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Online marking issue means upcoming KFP will be paper based
The problem was identified during ongoing testing of KFP marking in the lead up to the exam, but the AKT will still be computer based.
The paper-based KFP will go ahead at the same time and venue, with the same content, on 4 February.
An issue that would prevent the RACGP from marking Key Feature Problem (KFP) short-answer questions in its online platform has prompted the college to delay its return to a computer-based format.
Candidates were notified of the change early on Friday morning (20 January), while it has also been confirmed that the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), which made a successful return to computer-based delivery last year, will go ahead as planned.
RACGP Chief Education Officer Rob LoPresti apologised for the late change but said it would allow the exam to proceed for all candidates as scheduled, ensuring their journey to Fellowship is not delayed.
‘We always undertake rigorous testing in the lead up to online exams and respond in the interest of members if an issue is identified at any stage,’ he told newsGP.
‘Part of our established contingency plan is to have a printed exam paper for every candidate at the venues for the AKT and KFP – we won’t proceed with online delivery unless we have full confidence in delivering the exams, their marking and releasing results.
‘As such, we will only bring the KFP back to online delivery when we are sure the platform has addressed all marking fixes.’
The paper-based KFP will still be held at the originally scheduled date and time, while the venue, length and content also remain unchanged. All materials, including pens, will be provided.
Candidates have also been reassured that marks will not be deducted for poor handwriting or spelling, provided the examiners can understand the answers, and dot points are considered acceptable responses.
To assist exam preparation, an additional practice paper – different to the KFP online version – has been made available via PDF, which candidates have been encouraged to print and complete within the specified time to simulate the paper-based exam experience.
While paper back-ups have also been prepared for the AKT in case a separate software issue arises, Mr LoPresti is confident that its delivery will not be impacted.
‘The particular issue identified is limited to marking the KFP short-answer questions,’ he said.
‘We remain ready to deliver the AKT online; testing of the AKT multiple-choice questions has been successful.’
The AKT is set to take place on Friday 3 February, with the KFP scheduled for the following day.
Candidates with additional questions or in need of further support can contact examinations@racgp.org.au or alternatively speak to someone from the RACGP’s member services team on 1800 472 247.
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