consultation Skills Patient-centered care, shared decision-making, navigating complex or emotionally charged consultations, and breaking bad news. ~High yield ### Chronic Disease Management Long-term management of common conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and COPD in primary care. ~High yield ### Acute and Emergency Care Triage, assessment, and stabilization of medical emergencies and undifferentiated acute presentations in a general practice setting. ~High yield ### Mental Health and Addiction Assessment, management, and appropriate referral pathways for depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and severe mental illness. ~High yield ### Child and Adolescent Health National immunization schedules, Well Child/Tamariki Ora checks, managing common childhood illnesses, and child safeguarding. ~Moderate ### Women's Health Contraception counseling, menopause management, antenatal and postnatal care, and common gynecological presentations. ~Moderate ### Care of Older People Managing multimorbidity, polypharmacy, dementia, falls prevention, and coordinating palliative and end-of-life care. ~Moderate ### Preventative Health and Screening Implementation of New Zealand's national screening programs (e.g., cervical, breast, bowel), smoking cessation, and lifestyle medicine. ~Moderate ### Professionalism and Ethics Medical ethics, informed consent, privacy legislation (Health Information Privacy Code), and regulatory frameworks specific to New Zealand practice. ~Moderate **10** key topics covered Start Your FRNZCGP Preparation Today -------------------------------------- Comprehensive study materials designed to help you pass the FRNZCGP with confidence [ Get Started Free ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) No credit card required • 5-day free trial Everything You Need to Pass the FRNZCGP ----------------------------------------- A complete preparation platform with tools designed for Family Medicine professionals ### Practice Questions 2,926+ questions across MCQ, SAQ, SOE formats with detailed explanations and references ### Flashcards 2,345+ flashcards for active recall — mark known and unknown cards to focus on weak areas ### Audio Podcasts 73+ audio episodes — learn on the go during commutes, workouts, or ward breaks ### Timed Mock Exams Simulate real exam conditions with timed sessions, customisable question counts, and topic filters ### AI-Powered Q&A Ask follow-up questions on any topic and get instant, contextual answers with references ### Performance Analytics Track your progress, identify weak areas, and monitor your exam readiness with detailed analytics FRNZCGP Exam Structure ------------------------ Our materials cover all parts of the FRNZCGP examination ### GPEP Year 1 Written Examination The GPEP Year 1 Written Examination is a summative objective assessment taken at the conclusion of the first year of the RNZCGP General Practice Education Programme. It thoroughly evaluates a registrar's applied clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and understanding of general practice concepts of care within the New Zealand healthcare context. Multiple-choice questions (MCQ), typically presented in an Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) format with 5 answer options. Typically 3 to 4 hours. Pass: The College uses valid standard-setting methods (such as modified Angoff) to determine the pass mark for each examination cycle, rather than a fixed percentage. A passing grade is mandatory for eventual eligibility for the Fellowship assessment. Key Topics Clinical Expertise Preventive Care and Health Promotion Context of General Practice & Hauora Māori Professionalism and Medicolegal Concepts Scholarship and Critical Thinking ### GPEP Year 1 Clinical Examination The GPEP Year 1 Clinical Examination is a summative Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) that evaluates a registrar's clinical expertise, communication skills, and professionalism in a simulated practice setting. Taken at the end of the first year of the General Practice Education Programme (GPEP), it assesses the practical application of medical knowledge and is a mandatory requirement to progress toward the final FRNZCGP Fellowship assessment. Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) consisting of approximately 10 simulated consultation case studies. Approximately 2 to 3 hours (comprising 10 clinical stations, typically lasting 10-15 minutes each plus reading time). Pass: Pass/Fail. Candidates must achieve a clear pass to be eligible for the Fellowship assessment, with up to three standard attempts permitted. Key Topics Clinical Expertise and Diagnostic Reasoning Communication Skills Patient-Centred Care and Cultural Safety Acute and Chronic Disease Management Professionalism and Ethics Preventative Care and Health Promotion ### Fellowship assessment visit The Fellowship assessment visit is the capstone workplace-based assessment for the FRNZCGP, evaluating a registrar's clinical and professional competence directly within their own general practice environment. During the visit, assessors observe live patient consultations, review medical records, and conduct structured discussions to verify that the registrar is ready for independent practice. It serves as the final practical evaluation, ensuring the candidate meets the comprehensive standards required for Fellowship in New Zealand. Workplace-based assessment including direct observation of clinical consultations, medical record reviews, and a structured discussion with the assessor. Four to five hours. Pass: Graded on a competency basis (e.g., Competent or Not Yet Competent) across predefined RNZCGP clinical and professional domains. Key Topics Clinical Consultations Clinical Reasoning and Management Medical Record Keeping Professionalism and Cultural Safety Practice Environment and Systems How to Prepare for the FRNZCGP -------------------------------- A practical guide to help you plan your FRNZCGP preparation effectively ### Recommended Timeline 6-12 months of structured study for the Year 1 exams, paired with continuous workplace-based learning over the 3-year GPEP program for the Fellowship Assessment Visit. ### Study Tips - Form a study group with fellow GPEP registrars to practice clinical scenarios and OSCE stations for the Clinical Exam. - Regularly review Best Practice Advocacy Centre New Zealand (BPAC NZ) guidelines, as they are central to NZ primary care. - Map your everyday patient consultations to the RNZCGP curriculum to ensure you are covering all learning domains practically. - Familiarize yourself with local HealthPathways, as examiners expect management plans to reflect standard New Zealand systems. - For the Fellowship Assessment Visit, conduct regular audits of your clinical notes to ensure they meet standard documentation criteria well before the visit. - Practice timed written questions to build stamina and time management skills for the Year 1 Written Exam. ### High-Yield Topics - Cultural safety and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in clinical practice - Cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid management - Type 2 Diabetes management and prescribing guidelines - Management of mental health conditions in primary care - Common pediatric acute presentations (e.g., bronchiolitis, otitis media) - Safe prescribing practices and the New Zealand Formulary - National immunization and screening schedules ### Common Pitfalls - Focusing exclusively on medical knowledge while neglecting communication and empathy skills during the Clinical Exam. - Poor time management during the GPEP Year 1 Written Examination, leaving questions unanswered. - Failing to maintain comprehensive, legally compliant clinical records, which heavily penalizes candidates during the Fellowship Assessment Visit. - Relying on international guidelines instead of New Zealand-specific guidelines (like BPAC or Ministry of Health). - Underestimating the importance of cultural safety and health equity concepts throughout all assessment stages. ### Recommended Resources - RNZCGP Curriculum for General Practice - Best Practice Advocacy Centre New Zealand (BPAC NZ) publications - The New Zealand Formulary (NZF and NZFC) - Local HealthPathways - Ministry of Health Guidelines (e.g., Immunisation Handbook, Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment) - DermNet NZ (for dermatology presentations) Study Pathways ---------------- Choose the pathway that matches your FRNZCGP preparation stage ### Family Medicine Core Pathway Core pathway for Family Medicine covering foundational exams and initial certification steps. #### What's Included 738 MCQ Questions 500 SAQ Questions 1,474 Flashcards 39 Podcasts 2,751 total study resources #### Exam Coverage FRNZCGP GPEP Year 1 Written Examination [ Start Learning ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) ### Family Medicine Advanced Pathway Advanced pathway for Family Medicine covering final exams, oral assessments, and advanced clinical evaluations. #### What's Included 856 MCQ Questions 722 SAQ Questions 110 SOE Questions 871 Flashcards 34 Podcasts 2,593 total study resources #### Exam Coverage FRNZCGP GPEP Year 1 Clinical Examination FRNZCGP Fellowship assessment visit [ Start Learning ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) Last refreshed: April 2026 Flexible Pricing Plans ------------------------ Choose the plan that