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[ Home ](https://mdster.com) 2. [ Internal Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/internal-medicine) 3. RACP RACP Exam Preparation ======================= Royal Australasian College of Physicians Royal Australasian College of Physicians Australia/New Zealand The RACP oversees physician training and examinations for Adult Medicine (Internal Medicine) and Paediatrics & Child Health in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. For Adult Medicine trainees, the Divisional Written Examination and Divisional Clinical Examination are end-of-Basic Training assessments used to determine readiness to progress to Advanced Training and toward Fellowship (FRACP). These examinations evaluate both core knowledge and clinical performance at the expected standard for progression in physician training. Divisional Written Examination (Adult Medicine) Divisional Clinical Examination (Adult Medicine) 3,853+ Questions 3,627+ Flashcards 68+ Podcasts About the RACP Exam --------------------- The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Divisional Examinations assess Adult Medicine trainees at the end of their Basic Training. Passing both the Divisional Written Examination (DWE) and Divisional Clinical Examination (DCE) is a mandatory requirement for progression to Advanced Training and eventual Fellowship (FRACP). ### Eligibility Candidates must be registered Basic Trainees with the RACP, have current medical registration in Australia or New Zealand, and have successfully completed the prerequisite 24-36 months of Basic Training, including all requisite workplace-based assessments. ### Exam Format The DWE is a computer-based exam consisting of two papers featuring Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Extended Matching Questions (EMQs). The DCE is a practical clinical assessment traditionally consisting of two long cases and four short cases, evaluating clinical skills, reasoning, and patient communication. ### Duration The Divisional Written Examination is a full-day event comprising two 3-hour papers. The Divisional Clinical Examination typically takes a half to a full day depending on the specific hospital circuit scheduling. ### Passing Criteria For the DWE, a modified Angoff method is used to set the pass mark, ensuring a consistent standard across cohorts. The DCE requires satisfactory performance across the long and short cases, evaluated globally and via specific marking criteria by trained examiners. ### Exam Fees Approximately AUD 2,200 to 2,400 for the Divisional Written Examination and AUD 3,500 to 3,800 for the Divisional Clinical Examination. Candidates should verify current fees on the official RACP website. ### Exam Frequency The Written Examination is typically held annually in February, with a secondary sitting sometimes available late in the year. The Clinical Examination is generally held between July and August. ### Registration Process Eligible trainees must apply online via the RACP portal during the advertised registration windows. Applications require endorsement from the trainee's Director of Physician Education (DPE) to confirm readiness and completion of prerequisite training requirements. RACP Key Syllabus Topics -------------------------- Core topics and subject areas covered in the RACP examination ### Cardiology Covers ischemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, and hypertension, with a focus on Australian and New Zealand guidelines. ~10-12% ### Respiratory Medicine Includes asthma, COPD, interstitial lung diseases, pulmonary hypertension, sleep medicine, and interpretation of pulmonary function tests. ~8-10% ### Gastroenterology and Hepatology Focuses on inflammatory bowel disease, liver cirrhosis and complications, viral hepatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and functional bowel disorders. ~8-10% ### Neurology Covers stroke management, epilepsy, movement disorders, demyelinating diseases, peripheral neuropathies, and neuro-localization. ~8-10% ### Nephrology Encompasses acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, acid-base disturbances, and electrolyte imbalances. ~8-10% ### Endocrinology Tests knowledge on diabetes mellitus management, thyroid disorders, adrenal and pituitary diseases, and bone mineral metabolism. ~8-10% ### Infectious Diseases Focuses on rational antimicrobial prescribing, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, tropical diseases, and common community and nosocomial infections. ~8-10% ### Hematology Covers anemias, bleeding disorders, thrombophilia, leukemias, lymphomas, and principles of transfusion medicine. ~5-8% ### Oncology and Palliative Care Includes principles of solid tumor management, oncologic emergencies, pain management, and end-of-life care. ~5-8% ### Rheumatology and Immunology Tests knowledge of inflammatory arthritides, systemic autoimmune diseases, vasculitides, and basic clinical immunology. ~5-8% ### Geriatric Medicine Focuses on dementia, delirium, falls, polypharmacy, and the comprehensive geriatric assessment. ~4-6% ### Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Covers pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and clinical toxicology. ~5-8% **12** key topics covered Start Your RACP Preparation Today ----------------------------------- Comprehensive study materials designed to help you pass the RACP with confidence [ Get Started Free ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) No credit card required • 5-day free trial Everything You Need to Pass the RACP -------------------------------------- A complete preparation platform with tools designed for Internal Medicine professionals ### Practice Questions 3,853+ questions across MCQ, SAQ, SOE formats with detailed explanations and references ### Flashcards 3,627+ flashcards for active recall — mark known and unknown cards to focus on weak areas ### Audio Podcasts 68+ 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 RACP Exam Structure --------------------- Our materials cover all parts of the RACP examination ### Divisional Written Examination (Adult Medicine) The Divisional Written Examination (DWE) in Adult Medicine is a high-stakes barrier assessment that evaluates a trainee's readiness to progress from Basic Training to Advanced Training. It thoroughly assesses a candidate's depth and breadth of understanding in fundamental medical sciences and clinical knowledge. Successfully passing this examination is mandatory to progress to the Divisional Clinical Examination and achieve certification. Two written papers consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (A-type MCQs) and Extended Matching Questions (EMQs). Paper 1 focuses on Clinical Applications and Paper 2 covers Medical Sciences. 