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[ Home ](https://mdster.com) 2. [ Neurology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology) 3. RACP RACP Exam Preparation ======================= Royal Australasian College of Physicians Royal Australasian College of Physicians Australia/New Zealand RACP Divisional Examinations assess completion of Basic Physician Training and support progression to Advanced Training in Neurology. These are general physician-training examinations, not a standalone neurology board examination. Qualification as a neurologist additionally requires completion of the relevant Advanced Training program and its assessments. Divisional Written Examination — Adult Internal Medicine Divisional Clinical Examination — Adult Medicine 5,236+ Questions 5,745+ Flashcards About the RACP Exam --------------------- The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Divisional Examinations in Adult Internal Medicine represent the mandatory gateway assessments marking the culmination of Basic Physician Training (BPT). Consisting of a comprehensive Divisional Written Examination and a rigorous Divisional Clinical Examination, passing both components is mandatory to qualify for progression into Advanced Training in specialty disciplines such as Neurology across Australia and New Zealand. ### Eligibility Candidates must be registered RACP Basic Physician Trainees who have completed at least 24 months of certified Basic Training (including prerequisite core medical rotations) to attempt the Written Examination. Successful completion of the Divisional Written Examination and prospective completion of at least 33 months of certified basic training are required to be eligible for the Divisional Clinical Examination. ### Exam Format The assessment is divided into two distinct components: the Divisional Written Examination, comprising two computer-based single-best-answer multiple-choice papers (Paper 1: Medical Sciences and Paper 2: Clinical Applications), and the Divisional Clinical Examination, consisting of two detailed Long Cases (in-depth history, examination, and management discussion) and four Short Cases (focused physical examination and synthesis). ### Duration The Written Examination comprises two separate 3-hour papers administered on a single day (total 6 hours of testing). The Clinical Examination is conducted over a full day or dedicated examination session, featuring two 60-minute Long Case encounters and four 15-minute Short Case stations. ### Passing Criteria The Written Examination utilizes standard-setting methodologies (such as the modified Angoff method) to determine a criterion-referenced passing standard across both papers. The Clinical Examination requires candidates to achieve a minimum overall scaled score and pass a specified threshold of individual cases, including satisfactory performance across both Long and Short case categories. ### Exam Fees Fees are assessed separately per attempt and revised annually; the Divisional Written Examination is approximately AUD $2,200 to $2,500 (or equivalent NZD), while the Divisional Clinical Examination is approximately AUD $3,500 to $4,500 (or equivalent NZD). Candidates should verify current schedule fees on the RACP website. ### Exam Frequency Each exam component is offered once annually. The Divisional Written Examination is typically conducted in February, and the Divisional Clinical Examination is staged between July and September across designated hospital testing centres. ### Registration Process Eligible basic trainees must submit their examination application online through the RACP trainee portal during the dedicated intake window. Registration requires departmental approval, verification of satisfactory Basic Training progression, logbook/workplace-based assessment sign-offs by the Director of Physician Education (DPE), and payment of the examination fees. RACP Key Syllabus Topics -------------------------- Core topics and subject areas covered in the RACP examination ### Neurology and Neurobiology Covers neuroanatomy, localization of central and peripheral lesions, stroke, epilepsy, demyelinating diseases, movement disorders, neuromuscular junction pathology, and neurodegenerative conditions. ~10-15% ### Cardiovascular Medicine Encompasses ischemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, congenital cardiac anomalies in adults, and diagnostic electrocardiography/hemodynamics. ~12-15% ### Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Focuses on obstructive airway diseases, interstitial lung pathologies, pulmonary thromboembolism, pleural disorders, pulmonary hypertension, and non-invasive ventilation. ~10-12% ### Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders Tests pathophysiology and management of hypothalamic-pituitary disorders, thyroid and adrenal diseases, diabetes mellitus, bone and calcium metabolism, and neuroendocrine tumors. ~10-12% ### Nephrology and Fluid-Electrolyte Disorders Includes acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritides, acid-base and electrolyte disturbances, renal replacement therapy, and hypertension. ~8-10% ### Gastroenterology and Hepatology Covers acute and chronic liver