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MEQ
This page contains information about about the Modified Essay Questions Examination (MEQ exam).
About the exam
This exam assesses capacity for critical thinking about clinical practice and the application of clinical knowledge.
It is set at the standard expected at the end of Stage 3.
This exam is a summative assessment and is a requirement of the RANZCP Fellowship Program.
Structure and format
The MEQ exam is a paper-based, hand-written exam completed at a testing centre.
The exam asks you to respond to 4–6 modified essay questions, worth up to 38 marks each (total 125 marks).
You are allowed 150 minutes to complete the exam, including reading time.
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply for the MEQ exam after you have completed 18 months FTE training.
The RANZCP recommends that you take the exam in Stage 3, as it is set at the standard expected at the end of Stage 3.
You should have successfully completed the exam by 60 months FTE training.
Upcoming exam dates
- Tuesday 4 March 2025
- Tuesday 2 September 2025
For more details, please refer to the exam timetable.
How to apply
- Applications open: Friday 13 December 2024 8.30 am (AEDT)
- Applications close: Monday 13 January 2025 5 pm (AEDT)
Please note the College will be closed over the Christmas period with no applications processed during this time.
Applications must be submitted via the "Forms" tab on InTrain
No late applications will be accepted.
For exam day
Contingency planning
All RANZCP examinations have contingency plans in the event of covid or other emergency circumstances. Details of contingencies are published closer to the exam dates.
Support
The College is mindful of the stress associated with examinations and the welfare of trainees and SIMGs. The RANZCP website has information about a variety of supports that may be accessed.
These include discussing issues with your DOT, principal supervisor and the Confidential Member Advice Line.
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 drivers' licence (must be original and unexpired – not a photocopy or digital ID).
Incident report
If an incident occurs during your examination that could affect your performance or the outcome of the examination, 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 published on the Results page on the dates specified in the examination timetable.
Individual result letters are made available via InTrain.
Preparing for the exam
Policies
Policy and procedure - essay examinations (CEQ and MEQ) [PDF; 132 KB]
Contact
