RANZCR · Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists; Clinical Radiology Phase 1

RANZCR Part 1 / the physics.

Written exam grader for imaging physics and cross-sectional anatomy, spaced-repetition flashcards across all modalities, and sourced study notes mapping all 169 RANZCR curriculum learning objectives. The foundational examination every clinical radiologist must pass.

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Pass rate

~60%

per sitting (Physics + Anatomy papers)

Sittings per year

typically mid and end of year

Format

Physics + Anatomy

Physics: 9 CRQs + 60 MCQs · Anatomy: 120 labels + SAQs + VSAs

Topics covered

153

study notes · 169 LOs

Organising college

RANZCR

Not affiliated with Primex

· Exam domains ·

Two papers. The whole of radiology physics and cross-sectional anatomy.

~35%

Imaging Physics & Equipment

X-ray production, tube design, beam quality, CT (CTDI, DLP, iterative reconstruction), MRI (sequences, k-space, SAR, artefacts), ultrasound (Doppler, transducer design), nuclear medicine (PET, SPECT, gamma camera), mammography, fluoroscopy, contrast agents.

CT dose descriptors · MRI pulse sequences · Ultrasound Doppler · PET-CT · X-ray tube · Vaporiser physics

~25%

Radiation Physics & Dosimetry

Radiation interactions (photoelectric, Compton, pair production), dosimetry quantities (absorbed dose, equivalent dose, effective dose), ALARA principles, diagnostic reference levels, occupational and public dose limits, shielding design, pregnancy and radiation, personal dosimetry.

Photoelectric vs Compton · Sievert vs Gray · ALARA · DRLs · HVL · Dose in pregnancy

~20%

Radiobiology & Radiation Protection

DNA damage (direct/indirect), cell survival curves (LQ model, alpha/beta), 4Rs of radiobiology, stochastic vs deterministic effects, radiation carcinogenesis, tissue reactions (skin, lens, bone marrow dose thresholds), QA programmes, PACS/DICOM, digital imaging.

LQ model · Alpha/beta ratio · Cell cycle sensitivity · DICOM · DQE vs MTF · QA testing

~20%

Cross-Sectional Anatomy

Brain (cortex, deep grey, ventricular system, Circle of Willis), head and neck (temporal bone, neck spaces, salivary glands), spine (vertebral anatomy, spinal cord, nerve roots), thorax (mediastinal divisions, lung segments, hilar anatomy), abdomen/pelvis (liver segments, retroperitoneum, pelvic viscera), musculoskeletal (shoulder, knee, brachial plexus).

Couinaud liver segments · Circle of Willis · Rotator cuff · Knee ligaments · Temporal bone · Mediastinal anatomy

· Feature 01 · SAQ / CRQ Grader

Physics paper feedback at the level of the RANZCR examiner's mark scheme.

The RANZCR Part 1 Physics paper consists of 9 constructed-response questions, each worth 10 marks, plus 60 MCQs. Primex grades your CRQ responses and calls out missing units, incorrect values, and missing mechanistic explanations; all recurring themes in RANZCR examiner reports.

Constructed-response grading across all 9 physics paper topic types
Unit and value checking; HVL, kVp ranges, CTDI, DLP, dose limits, frequency ranges
Distractor explanation for MCQs; why each wrong answer is wrong
Model distinction-pitched answer with specific values for every question

SAQ/CRQ grader interface showing physics exam feedback

· Feature 02 · Flashcards

169 LOs. Spaced repetition for physics and anatomy.

Radiology physics requires both conceptual understanding and precise recall of values. Primex flashcards cover every RANZCR curriculum LO; from Hounsfield unit ranges and MRI relaxation times to the Couinaud liver segments and Circle of Willis anatomy.

Physics cards: HU ranges, CT dose descriptors, MRI sequence parameters, Doppler angles
Anatomy cards: precise anatomical nomenclature, imaging plane identification, regional anatomy sequences
All modalities covered: CR, CT, MRI, US, nuclear medicine, PET, mammography
Custom decks by paper section for focused revision

Flashcard interface showing revealed answer

· Feature 03 · Anatomy Identification Practice

120 image labels. Every body region covered.

