ACRRM Fellowship Assessment (FACRRM) Format Explained

Overall structure

Two summative exams: an MCQ written paper and the StAMPS structured oral.

Components and structure

The ACRRM Fellowship Assessment (FACRRM) is assessed across the following components:

• MCQ written paper (single-best-answer MCQ) — 125 questions, 180 min. Single-best-answer; 2 typically removed post-psychometrics (scored /123); no negative marking; covers 8 ACRRM domains. Angoff standard-set pass mark.
• StAMPS (viva) — 8 stations, 10 min. Each scenario 10 min (3 examiner questions); each domain scored 0-7. Set in a fictional rural town; ~5 min reading between scenarios.

FACRRM is awarded across multiple summative assessments, each separately priced and assessed.

Structure per the official examination materials: ACRRM source.

Exam format glossary

Key assessment formats used in the ACRRM Fellowship Assessment (FACRRM), defined. Each definition is general and applies across colleges.

Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)

A written item that presents a clinical or factual stem with several answer options, of which one or more are correct, marked automatically against a key.

Single Best Answer (SBA)

A multiple-choice format in which several options are plausible but the candidate must choose the single best answer for the scenario.

Viva voce

A structured oral examination in which examiners question the candidate in real time, assessing reasoning, justification and depth of understanding under pressure.

StAMPS (Structured Assessment using Multiple Patient Scenarios)

A structured oral examination used in rural-generalist training, in which the candidate works through a series of timed patient scenarios with examiners.

What the format means for your preparation

The single most common preparation mistake is studying as if the examination only had an MCQ component. Format-aware preparation looks like this:

• MCQ components reward high question volume and pattern recognition. Read explanations, not just answers, and revisit weak domains with spaced repetition.
• Short answer / SAQ components reward a prioritised, structured response under time pressure. Practise writing complete answers in the available time, not just outlining points.
• Viva or OSCE components reward verbalised structured reasoning. Practise aloud, ideally with feedback, rather than rehearsing silently.
• Practical or image-based components reward repeated exposure under time pressure. Build a routine that includes timed slide or image interpretation.

What separates pass from fail under this format

Across multiple sittings, these failure modes recur:

• MCQ under-preparation: 125 single-best-answer questions over 3 hours demand strong pattern recognition across all 8 ACRRM curriculum domains - high question volume is non-negotiable.
• StAMPS station anxiety: each scenario requires structured problem-solving under observation; practising viva-style responses is essential.
• Gaps in rural-specific presentations: emergency management in resource-limited settings, retrieval medicine, and Indigenous health are all examinable.
• Insufficient breadth across the curriculum - candidates who focus on common GP presentations often fail domains like anaesthesia, surgery, or obstetrics.

How PRIMEX maps to the format

• MCQ bank mapped to all 8 ACRRM curriculum domains with spaced repetition.
• StAMPS viva simulation for each scenario type, with structured feedback on clinical reasoning and communication.
• Curriculum coverage analytics showing which areas need more revision time.

Frequently asked questions