failure, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis and portal hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, luminal GI bleeding, and motility disorders. ~8-10% ### Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Covers systemic autoimmune diseases, inflammatory arthritis, vasculitides, connective tissue disorders, primary and secondary immunodeficiencies, and targeted biologic therapies. ~8-10% ### Haematology and Medical Oncology Encompasses anemias, coagulopathies, thrombophilia, hematologic malignancies, solid organ oncology staging, systemic antineoplastic therapeutics, and oncologic emergencies. ~8-10% ### Infectious Diseases Covers central nervous system infections, antimicrobial stewardship, opportunistic infections, HIV medicine, tropical and travel medicine, and hospital-acquired infections. ~6-8% ### Clinical Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Toxicology Addresses pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, adverse drug events, toxicology overdoses, and therapeutic drug monitoring relevant to general internal medicine. ~5-7% ### Medical Sciences, Genetics, and Biostatistics Focuses on molecular biology, patterns of genetic inheritance, study design interpretation, diagnostic test evaluation, and statistical significance in evidence-based medicine. ~5-7% **11** 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 Neurology professionals ### Practice Questions 5,236+ questions across MCQ, SAQ, SOE formats with detailed explanations and references ### Flashcards 5,745+ flashcards for active recall — mark known and unknown cards to focus on weak areas ### 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 Internal Medicine The Divisional Written Examination (DWE) in Adult Internal Medicine is the summative knowledge assessment administered by the RACP to confirm that Basic Physician Trainees have acquired sufficient medical sciences and clinical application competencies to enter Advanced Training. It rigorously evaluates diagnostic reasoning, investigation interpretation, and evidence-based management across all major adult internal medicine disciplines, with substantial coverage of neurology. Passing this examination is mandatory to progress to the Divisional Clinical Examination. Computer-based testing across two papers: Clinical Applications (100 questions comprising 92 single-best-answer MCQs and 8 Extended Matching Questions) and Medical Sciences (70 questions comprising 66 single-best-answer MCQs and 4 Extended Matching Questions). 5 hours and 20 minutes total testing time across two sessions (Clinical Applications: 3 hours plus 10 minutes reading time; Medical Sciences: 2 hours plus 10 minutes reading time, separated by a 1-hour scheduled break). Pass: Criterion-referenced passing standard determined for each sitting by an expert panel using the Modified Angoff method; the composite cut score historically ranges between 60% and 65%. Key Topics Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke Epilepsy and Paroxysmal Neurological Disorders Demyelinating and Neuro-Inflammatory Disorders Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Conditions Neuromuscular Junction and Peripheral Nerve Disorders Headache and Craniofacial Pain Syndromes +2 more ### Divisional Clinical Examination — Adult Medicine The RACP Divisional Clinical Examination in Adult Medicine assesses a trainee's clinical acumen, physical examination technique, diagnostic synthesis, and holistic management planning at the completion of Basic Physician Training. Within neurology, candidates are evaluated on their ability to accurately elicit physical signs, establish neuroanatomical localization, and formulate multidisciplinary care plans for acute and chronic neurological conditions. Bedside clinical examination consisting of 2 Long Cases (history, examination, and presentation) and 4 Short Cases (focused physical examination) Approximately 4 to 5 hours total (Long Cases: 95 minutes each, comprising 60 minutes with patient, 10 minutes preparation, and 25 minutes presentation/discussion; Short Cases: approximately 15 to 17 minutes each) Pass: Criterion-referenced scoring using the RACP Score Combination Grid; candidates are graded on a 1 to 6 scale per case (with 4 representing the competent Basic Training standard) and must meet minimum aggregate band requirements across both long and short cases. Key Topics Cranial Nerve and Brainstem Syndromes Movement Disorders and Parkinsonian Syndromes Myelopathy and Spinal Cord Syndromes Peripheral Neuropathy and Motor Neuron Disease Cerebellar and Ataxic Disorders Chronic Neurovascular and Demyelinating Disease Management +1 more How to Prepare for the RACP ----------------------------- A practical guide to help you plan your RACP preparation effectively ### Recommended Timeline 12 to 18 months of intensive, structured preparation across both Written and Clinical phases, commencing early in Basic Training Year 2 or Year 3. ### Study Tips - Deconstruct previous college examinations and high-yield question banks daily to master single-best-answer reasoning and college question style. - Establish a disciplined study group of 3-4 peers to systematically practice timed 60-minute Long Case