5 hours total testing time (a 3-hour Clinical Applications paper and a 2-hour Medical Sciences paper), plus 10 minutes of reading time per paper. Pass: The pass mark is criterion-referenced using the Modified Angoff method and stabilized with Rasch modelling. Historically, the passing score ranges between 55% and 65%, with no fixed quota on the number of candidates who can pass. Key Topics General Medicine Cardiology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Haematology Infectious Diseases +1 more ### Divisional Clinical Examination (Adult Medicine) The Divisional Clinical Examination (Adult Medicine) is the capstone clinical assessment for the RACP Basic Training program. It evaluates a trainee's practical clinical skills, physical examination techniques, and interpersonal communication using real adult patients in a hospital setting. This high-stakes exam ensures candidates can safely synthesize complex medical problems and formulate appropriate management plans before progressing to Advanced Training. Face-to-face clinical examination comprising two Long Cases (unobserved patient consultations followed by examiner discussions) and four Short Cases (directly observed physical examinations and discussions). Administered over one full day, consisting of two 85-minute Long Cases (60 minutes unobserved with the patient and 25 minutes of discussion) and four 15-minute Short Cases. Pass: Each case is rated on a 6-point scale by two examiners who determine a consensus score. Candidates pass based on a Score Combination Grid, where Long Case scores determine a performance 'Band' that dictates the minimum Short Case aggregate score required to pass. Key Topics ComplexMedicalHistoryTaking(LongCases) Physical Examination Technique (Short Cases) Clinical Synthesis and Problem Prioritisation Investigation and Management Planning Interpersonal Skills and Illness Impact How to Prepare for the RACP ----------------------------- A practical guide to help you plan your RACP preparation effectively ### Recommended Timeline 9-12 months of structured study for the Written Examination, followed by intensive, daily clinical practice for the Clinical Examination. ### Study Tips - Join a formal study group early, as peer-to-peer teaching is invaluable for maintaining momentum and practicing clinical reasoning. - Familiarize yourself extensively with the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG) and local medical guidelines, as the exam heavily favors regional practices. - For the DWE, practice answering MCQs and EMQs under timed conditions to build stamina for the full-day exam. - For the DCE, practice presenting the long case synthesis strictly within the allowed timeframe to peers and consultants. - Seek out varied clinical exposure across different specialties to ensure a broad foundation for the unpredictability of short cases. - Review previous RACP examination reports, which outline common candidate errors, examiner expectations, and changes in format. ### High-Yield Topics - Management of acute coronary syndromes and heart failure algorithms - Acid-base and complex electrolyte disturbance interpretation - Neurological localization and interpretation of clinical signs - Rational prescribing and interpretation of the eTG for infectious diseases - Diagnostic criteria and management of common systemic autoimmune diseases - Interpretation of complex pulmonary function tests and respiratory physiology ### Common Pitfalls - Over-investigating or providing unsafe management plans in clinical scenarios instead of focusing on fundamental, safe patient care. - Failing to synthesize the long case effectively, presenting a list of issues rather than a cohesive medical and psychosocial formulation. - Running out of time during the DWE due to spending too much time on complex, low-yield questions. - Ignoring basic sciences, statistics, and clinical pharmacology, which consistently feature in the written papers. - Relying on international guidelines (e.g., US or European) when they conflict with established Australian and New Zealand consensus guidelines. ### Recommended Resources - Australian Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG) - Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine - UpToDate (for current clinical reviews) - Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) and Internal Medicine Journal (IMJ) - Talley and O'Connor's Clinical Examination (for the DCE) - RACP Past Examination Reports and officially released sample questions Study Pathways ---------------- Choose the pathway that matches your RACP preparation stage ### Internal Medicine Core Pathway Core pathway for Internal Medicine covering foundational exams and initial certification steps. #### What's Included 1,174 MCQ Questions 686 SAQ Questions 2,266 Flashcards 35 Podcasts 4,161 total study resources #### Exam Coverage RACP Divisional Written Examination (Adult Medicine) [ Start Learning ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) ### Internal Medicine Advanced Pathway Advanced pathway for Internal Medicine covering final exams, oral assessments, and advanced clinical evaluations. #### What's Included 1,083 MCQ Questions 810 SAQ Questions 100 SOE Questions 1,361 Flashcards 33 Podcasts 3,387 total study resources #### Exam Coverage RACP Divisional Clinical Examination (Adult Medicine) [ Start Learning ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) Last refreshed: April 2026 Flexible Pricing Plans ------------------------ Choose the plan that fits your RACP study schedule ### Try Risk-Free for 5 Days Start your free trial today and get full access to all RACP features. **No credit card required**. Cancel anytime. No Commitment! Full platform access All study materials Analytics & tracking Cancel anytime ### Internal Medicine Core Pathway Core pathway for Internal 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 ### Internal Medicine Advanced Pathway Advanced pathway for Internal 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 ### Internal Medicine Bundle (Core + Advanced) Bundle subscription for Internal 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 RACP Updates --------------------- Recent changes and developments for the RACP examination Recent Years ### Transition to Computer-Based Testing The Divisional Written Examination has successfully transitioned to a computer-based delivery model. Candidates should verify current testing software interfaces with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. 