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Key Feature Problem exam changes on the way
From 2025.2, the RACGP exam will consist of 70 scenarios, each with a multiple selection question, with short-answer questions to be removed.
The RACGP assures candidates that the exam update will not change what is assessed.
An updated RACGP Key Feature Problem (KFP) exam format is on the way, removing the current short-answer questions from July next year.
The RACGP revealed on Wednesday that, from 2025.2, the exam will consist of 70 individual scenarios, each with a multiple selection question.
The update comes in response to candidate feedback and means participants will no longer be required to handwrite responses.
The RACGP has assured candidates that the exam update will not change what is assessed and will continue to assess clinical decision-making and reasoning.
RACGP Censor-in-Chief Dr Tess van Duuren said the change in format allows candidates to focus on the case and their answers, rather than how they phrase those answers.
‘We will continue to assess the same content from the curriculum and syllabus as well as the application of that knowledge and clinical decision-making related to specific patient scenarios,’ she told newsGP.
‘We’re definitely not thinking about changing the standard in any way, and the case writing team has been tasked with ensuring the level of difficulty is maintained.
‘The questions in the new exam have gone through the same rigorous quality assurance processes in place for the FRACGP assessments.’
Dr van Duuren said the change also gives the RACGP the ability to get exam results out to candidates more quickly, so they can have these results available before enrolling in the Clinical Competency Exam (CCE).
Under the changes, the paper’s bubble answer sheet is similar to that used for the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT).
The exam will still be four hours in duration and delivered in the same locations as the current exams.
The format change will also allow candidates to focus on the case and their answers, rather than how they phrase those answers, Dr van Duuren said.
‘One advantage of this format is that it allows candidates to focus on the question and not worry about grammar, handwriting or spelling,’ she said.
‘While we don’t penalise anyone for making spelling mistakes, we understand that some candidates worry that this could be the case.’
For those candidates sitting the 2025.2 KFP exam, the RACGP says there will be a practice paper provided to all those enrolled, to be delivered in the period after close of enrolments.
For more information and exam preparation resources, visit the RACGP website.
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