RACP Basic Physician Training Written Examination Format Explained
Overall structure
Two written papers (DWE), then a clinical exam (DCE) of long and short cases.
Components and structure
The RACP Basic Physician Training Written Examination is assessed across the following components:
- DWE Paper 1 (Clinical Applications) (mixed-format) — 100 questions, 190 min. 92 single-best-answer MCQ + 8 EMQ; 1 mark/correct, no negative marking.
- DWE Paper 2 (Medical Sciences) (mixed-format) — 70 questions, 130 min. 66 MCQ + 4 EMQ; 1 mark/correct, no negative marking.
- DCE long cases (long case) — 2 stations, 95 min. 60 min review + 25 min discussion each.
- DCE short cases (short case) — 4 stations, 17 min. 2 min stem + 15 min exam each.
DWE totals 170 questions across two papers. Must pass DWE before sitting DCE. No SAQ/essay/viva component in the DWE.
Attempt limits: DCE max 3 attempts.
Exam format glossary
Key assessment formats used in the RACP Basic Physician Training Written 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.
- Extended Matching Question (EMQ)
- A themed multiple-choice format in which several stems are matched against one longer option list, testing discrimination between related diagnoses or management choices.
- Long case
- A clinical examination in which the candidate independently assesses a real patient, then presents and defends the history, findings and management plan to examiners.
- Short case
- A focused clinical examination of one or more patients that tests examination technique, sign elicitation and interpretation under time 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:
- Insufficient MCQ volume - candidates who pass the BPT Written typically complete thousands of practice questions, developing strong pattern recognition.
- Weak breadth across less-common specialties: rheumatology, haematology, and neurology are commonly underprepared.
- Poor time management in the written paper - structured answers under timed conditions differ from ward-based clinical reasoning.
- Overconfidence from clinical experience without targeted exam preparation.
How PRIMEX maps to the format
- MCQ question bank with spaced repetition mapped to the RACP BPT Written Examination curriculum.
- Performance analytics identifying weak organ-system domains so you can target revision efficiently.
- Curriculum-mapped study notes across all internal medicine domains.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the RACP Basic Physician Training Written Examination and practise in the format you will actually sit.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
What is the format of the RACP Basic Physician Training Written Examination?
Two written papers (DWE), then a clinical exam (DCE) of long and short cases.
How many components does the RACP Basic Physician Training Written Examination have?
The examination has 4 assessed components, examined and weighted as the examining body specifies. The structured breakdown above reflects the official examination materials.
Which component is hardest?
Difficulty varies by candidate. Most fail-tier outcomes trace back to underprepared structured-answer technique or insufficient question practice volume rather than to one specific component.
How should the format change how I prepare?
Match your practice mode to the format. SAQ paper means write structured timed answers; viva or OSCE means rehearse speaking aloud under time pressure; MCQ means build pattern recognition through high-volume practice.
Does PRIMEX cover every component?
PRIMEX covers each component of the RACP Basic Physician Training Written Examination with format-specific practice: MCQ banks, AI-graded SAQ practice, and viva or OSCE simulation as the format requires.