fits your FRNZCGP study schedule ### Try Risk-Free for 5 Days Start your free trial today and get full access to all FRNZCGP features. **No credit card required**. Cancel anytime. No Commitment! Full platform access All study materials Analytics & tracking Cancel anytime ### Family Medicine Core Pathway Core pathway for Family Medicine covering foundational exams and initial certification steps. #### Monthly Flexible month-to-month $12.00 /month Cancel anytime Immediate access Save 8% #### 3 Months Popular Great for exam cycles $11.00 /month Billed $33.00 every 3 months Save 8% vs monthly Perfect for exam cycles Save 17% #### 6 Months Maximum savings $10.00 /month Billed $60.00 every 6 months Save 17% vs monthly Best value for serious learners ### Family Medicine Advanced Pathway Advanced pathway for Family Medicine covering final exams, oral assessments, and advanced clinical evaluations. #### Monthly Flexible month-to-month $15.00 /month Cancel anytime Immediate access Save 13% #### 3 Months Popular Great for exam cycles $13.00 /month Billed $39.00 every 3 months Save 13% vs monthly Perfect for exam cycles Save 20% #### 6 Months Maximum savings $12.00 /month Billed $72.00 every 6 months Save 20% vs monthly Best value for serious learners ### Family Medicine Bundle (Core + Advanced) Bundle subscription for Family Medicine: Core + Advanced pathways with all features included. #### Monthly Flexible month-to-month $20.00 /month Cancel anytime Immediate access Save 15% #### 3 Months Popular Great for exam cycles $17.00 /month Billed $51.00 every 3 months Save 15% vs monthly Perfect for exam cycles Save 25% #### 6 Months Maximum savings $15.00 /month Billed $90.00 every 6 months Save 25% vs monthly Best value for serious learners Latest FRNZCGP Updates ------------------------ Recent changes and developments for the FRNZCGP examination 2024-2025 ### GPEP Training Pathway Refinements The College continuously updates the GPEP pathways, including refinements to the College-employed versus practice-employed models. Candidates should verify their specific training structure obligations with the RNZCGP. 2025 ### Enhanced Focus on Health Equity There is a significantly increased emphasis on Māori health, cultural safety, and understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi across all written, clinical, and workplace assessments. Candidates should thoroughly review the latest curriculum documents. 2025 ### Fellowship Assessment Visit Criteria Updates Adjustments to the pre-visit documentation and evidence requirements needed before scheduling the final Fellowship Assessment Visit. Candidates should consult the latest College handbook for specifics. Updates are based on publicly available information and may not reflect the very latest changes. Always verify with the official The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners website. Related Family Medicine Exams ------------------------------- Other examinations in Family Medicine you may be interested in [ ### ABFM American Board of Family Medicine USA ](https://mdster.com/speciality/family-medicine/abfm) [ ### ABHS Arab Board of Health Specializations Middle East / North Africa ](https://mdster.com/speciality/family-medicine/abhs-family-medicine) [ ### AOBFP American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians USA ](https://mdster.com/speciality/family-medicine/aobfp) [ ### CFPC College of Family Physicians of Canada Canada ](https://mdster.com/speciality/family-medicine/cfpc-family-medicine) [ ### FACRRM Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine Australia ](https://mdster.com/speciality/family-medicine/facrrm) [ ### FCFP(SA) Fellowship of the College of Family Physicians of South Africa South Africa ](https://mdster.com/speciality/family-medicine/fcfp-sa) Frequently Asked Questions ---------------------------- Everything you need to know about FRNZCGP preparation What is the FRNZCGP? The FRNZCGP stands for Fellowship of The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. It is the specialist qualification awarded to doctors who have successfully completed the General Practice Education Programme (GPEP), allowing them to hold vocational registration as a General Practitioner in New Zealand. Who is eligible to take the FRNZCGP exams? Doctors must be enrolled in the RNZCGP's General Practice Education Programme (GPEP). The Year 1 written and clinical exams are taken at the end of the first year. The final Fellowship Assessment Visit is conducted only after all clinical, academic, and exam milestones of the 3-year program are met. How long does it take to achieve the FRNZCGP? The standard pathway through the General Practice Education Programme (GPEP) typically takes