FRACP Exam Day: What to Expect and Strategies for Success
The Structure of the Exam Day
The FRACP Adult Medicine Written Examination is held over a single day, divided into two papers:
- Clinical Applications Paper – 100 questions (mostly MCQs, some EMQs), Duration: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Medical Sciences Paper – 70 questions (mostly MCQs, some EMQs), Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
Between these, you’ll have a scheduled lunch break. Each paper is strictly timed, and once the clock starts, there are no extensions for late arrival. For a full breakdown of exam format and question types, see our dedicated guide.
What Happens on the Day
- Arrival and Registration – Candidates are expected to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the scheduled start. Bring multiple forms of ID, your admission slip, and any allowed stationery.
- Exam Environment – You’ll sit in a large hall or computer-based testing room depending on location. Strict invigilation rules apply.
- Pacing the Papers – The Clinical Applications paper leans on vignettes and therapeutics, while Medical Sciences focuses on pathophysiology and pharmacology.
- Breaks and Nutrition – Bring water and a light snack to avoid fatigue in the afternoon session.
Key Strategies for Exam Day Success
1. Time Management
Average ~1.8 minutes per Clinical Applications question and ~1.9 minutes per Medical Sciences question. Don’t get stuck — mark difficult questions and return later.
2. Start With the Familiar
Answer straightforward questions quickly to build momentum and buy time for the more challenging ones.
3. Hall Techniques
- Answer every question — there is no negative marking.
- For EMQs, eliminate wrong options before selecting.
- Watch qualifiers like “always,” “never,” “except.”
4. Maintain Stamina
Sleep well, avoid heavy meals, and moderate caffeine. Hydration and pacing are crucial for maintaining focus.
5. Simulate Conditions Early
Practise with realistic timed mock exams to reduce anxiety and boost familiarity with clinical images, ECGs, and laboratory data.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Arriving late and starting flustered.
- Overthinking – trust your first instinct unless there’s clear evidence otherwise.
- Neglecting basics – missing “except” or “most likely” can flip a correct answer into a wrong one.
- Afternoon burnout – pace energy to perform well in the Medical Sciences paper.
Final Thoughts
Success in the FRACP Written Examination isn’t just about knowledge – it’s about execution. By understanding the flow of exam day, arriving well-prepared, and applying smart strategies, you can convert months of revision into exam-day performance.
At PassFRACP.com, we provide candidates with a high-yield, Australasian-focused FRACP question bank designed to mirror the structure and difficulty of the actual exam. Combined with strategies from our FRACP revision methods blog and support like STONZ reimbursement eligibility, you’ll have everything you need to approach exam day with confidence.