RCPA · Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia; Haematology Fellowship
RCPA Haem / classify it.
Written exam grader with RCPA examiner-style marking, oral viva simulator covering blood film and bone marrow interpretation, spaced-repetition flashcards, and sourced study notes across all 645 haematology curriculum learning objectives. Built for the precision the RCPA haematology fellowship demands.
Pass rate
~60%
per sitting (combined components)
Sittings per year
1–2
Part I and Part II annually
Format
Written + Practical + Oral
Part I: MCQ + SAQ · Practical: blood film · Part II: extended scenarios · Oral viva
Topics covered
129
study notes · 645 LOs
Organising college
RCPA
Not affiliated with Primex
· Exam domains ·
Four haematology domains.
From marrow to viva room.
From marrow to viva room.
~30%
Malignant Haematology
AML (WHO 2022 classification, cytogenetics, APL as emergency; ATRA same day), ALL, CML (BCR-ABL1, TKI therapy), CLL (FISH panel, del(17p)/TP53 → ibrutinib), lymphomas (Hodgkin, DLBCL; GCB vs ABC, follicular), myeloma (IMWG 2014 criteria, ISS/R-ISS), MDS, MPNs (PV, ET, MF; JAK2/CALR/MPL).
APL emergency · AML WHO 2022 · CLL del(17p) · Myeloma CRAB · DLBCL IPI · JAK2 V617F
~25%
Haemostasis & Coagulation
Coagulation cascade, DIC (ISTH score, fibrinogen consumption), haemophilia A/B (severity classification, factor replacement, bypassing agents), VWD (types 1/2A/2B/2M/2N, DDAVP response, VWF:RCo/Ag ratio), HIT (4T score, PF4/heparin IgG ELISA, serotonin release assay; argatroban), TTP (ADAMTS13 <10%; plasma exchange), thrombophilia (FVL, antiphospholipid syndrome).
HIT 4T score · ADAMTS13 · VWD types · DIC ISTH · APC resistance · Antiphospholipid
~25%
Red Cell Disorders & Transfusion
Iron deficiency vs megaloblastic anaemia, hereditary spherocytosis, G6PD deficiency, haemoglobinopathies (sickle cell, thalassaemia major), autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (warm/cold, direct antiglobulin test), microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (TTP, HUS, DIC, schistocytes). Transfusion medicine: compatibility testing, TRALI, TACO, ABO/RhD blood groups, massive transfusion protocol.
Direct antiglobulin test · Crossmatch · TRALI vs TACO · Schistocytes · Sickle cell · Thalassaemia major
~20%
Laboratory Diagnostics & Transplantation
Flow cytometry (CD markers, immunophenotyping for leukaemia/lymphoma), cytogenetics and FISH (t(15;17), t(8;21), inv(16), Philadelphia chromosome, del(5q)), molecular haematology (PCR, NGS, MRD monitoring), blood film interpretation (blasts vs reactive, toxic granulation, rouleaux), HSCT (allograft, autograft, HLA matching, GvHD; acute Glucksberg grading, chronic NIH scoring, ruxolitinib for steroid-refractory).
Flow cytometry CD markers · FISH t(15;17) · Bone marrow biopsy · Acute GvHD grading · MRD monitoring
· Feature 01 · Written Exam Grader
SAQ and extended scenario marking at RCPA examiner standard.
The RCPA Haematology Part I Written exam combines MCQ (single best answer, 4 options) and SAQs covering basic haematology sciences and laboratory methods. Part II features extended clinical scenarios integrating CBC, blood film, flow cytometry, and cytogenetics. Primex grades your responses against specific numerical thresholds; the kind RCPA examiners note candidates consistently miss (e.g. ADAMTS13 <10% for TTP, blast count ≥20% for AML by WHO).
- Part I MCQ and SAQ grading across all haematology topic areas
- Part II extended scenario feedback; CBC + blood film + cytogenetics integration
- Specific numerical thresholds checked: ADAMTS13 <10%, blast %, Glucksberg grade cut-offs, ISTH DIC score
- Common candidate errors flagged: FAB 30% blast threshold vs WHO 20%, APL as haematological emergency
· Feature 02 · Flashcards
645 LOs. Spaced repetition for the depth haematology requires.
RCPA Haematology requires precise recall of WHO classification criteria, cytogenetic abnormalities, CD marker panels, and specific numerical thresholds. Primex flashcards cover all 645 curriculum LOs with values-first cards; because in haematology, the number is the diagnosis.