interviews and rapid physical examination Short Cases. - Maintain a robust diagnostic approach focused on neuro-anatomical localization when presenting clinical cases, particularly for cranial nerve and limb weakness scenarios. - Integrate basic sciences and physiology with clinical management rather than studying basic sciences as isolated theoretical topics. - Engage regularly with hospital consultants and Advanced Trainees for hospital-bedside mock examinations and constructive presentation critiques. - Focus heavily on synthesised management plans in Long Cases, explicitly addressing functional impact, rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary discharge coordination. ### High-Yield Topics - Neuro-localization (cranial neuropathies, myelopathies, peripheral neuropathies, and motor neuron disease) - Acute stroke syndromes, thrombolysis, and endovascular thrombectomy protocols - Secondary hypertension and endocrine hyperfunction syndromes (e.g., Cushing's, hyperaldosteronism, phaeochromocytoma) - Complex glomerulonephritis diagnosis, renal biopsy indications, and immunosuppressive regimens - Biologic and small-molecule therapies in inflammatory bowel disease and systemic rheumatologic diseases - Management of acute medical emergencies including status epilepticus, myasthenic crisis, and severe sepsis - Interpretation of complex investigations including arterial blood gases, pulmonary function tests, EEGs, and CSF analysis ### Common Pitfalls - Neglecting functional assessment and psychosocial context in Long Case presentations, treating the patient purely as a diagnostic puzzle. - Poor physical examination technique under pressure, such as skipping systematic reflex testing or failing to check sensory levels accurately in neurological cases. - Focusing exclusively on obscure academic trivia rather than mastering core internal medicine guidelines and emergency management. - Inadequate pacing during the Written Examination leading to rushed answers on complex, vignette-based clinical application items. - Failing to transition from written-style theoretical knowledge to concise, fluent verbal communication during clinical examiner questioning. ### Recommended Resources - Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine or Goldman-Cecil Medicine - UpToDate and Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG complete) for Australasian clinical standards - Examination Medicine by Nicholas J. Talley and Simon O'Connor - Clinical Examination by Nicholas J. Talley and Simon O'Connor - Official RACP past papers, sample questions, and candidate examination reports - Neurology: Clinical Cases Uncovered or Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology (reference chapters) Study Pathways ---------------- Choose the pathway that matches your RACP preparation stage ### Neurology Core Pathway Core pathway for Neurology covering foundational exams and initial certification steps. #### What's Included 1,487 MCQ Questions 793 SAQ Questions 2,952 Flashcards 5,232 total study resources #### Exam Coverage RACP Divisional Written Examination — Adult Internal Medicine [ Start Learning ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) ### Neurology Advanced Pathway Advanced pathway for Neurology covering final exams, oral assessments, and advanced clinical evaluations. #### What's Included 1,690 MCQ Questions 1,166 SAQ Questions 100 SOE Questions 2,793 Flashcards 5,749 total study resources #### Exam Coverage RACP Divisional Clinical Examination — Adult Medicine [ Start Learning ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) Last refreshed: October 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 \* AI SOE Examiner is limited to 10 cases monthly for Advanced & Bundle subscribers. ### Neurology Core Pathway Core pathway for Neurology 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 ### Neurology Advanced Pathway Advanced pathway for Neurology 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 ### Neurology Bundle (Core + Advanced) Bundle subscription for Neurology: 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 2024 ### Digital Platform Consolidation for Written Examination Continued refinements to the computer-based testing environment for the Written Examination to ensure standardized delivery across regional testing centres in Australia and New Zealand. 2024 ### Basic Training Curriculum Renewal Alignment Ongoing phased rollout of revised Basic Training curricula emphasizing entrustable professional activities (EPAs) alongside standardized college summative assessments. Candidates should verify specific cohort requirements with RACP. 2025 ### Standardization of Clinical Exam Marking Rubrics Refined calibration and standardized calibration briefings for examiners across adult medicine clinical examination sites to ensure parity between hospital networks. 