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 6 domains. Requires all Phase 2 Written passed first.

All three written papers must be passed before sitting the OSCER.

Structure per the official examination materials: RANZCR source.

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

Across multiple sittings, these failure modes recur:

• 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.

Frequently asked questions