three years of full-time equivalent training. Part-time training options are available, which will extend the total duration. What happens during the Fellowship Assessment Visit? A College assessor will visit your practice for 4 to 5 hours. During this time, they will observe live patient consultations, review your clinical records, and conduct a structured interview to ensure you meet the competency standards for independent practice. What happens if I fail a GPEP Year 1 exam? Candidates who do not pass the Year 1 Written or Clinical examinations generally have the opportunity to resit them in subsequent cycles. However, this may delay progression to the next stages of GPEP training. Candidates should verify the exact resit policies with the RNZCGP. How much does the FRNZCGP training pathway cost? Costs vary significantly depending on whether you are in the College-employed or practice-employed pathway. Annual training and assessment fees can range from NZD $5,000 to over $10,000. It is highly recommended to check the latest fee schedule on the official RNZCGP website. Is the FRNZCGP recognized in Australia? Yes, under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement, doctors holding vocational registration in New Zealand via the FRNZCGP can often apply for recognition in Australia, typically with the RACGP. Always verify current mutual recognition policies with the relevant medical council. What are the best study resources for the GPEP Year 1 exams? The most crucial resources are New Zealand-specific guidelines. Candidates heavily rely on BPAC NZ, the New Zealand Formulary, regional HealthPathways, and the official RNZCGP Curriculum for General Practice. Can I practice independently before getting my FRNZCGP? During the GPEP training period, you will practice under varying levels of mentorship and supervision. Full, unsupervised independent practice as a vocationally registered GP requires successful completion of the FRNZCGP and registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand. Specialty reading hub Related Family Medicine Articles ---------------------------------- Reinforce your FRNZCGP preparation with specialty-specific guides, exam strategy articles, and clinical revision insights from the MDster blog. [ Browse all Family Medicine articles ](https://mdster.com/blog?speciality=family-medicine) [ ![Anxiety, Depression, and Breathlessness in Severe COPD/Asthma Overlap](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/anxiety-depression-and-breathlessness-in-severe-copdasthma-overlap.jpg) Medical Education / 6 min read ### Anxiety, Depression, and Breathlessness in Severe COPD/Asthma Overlap A focused Family Medicine review of anxiety, depression, and dyspnea in severe COPD/asthma overlap, with safer prescribing, breathing retraining, and board-style pitfalls. Apr 06, 2026 Read article ](https://mdster.com/blog/anxiety-depression-and-breathlessness-in-severe-copdasthma-overlap) [ ![American Board of Family Medicine (Family Medicine Certification Longitudinal Assessment): Study Tips for Busy Physicians](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/american-board-of-family-medicine-family-medicine-certification-longitudinal-assessment-st.jpg) Study Tips / 6 min read ### American Board of Family Medicine (Family Medicine Certification Longitudinal Assessment): Study Tips for Busy Physicians Preparing for the ABFM FMCLA is less about marathon cramming and more about a smart quarterly system. Use these practical study tips to stay ahead, learn from feedback, and protect your certification progress. Apr 02, 2026 Read article ](https://mdster.com/blog/american-board-of-family-medicine-family-medicine-certification-longitudinal-assessment-st) [ ![Stimulant Use Disorder Supportive Management in Family Medicine](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/stimulant-use-disorder-supportive-management-in-family-medicine.jpg) Medical Education / 6 min read ### Stimulant Use Disorder Supportive Management in Family Medicine High-yield Family Medicine review of supportive stimulant use disorder care, from cardiac risk counseling to sleep, nutrition, contingency management, and ADHD overlap. Mar 30, 2026 Read article ](https://mdster.com/blog/stimulant-use-disorder-supportive-management-in-family-medicine) Ready to Pass the FRNZCGP? ---------------------------- Join medical professionals who are preparing for the Fellowship of The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners with MDster [ Get Started Free ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) No credit card required • Cancel anytime [ ](/) Master your medical exams with evidence-based learning. 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