RACGP Fellowship Examination (FRACGP) Format Explained

Overall structure

Three components (AKT, KFP, CCE), all must be passed; pass AKT and KFP before attempting the CCE.

Components and structure

The RACGP Fellowship Examination (FRACGP) is assessed across the following components:

• Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) (single-best-answer MCQ) - 150 questions, 240 min. Single-best-answer MCQs; no negative marking; equal weighting 1/150.
• Key Feature Problem (KFP) (mixed-format) - 70 questions, 240 min. Multiple-selection questions; 0.35% penalty per extra bubble.
• Clinical Competency Exam (CCE) (OSCE) - 9 stations. 4 examiner case discussions + 5 role-player encounters; 3 marking domains. Pass AKT and KFP first.

Must pass both AKT and KFP before attempting the CCE. CCE replaced the former OSCE/RCE in 2021.

Structure per the official examination materials: RACGP source.

Exam format glossary

Key assessment formats used in the RACGP Fellowship Examination (FRACGP), 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.

Key Feature Problem (KFP)

A short clinical case that tests only the critical decision points, or key features, of diagnosis and management, rewarding clinical judgement over recall.

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

A circuit of timed stations, using real or simulated patients, that assesses clinical, procedural and communication skills against a standardised marking scheme.

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

Examiner reports and feedback consistently flag these preparation pitfalls:

• KFP answers that do not address the key feature - the KFP rewards identifying and acting on the single critical decision point, not comprehensive management.
• AKT under-preparation: the MCQ bank for the AKT is broad, and high-volume practice is essential for adequate pattern recognition.
• CCE communication failures - patient-centred communication is explicitly marked and candidates who focus only on clinical content miss these marks.
• Insufficient exposure to breadth: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, mental health, and medico-legal scenarios are reliably tested.

How PRIMEX maps to the format

• AKT MCQ bank with spaced repetition and detailed explanations mapped to the RACGP curriculum.
• KFP practice with AI grading calibrated to RACGP key-feature expectations.
• CCE communication practice structured around the RACGP marking domains.

Frequently asked questions