RANZCR Part 1 Examination Pass Rate 2026 — How Hard Is It?
The headline number
The RANZCR publishes pass-rate data in its RANZCR Part 1 Examination examination reports. PRIMEX updates this page when each report is released. You can access the official data at https://www.ranzcr.com/college/education/examinations.
Trend over recent years
Pass rates for written and clinical specialist examinations in Australia have generally been stable over the past five years, though individual sitting results vary. Factors including cohort size, examination difficulty calibration, and the proportion of first-time versus repeat candidates all influence the result for any given sitting.
For the RANZCR Part 1 Examination specifically, RANZCR adjusts the standard periodically to reflect evolving clinical practice and training requirements. Candidates are assessed against a consistent standard, not ranked against each other. The most reliable source of trend data remains the official RANZCR examination reports.
What separates pass-tier from fail-tier candidates
The RANZCR Part 1 Examination is a MCQ and written examination covering physics, anatomy, and radiological sciences. Across multiple examination sittings, the following patterns distinguish candidates who pass from those who do not:
- Physics underprepared — radiation physics and technology is a high-volume component that requires systematic study, not passive reading.
- Anatomy gaps: radiological anatomy differs from surgical anatomy and must be studied from imaging, not textbooks alone.
- Insufficient MCQ practice; the Part 1 rewards rapid pattern recognition developed through high question volume.
- Leaving physics until last — it requires time to consolidate and cannot be crammed in final weeks.
How PRIMEX helps you cross the pass line
- MCQ bank mapped to the RANZCR Part 1 curriculum including physics, anatomy, and radiological sciences.
- Spaced repetition to consolidate the large content volume of Part 1 systematically over time.
- Progress analytics to surface weak domains before your sitting date.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the RANZCR Part 1 Examination and find out exactly where your preparation stands.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
How long should I study for the RANZCR Part 1 Examination?
Most candidates dedicate 26–52 weeks of structured preparation for the RANZCR Part 1 Examination. The exact duration depends on your prior knowledge base, clinical experience, and available study time per week. Starting earlier generally produces better outcomes than compressing preparation into a short period.
What is the format of the RANZCR Part 1 Examination?
The RANZCR Part 1 covers radiation physics, radiological anatomy, and the sciences underpinning clinical radiology.
What is the pass rate for the RANZCR Part 1 Examination?
The RANZCR publishes pass-rate data in its RANZCR Part 1 Examination examination reports. PRIMEX updates this page when each report is released. You can access the official data at https://www.ranzcr.com/college/education/examinations.
What are the most common failure modes in the RANZCR Part 1 Examination?
- Physics underprepared — radiation physics and technology is a high-volume component that requires systematic study, not passive reading.
- Anatomy gaps: radiological anatomy differs from surgical anatomy and must be studied from imaging, not textbooks alone.
- Insufficient MCQ practice; the Part 1 rewards rapid pattern recognition developed through high question volume.
- Leaving physics until last — it requires time to consolidate and cannot be crammed in final weeks.
What resources does PRIMEX provide for the RANZCR Part 1 Examination?
PRIMEX provides a curriculum-mapped question bank, AI-graded practice, and structured study resources for the RANZCR Part 1 Examination. Start with a 7-day free trial to access the full platform.