- 645 LOs across all haematology domains including malignant haematology, coagulation, red cell disorders, and transplantation
- Classification criteria cards: WHO 2022 AML subtypes, IMWG myeloma criteria, DLBCL GCB/ABC subtypes, FLIPI score
- Cytogenetic cards: t(15;17), t(8;21), inv(16), BCR-ABL1, del(17p), JAK2/CALR/MPL
- Numerical threshold cards: ADAMTS13, ISTH DIC score, Glucksberg grading, Sokal score, 4T HIT score
· Feature 03 · Oral Viva Simulator
Blood film and bone marrow. The full RCPA haematology viva.
The RCPA Haematology Oral examination presents clinical vignettes with laboratory data; CBC, blood film description, coagulation studies, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and molecular results. Primex's viva simulator presents these integrated data sets and probes systematic interpretation, differential diagnosis, confirmatory investigations, and management at the same depth RCPA viva examiners expect.
- Integrated data vignettes: CBC + blood film + coagulation + flow cytometry + cytogenetics presented together
- High-yield scenarios: APL emergency (t(15;17) → ATRA immediately), AML with FLT3/NPM1, CLL with del(17p), HIT (day 5 post-cardiac surgery), TTP vs HUS, myeloma CRAB criteria
- Mechanism probes: "Why does del(17p) predict chemoimmunotherapy failure?", "What is the pathophysiology of TRALI?"
- Management with specific drug names, doses, and monitoring parameters
· Feature 04 · Study Notes
129 topics. Every RCPA haematology curriculum domain mapped.
Every study note follows a structured format covering pathophysiology, classification (WHO 2022 where relevant), laboratory diagnosis, treatment (specific agents and thresholds), and exam focus. Cytogenetic and molecular data are presented in clinical context; linking the mutation to the treatment decision.
- 129 topics covering the full RCPA Haematology curriculum; malignant, coagulation, red cell, transplantation, laboratory
- WHO 2022 classification criteria with numerical thresholds in every relevant note
- Treatment notes: TKIs for CML, ibrutinib/venetoclax for CLL del(17p)/TP53, proteasome inhibitors for myeloma, ATRA for APL
- References to current ASH guidelines, Australian Haematology and Blood Cancer Group (AHBCG) guidelines, and landmark trials
· Feature 05 · RCPA Curriculum Tracker
645 learning objectives. Progress across every haematology domain.
645 LOs is a large curriculum to manage. Primex's curriculum tab organises every LO by haematology domain; malignant, benign, coagulation, transfusion, laboratory, transplantation; with per-domain progress bars so you can see exactly which areas need another pass before the Part I and Part II written exams.
- All 645 RCPA Haematology LOs mapped across domains
- Checkbox completion persisted to localStorage
- Per-domain progress bars showing Part I and Part II coverage
- High-yield LOs flagged: APL emergency management, ADAMTS13 threshold, AML WHO 2022 defining abnormalities that override blast count
· About this exam ·
The RCPA Haematology Fellowship Examination
The RCPA Haematology Fellowship Examination is conducted by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA). It consists of multiple components: Part I Written (MCQ and SAQ covering basic haematology sciences and laboratory methods), a Practical examination (blood film and bone marrow interpretation), a Digital Slide Morphology examination, a Dry Practical, and an Oral (viva) examination.
The Part II Written examination features extended clinical scenarios integrating laboratory findings with diagnosis and management. The Oral examination presents clinical vignettes with CBC, blood film descriptions, coagulation studies, flow cytometry, and cytogenetics for systematic interpretation. RCPA Haematology trainees must demonstrate precise knowledge of WHO 2022 classification criteria, specific numerical thresholds (ADAMTS13, blast counts, 4T scores), and the ability to integrate multi-parameter laboratory data.
