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MCQ
This page provides information about the Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Exam.
About the exam
The MCQ Exam is a computer-based multiple-choice test, undertaken at a Pearson VUE testing centre.
It is a summative assessment and a requirement of the RANZCP Fellowship program.
It is set at the standard expected at the end of Stage 3 and covers foundational knowledge in psychiatry sampled from the Stage 1 and Stage 2 syllabuses.
Structure and format
The exam is 190 minutes in duration and comprises:
- 140 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) worth 1 mark each
- Two Critical Analysis Problems (CAPs) worth 40 marks in total.
Eligibility
The RANZCP recommends that trainees take the MCQ Exam in Stage 2 of training.
You may apply for the MCQ Exam after you have completed 6 months FTE training as shown on your Training Record. You should have successfully completed the MCQ Exam by 36 months FTE training (by the end of Stage 2). However, successful completion is not a barrier to entering Stage 3.
You must pass the MCQ Exam to begin a Certificate of Advanced Training.
Dates
- Friday 21 March 2025.
- Friday 19 September 2025.
For more details, please refer to the exam timetable.
How to apply
Applications for the March 2025 MCQ Examination will open on Monday 13 January 2025.
For exam day
Contingency planning
All RANZCP exams have contingency plans in the event of covid or other emergency circumstances. Details of contingencies are published closer to the exam dates.
Proof of identity
On the day of the examination, you must provide a government issued photographic proof of identity (ID) at registration before you will be allowed to sit the exam. The ID must be either a valid passport or driver licence (must be original and unexpired – not a photocopy or digital ID).
Incident report
If an incident occurred during your exam that could have affected your performance or the outcome of the exam, please complete an Incident Report form within 5 working days of taking the exam.
A response to your incident report will be included in your result letter.
Results
Results are released on the dates specified in the exam timetable. When released, the results are available from the Results and timetables page.
Individual result letters are made available via InTrain, under the 'Reports' tab.
Policies
For detailed policies, please refer to MCQ examinations under Examinations of the Fellowship Program regulations, policies and procedures.
Contact
