FRANZCOG Examination Format Explained

Overall structure

Two sequential gates: a one-day Written (SAQ + MCQ) and a 12-station structured Oral (from 2026).

Components and structure

The FRANZCOG Examination is assessed across the following components:

• SAQ Part 1 (short-answer (SAQ)) — 6 questions, 120 min. 90 marks. SAQ and MCQ independently passable from 1 Jan 2026.
• SAQ Part 2 (short-answer (SAQ)) — 6 questions, 120 min. 90 marks.
• MCQ (single-best-answer MCQ) — 100 questions, 120 min. 100 marks; computer-based. Up to 3 attempts each component.
• Structured Oral (oral) — 12 stations, 16 min. 4 min reading + 12 min examination per station; 240 marks. Held at ALEC, Melbourne with simulated patients.

Written totals 280 marks (SAQ 180 + MCQ 100). Must pass both SAQ and MCQ for an overall Written pass; resit only the failed component (up to 3 attempts each).

Attempt limits: Up to 3 attempts per Written component.

Structure per the official examination materials: RANZCOG source.

Exam format glossary

Key assessment formats used in the FRANZCOG Examination, 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.

Short Answer Question (SAQ)

A written question that requires a structured free-text response, marked by examiners against a model answer or rubric rather than by machine.

Viva voce

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

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:

• Oral examination anxiety: the FRANZCOG oral requires structured, patient-centred responses that communicate risk clearly - this is a practised skill.
• SAQ answers without clinical prioritisation - examiners want a management approach, not a comprehensive differential list.
• Insufficient coverage of less-common presentations: gynaecological oncology, reproductive medicine, and urogynaecology are reliably tested.
• Neglecting communication and ethics content, which is explicitly assessed in the examination.

How PRIMEX maps to the format

• SAQ practice with AI grading calibrated to RANZCOG examiner expectations.
• Oral examination simulation for structured practice under timed conditions.
• Curriculum-mapped content across obstetrics, gynaecology, and women's health.

Frequently asked questions