The RANZCR Part 1 Anatomy paper includes 120 image labels across 20 questions. Primex's anatomy practice covers all six body regions (Brain 20%, Head/Neck 15%, Spine 10%, Thorax 15%, Abdomen/Pelvis 25%, Limbs 15%) using systematic identification questions that require precise anatomical nomenclature.

All six anatomy body regions in proportion to the exam blueprint
Systematic identification questions requiring precise nomenclature; not colloquial names
Cross-sectional anatomy on CT, MRI, and plain film presentations
VSA-style short-answer practice for the 30 very short answer questions

Anatomy identification practice interface

· Feature 04 · Study Notes

153 topics. Every RANZCR Phase 1 curriculum LO mapped.

Every study note follows a structured format covering physics principles, clinical application, image quality trade-offs, and exam-focus summary. Each note maps to its RANZCR curriculum LO across the 9 curriculum sections.

153 topics covering the full RANZCR Phase 1 curriculum
Physics notes include specific values, equations, and clinical context
Anatomy notes include cross-sectional orientation, key landmarks, and normal variants
Referenced to RANZCR position statements, Australian guidelines, and primary literature

Study note interface showing structured content

· Feature 05 · RANZCR Curriculum Tracker

169 learning objectives. Progress across 9 curriculum sections.

The RANZCR Clinical Radiology Learning Outcomes (Version 1.3, January 2024) define 169 LOs across 9 sections. Primex's curriculum tab maps every LO to the study notes and flashcards that cover it, with section-by-section progress bars.

All 169 RANZCR Phase 1 LOs mapped across 9 sections
Checkbox completion persisted to localStorage
Click any LO to jump directly to the relevant study note
Separate progress tracking for Physics, Radiation Protection, and Anatomy sections

Curriculum tracker with progress indicators

· About this exam ·

The RANZCR Clinical Radiology Part 1 (Phase 1) Examination

The RANZCR Part 1 (Phase 1) examination must be completed before clinical radiology trainees progress to Phase 2 training. It consists of two separate written papers: an Applied Imaging Technology (Physics) Paper and a Cross-Sectional Anatomy Paper. Both papers are three hours and must be passed in the same sitting.

The Physics Paper contains 9 constructed-response questions (10 marks each) and 60 MCQs (1 mark each) for a total of 150 marks. The Anatomy Paper contains 120 image labels (20 questions × 6 labels), 30 very short answers (VSAs), 20 SAQs, and 60 MCQs.

OrganiserRoyal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR)
Physics paper9 CRQs (10 marks each) + 60 MCQs; 3 hours; 150 marks total
Anatomy paper120 image labels + 30 VSAs + 20 SAQs + 60 MCQs; 3 hours
CurriculumRANZCR Clinical Radiology Learning Outcomes Version 1.3 (January 2024); 169 LOs across 9 sections
Training pathwayRadiology SET programme; Part 1 must be passed before Phase 2 clinical training commences
Anatomy scopeSix body regions; Brain 20%, Head/Neck 15%, Spine 10%, Thorax 15%, Abdomen/Pelvis 25%, Limbs 15%

· What you get inside Primex ·

Sourced study notes covering all 153 RANZCR Phase 1 topics
Per-LO focused notes for all 169 RANZCR Phase 1 learning objectives
Curriculum tab with checkboxes and per-section progress bars across 9 sections
Spaced-repetition flashcards across 13 card types, including image-based anatomy spots
Unlimited curriculum-mapped MCQ practice with full option explanations
Cross-sectional anatomy practice across all six body regions

· Official RANZCR resources ·

RANZCR Clinical Radiology Learning Outcomes v1.3 (January 2024)
RANZCR website (ranzcr.com); exam regulations and timetable
Radiopaedia.org anatomy articles for cross-sectional anatomy self-testing

· Pricing ·

Every plan starts with
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✓ One specialist exam (your choice)
✓ Study notes for every curriculum topic
✓ Flashcards with spaced repetition
✓ 10 MCQs per topic (sampler)
✓ Study plan with pace tracking
✗ AI viva simulation & voice mode
✗ MCQ drill mode
✗ SAQ question bank & sessions
✗ Community feed