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 Neurology Exams ------------------------- Other examinations in Neurology you may be interested in [ ### ABHS Arab Board of Health Specializations Arab countries ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology/abhs-neurology) [ ### ABN Título de Especialista em Neurologia Brazil ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology/abn) [ ### ABPN American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology USA ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology/abpn-neurology) [ ### AOBNP American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry USA ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology/aobnp-neurology) [ ### DrNB Doctorate National Board in Neurology India ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology/drnb) [ ### EBN European Board of Neurology Europe; international candidates accepted ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology/ebn) Frequently Asked Questions ---------------------------- Everything you need to know about RACP preparation ### Does passing the RACP Divisional Examination make me a certified neurologist? No. The RACP Divisional Examinations assess general internal medicine competence at the conclusion of Basic Physician Training. Passing both the Written and Clinical components allows you to apply for competitive entry into an accredited Neurology Advanced Training program, which entails an additional three years of subspecialty training and assessment. ### What is the structure of the RACP Divisional Written Examination? The Written Examination consists of two separate 3-hour papers administered on the same day in computer-based testing centres. Paper 1 assesses Medical Sciences, focusing on pathophysiology, anatomy, pharmacology, and biostatistics, while Paper 2 tests Clinical Applications, focusing on diagnosis, clinical evaluation, and patient management. ### How is the Divisional Clinical Examination structured? The Clinical Examination comprises two Long Cases and four Short Cases. In each Long Case, candidates spend 60 minutes with an unobserved patient taking a comprehensive history and performing an examination, followed by a 25-minute presentation and discussion with two examiners. Short Cases consist of four 15-minute stations focused on physical examination technique and diagnostic synthesis. ### What is the typical pass mark and scoring methodology? The Written Examination utilizes criterion-referenced scoring established through standard-setting methods, meaning candidates must achieve a predetermined mastery standard rather than competing on a fixed quota. The Clinical Examination requires reaching a minimum overall composite score as well as achieving passing grades across a requisite balance of individual Long and Short cases. ### What are the historical pass rates for the RACP Divisional Examinations? Pass rates vary annually depending on cohort performance and standard setting, but generally hover between 65% and 75% for the Written Examination and approximately 65% to 75% for the Clinical Examination. Because both exams are challenging, structured preparation over many months is essential. ### How many attempts are permitted for the RACP Divisional Examinations? The RACP progression policies define limits on examination attempts and time completion limits for Basic Physician Training. Trainees are typically allowed a maximum number of attempts (historically up to three attempts per exam component) before being required to review training progression with the College. Candidates should verify current progression rules directly with the RACP. ### When during training am I eligible to sit each exam? Trainees are generally eligible to sit the Written Examination in their third year of Basic Training (PREP or renewed curricula), provided they have completed 24 months of certified training. Candidates must pass the Written Examination before proceeding to sit the Clinical Examination in the same calendar year or subsequent years. ### What happens if I pass the Written Examination but fail the Clinical Examination? If you pass the Written Examination, that pass is credited and banked for a defined validity window (usually allowing attempts at the Clinical Examination in subsequent years without having to resit the Written Examination). However, you must pass the Clinical Examination within the College's permitted time limits to complete Basic Training. ### How much does it cost to take the RACP examinations? Exam fees are significant and indexed annually. Currently, candidates should budget approximately AUD/NZD $2,200 to $2,500 for the Divisional Written Examination and approximately AUD/NZD $3,500 to $4,500 for the Divisional Clinical Examination, excluding training registration fees and travel expenses. ### How much preparation time is recommended before sitting the examinations? Most successful candidates commit to approximately 9 to 12 months of structured study for the Written Examination, followed immediately by 4 to 5 months of rigorous hospital-bedside practice and case presentations for the Clinical Examination. Ready to Pass the RACP? ------------------------- Join medical professionals who are preparing for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians with MDster [ Get Started Free ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) No credit card required • Cancel anytime [ MDster home ](/ "MDster home") Master your medical exams with evidence-based learning. 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