RANZCR Clinical Radiology Phase 2 Examination Format Explained
Overall structure
Three written papers (all must pass before OSCER) plus the OSCER station exam.
Components and structure
The RANZCR Clinical Radiology Phase 2 Examination is assessed across the following components:
- Pathology (mixed-format) - 110 questions, 180 min. MCQs 100x1 + SAQs 10x6. Needs >=12 months accredited training.
- Clinical Radiology MCQ (MCQ) - 100 questions, 120 min. 100 MCQs x 1 mark. Needs >=24 months accredited training.
- Case Reporting (mixed-format) - 35 questions, 180 min. Short 20x3 + Medium 10x6 + Long 5x12 (35 cases).
- OSCER (OSCE) - 7 stations, 25 min. Each station ~8-10 cases, two examiners, mapped to 5 domains. Requires all Phase 2 Written passed first.
All three written papers must be passed before sitting the OSCER. Under Policy v1.7 (effective 28 August 2026), candidates awarded a Conditional Pass in Case Reporting may progress to the OSCER but must achieve a PASS outcome in the OSCER station(s) assessing the topic area(s) in which they were identified as performing well below standard; a Conceded Pass for the relevant OSCER station(s) will not meet the condition.
Attempt limits: Policy v1.7 (from 28 August 2026): Pathology, Case Reporting and Radiology MCQ examinations, maximum three attempts each. OSCER, maximum three attempts to meet the overall minimum cut score; a fourth attempt is awarded to candidates who have met the overall minimum cut score but not the minimum cut score for one or more stations. Candidates who have not met the overall minimum cut score after three attempts, or who still miss a station cut score after a fourth attempt, are referred to the Competency Review Panel (CRP).
Exam format glossary
Key assessment formats used in the RANZCR Clinical Radiology Phase 2 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Report writing under time pressure - oral and written reporting stations require structured, concise output that differs from everyday reporting.
- Subspecialty blind spots: neuroradiology, musculoskeletal, and interventional radiology are consistently tested.
- Viva anxiety disrupting structured clinical reasoning in the oral examination stations.
- Inadequate exposure to rare but examinable presentations - systematic case review is essential.
How PRIMEX maps to the format
- Written answer practice with AI feedback mapped to RANZCR Phase 2 reporting expectations.
- Viva simulation to practise structured oral presentation of radiological findings.
- Curriculum-mapped study resources across all radiology subspecialties.
Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the RANZCR Clinical Radiology Phase 2 Examination and practise in the format you will face on exam day.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the format of the RANZCR Clinical Radiology Phase 2 Examination?
Three written papers (all must pass before OSCER) plus the OSCER station exam.
How many components does the RANZCR Clinical Radiology Phase 2 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 RANZCR Clinical Radiology Phase 2 Examination with format-specific practice: MCQ banks, AI-graded SAQ practice, and viva simulation.