2024-2025 ### New Basic Training Curriculum Implementation The RACP is rolling out a new Basic Training curriculum. While the fundamental medical knowledge remains the same, assessment frameworks and eligibility prerequisites are evolving. Candidates should verify their specific cohort requirements with the RACP. Recent Cohorts ### Clinical Exam Format Adjustments Following pandemic-era disruptions, the Divisional Clinical Examination format has stabilized, though local hospital circuits may have varying administrative protocols for long and short cases. Candidates should verify exact structural details with the examining body. Updates are based on publicly available information and may not reflect the very latest changes. Always verify with the official Royal Australasian College of Physicians website. Related Internal Medicine Exams --------------------------------- Other examinations in Internal Medicine you may be interested in [ ### ABIM American Board of Internal Medicine USA ](https://mdster.com/speciality/internal-medicine/abim) [ ### AIM Facharztprüfung Allgemeine Innere Medizin Europe ](https://mdster.com/speciality/internal-medicine/aim) [ ### AOBIM American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine USA ](https://mdster.com/speciality/internal-medicine/aobim) [ ### DNB/DrNB Diplomate of National Board India ](https://mdster.com/speciality/internal-medicine/dnb-drnb) [ ### FCP(SA) Fellowship of the College of Physicians of South Africa South Africa ](https://mdster.com/speciality/internal-medicine/fcp-sa) [ ### FCPS Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan Pakistan ](https://mdster.com/speciality/internal-medicine/fcps-internal-medicine) Frequently Asked Questions ---------------------------- Everything you need to know about RACP preparation What are the eligibility criteria for the RACP Divisional Examinations? To sit the exams, candidates must be registered Basic Trainees with the RACP and have current medical registration in Australia or New Zealand. They must have completed or be on track to complete the required 24 months of Basic Training and have successfully passed all prerequisite workplace-based assessments. Do I need to pass the Written Examination before taking the Clinical Examination? Yes. The Divisional Written Examination (DWE) is a strict prerequisite for the Divisional Clinical Examination (DCE). You must successfully pass the written component before you are eligible to register for and attempt the clinical component. What is the typical pass rate for the RACP Written Examination? The pass rate for the Divisional Written Examination varies slightly each year but typically hovers around 70-75%. The pass mark is determined using a modified Angoff method, meaning it is criterion-referenced rather than norm-referenced. How many times can I attempt the examinations? Trainees generally have a maximum amount of time to complete Basic Training, which inherently limits the number of exam attempts. Typically, candidates have three to four opportunities to pass, but specific limits depend on the trainee's progression rules. Candidates should verify their individual maximum attempts with the RACP. How much does it cost to sit the exams? The examination fees are substantial. The Written Examination costs approximately AUD 2,200 to 2,400, while the Clinical Examination costs approximately AUD 3,500 to 3,800. These fees are subject to annual reviews, so candidates must check the current RACP fee schedule. What happens if I fail the Divisional Clinical Examination? If you fail the Clinical Examination, you are required to retake it in a subsequent sitting. Fortunately, you typically retain your passing status for the Written Examination and do not need to retake the written component, provided you remain within your overall Basic Training time limits. Are past papers provided by the RACP? The RACP does not release full past papers. However, they do provide a limited number of sample questions and comprehensive examination reports that discuss candidate performance and highlight common areas of difficulty. Trainees often rely on study groups and shared resources to practice. How long should I prepare for the RACP exams? Most successful candidates dedicate 9 to 12 months of structured study for the Written Examination, committing 15-20 hours per week. Preparation for the Clinical Examination requires continuous, daily practice on the wards, typically intensifying over the 6 months leading up to the clinical exam date. Specialty reading hub Related Internal Medicine Articles ------------------------------------ Reinforce your RACP preparation with specialty-specific guides, exam strategy articles, and clinical revision insights from the MDster blog. [ Browse all Internal Medicine articles ](https://mdster.com/blog?speciality=internal-medicine) [ ![IBS Subtypes and Diagnosis: Rome IV, IBS-C/D, and Colonoscopy](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/ibs-subtypes-and-diagnosis-rome-iv-ibs-cd-and-colonoscopy.jpg) Medical Education / 7 min read ### IBS Subtypes and Diagnosis: Rome IV, IBS-C/D, and Colonoscopy A focused Internal Medicine review of IBS diagnosis: how to use Rome IV concepts, separate IBS-C from IBS-D and mixed IBS, and decide when colonoscopy is truly indicated. 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