- OrganiserRoyal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA)
- Part I WrittenMCQ (single best answer, 4 options) + SAQ; basic haematology sciences and laboratory methods
- Part II WrittenExtended clinical scenarios integrating CBC, blood film, coagulation, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and molecular results
- PracticalBlood film interpretation, bone marrow interpretation, Digital Slide Morphology, Dry Practical
- Oral examClinical vignettes with integrated multi-parameter laboratory data
- Curriculum645 LOs across haematology domains; one of the most LO-intensive curricula in Australian specialty training
· Key resources ·
- Hoffbrand's Essential Haematology (8e); comprehensive haematology reference
- Williams Hematology (10e); advanced reference for malignant haematology
- WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues 2022 (WHO Blue Book, 5e); classification gold standard
- ASH Image Bank and ASH Clinical Practice Guidelines; haematology cases and evidence-based guidelines
- RCPA Haematology curriculum document; available via rcpa.edu.au
- Australian Haematology and Blood Cancer Group (AHBCG) guidelines; Australian treatment protocols
· Pricing ·
Every plan starts with
a 7-day free trial.
a 7-day free trial.
Starter
$9.99
7 days free, then $9.99/mo
- ✓ 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
Monthly
$24.99
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
3 Months
$59.99
7 days free, then $59.99/3mo
= $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
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
Important: Step 2 of 2
After payment, you'll land on a confirmation page. Click the button there to create your account and your subscription links automatically. If you pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay, use the button on that confirmation page before closing it. No email matching needed; it connects via a one-time link.
Free trial on every plan (7 days)
Cancel anytime before trial ends
Not affiliated with RCPA
· FAQ ·
Common questions
The RCPA Haematology examination has multiple components: Part I Written (MCQ + SAQ; basic sciences and laboratory haematology), Part II Written (extended clinical scenarios integrating laboratory data), Practical (blood film and bone marrow interpretation), Digital Slide Morphology, Dry Practical, and an Oral (viva) examination presenting clinical vignettes with CBC, blood film, coagulation, flow cytometry, and cytogenetics.
APL (acute promyelocytic leukaemia, t(15;17)) is a haematological emergency. The single most penalised error in RCPA vivas and written examinations is failing to recognise APL as requiring same-day ATRA. Even before the diagnosis is confirmed by cytogenetics; if the blood film shows hypergranular blasts and the clinical picture is consistent; ATRA must be started immediately due to the risk of DIC and death. ADAMTS13 <10% for TTP diagnosis (sensitivity 96%, specificity 95%) is the second most cited numerical threshold in examiner reports.
The WHO 2022 classification introduced several key changes: AML is now defined at ≥20% blasts (unchanged) but certain AML-defining genetic abnormalities (e.g., NPM1, biallelic CEBPA, t(8;21), inv(16), t(15;17)) qualify as AML at any blast count; RCPA examiner reports consistently note candidates who miss this. CMML-1 blast threshold changed from <10% (WHO 2016) to <5% (WHO 2022). These numerical changes are high-yield for both written and oral components.
The Practical examination presents blood films (peripheral blood films and bone marrow aspirates) for systematic morphological interpretation; identifying cell lineage, maturation, and abnormalities (blasts vs reactive monocytes, toxic granulation, Döhle bodies, rouleaux, spherocytes, schistocytes, target cells, parasites). The Digital Slide Morphology component presents digital images of the same. Primex's viva simulator describes these findings verbally and asks for systematic interpretation; the same cognitive process required at the bench.
The 4T score (Thrombocytopenia, Timing, Thrombosis, and alternative causes) is used to risk-stratify suspected HIT. Score 0–3 (low) → HIT unlikely; 4–5 (intermediate) → send PF4/heparin IgG ELISA and serotonin release assay; 6–8 (high) → high probability, stop heparin immediately, start alternative anticoagulant (argatroban, danaparoid, or fondaparinux). Primex viva scenarios present a patient on day 5 post-cardiac surgery with a 50% platelet drop; exactly the scenario that recurs in RCPA oral examinations.
The Dry Practical component tests coagulation interpretation and laboratory haematology; interpreting mixing studies (for lupus anticoagulant vs factor deficiency), chromogenic factor assays, VWD multimer analysis, and flow cytometry data. It does not involve actual wet laboratory work. Primex covers the interpretive aspects of these tests in study notes and the viva simulator.
Yes. Primex includes RCPA Anatomical Pathology as a separate exam section (131 topics, 237 LOs) covering surgical pathology, IHC panels, tumour grading, and molecular diagnostics. Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly subscriptions include all 21 exams; both RCPA Haematology and RCPA Anatomical Pathology are accessible on a single subscription.
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