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7 days free, then $24.99/mo

✓ All 21 specialist exams: SAQ, MCQ, Viva & Voice
✓ Flashcards with spaced repetition & MCQ drill
✓ Study notes for every curriculum topic
✓ SAQ question bank & sessions
✓ Study plan with pace tracking
✓ Community feed

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3 Months

$59.99

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= $19.99/mo · save 20% vs monthly

✓ All 21 specialist exams: SAQ, MCQ, Viva & Voice
✓ Flashcards with spaced repetition & MCQ drill
✓ Study notes for every curriculum topic
✓ SAQ question bank & sessions
✓ Study plan with pace tracking
✓ Save 20% vs monthly

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Best Value

Yearly

$15.00

per month, billed $179.99/yr

= $15/mo · save 40% vs monthly

✓ All 21 specialist exams: SAQ, MCQ, Viva & Voice
✓ Flashcards with spaced repetition & MCQ drill
✓ Study notes for every curriculum topic
✓ SAQ question bank & sessions
✓ Study plan with pace tracking
✓ Save 40% vs monthly plan

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· FAQ ·

Common questions

What are the two papers and how are they structured?

The Part 1 exam consists of two separate 3-hour written papers sat on the same day. The Physics Paper has 9 constructed-response questions (CRQs) at 10 marks each and 60 MCQs; 150 marks total. The Anatomy Paper has 120 image labels (20 questions × 6 labels), 30 VSAs, 20 SAQs, and 60 MCQs. Both papers must be passed in the same sitting.

What modalities are covered in the Physics paper?

The Physics paper covers the full range of imaging modalities: X-ray production and beam quality, computed tomography (CT) including CTDI, DLP, iterative reconstruction, and dose optimisation; MRI physics including sequences, k-space, SAR, and artefacts; ultrasound physics and Doppler; nuclear medicine including PET-CT; mammography; fluoroscopy; digital imaging and PACS; radiation protection and dosimetry; and radiobiology.

How is the Anatomy paper marked?

The Anatomy paper marks each image label answer for precise anatomical terminology; colloquial names and imprecise descriptions lose marks. For the 120 label questions, correct standard anatomical nomenclature is required. VSAs are short precise answers. The 20 SAQs require more detailed descriptions including correct imaging plane and modality identification. Primex anatomy practice covers all six body regions in proportion to the exam blueprint.

What are the most common errors in the Physics paper?

From RANZCR examiner reports: missing units (HVL without cm, dose without mSv/mGy), imprecise definitions of CTDI vs DLP vs effective dose, confusing overbeaming vs overranging in CT, not knowing precise SAR determinants, confusing T1 and T2 relaxation mechanisms, poor understanding of MTF vs DQE, and not knowing specific dose limits (occupational 20 mSv/yr effective dose limit).

Does Primex cover the Anatomy paper identification questions?

Yes. Primex's RANZCR Part 1 section includes anatomy identification practice across all six body regions (Brain, Head/Neck, Spine, Thorax, Abdomen/Pelvis, Limbs) using questions that require precise anatomical nomenclature. Flashcards cover anatomical landmarks, variant anatomy, and cross-sectional orientation on CT, MRI, and plain film. The 153 study notes include dedicated anatomy notes with imaging appearances for each region.

Is RANZCR Part 2 content also available?

Yes. Primex includes RANZCR Part 2 content (158 topics, 2,242 flashcards) covering clinical case reporting and 7-domain vivas. Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly subscriptions include access to all 21 exams on the platform; so Part 1 and Part 2 content are both accessible on a single subscription.

How does the RANZCR curriculum version 1.3 (2024) differ from previous versions?

Version 1.3 (January 2024) includes updated LOs across all 9 sections, with particular attention to digital imaging and PACS (Section 2.4), radiation dose management systems (Section 2.3), and updated contrast agent guidance for gadolinium retention and GBCA macrocyclic vs linear stability (Section 2.2). Primex study notes are aligned to v1.3 and each note displays its specific curriculum LO reference.

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