With the transition of the Modified Essay Questions (MEQ) exam to an online platform, the College will implement changes to the marking guides from March 2027 to ensure compatibility with the online platform. We recognise that changes to exams can cause uncertainty and anxiety, so the purpose of this communique is to explain this change.

Under the current marking rubric, each MEQ question includes more available marks than its weighted value. For example, in MEQ 2.2 (March 2025), there are 13 possible scoring opportunities (bubbles on the right side), but only 9 marks count towards the total exam score, indicated by (9 marks) in the question stem. The marking guide rubrics were written this way to ensure trainees could demonstrate breadth and depth in their answers. Fewer than 2% of candidates currently score above the question’s maximum weighted value.

To support timely marking with the new online platform and following expert educational advice, the total marks available within each MEQ marking guide will match the weighted value of the question.

That is the total number of scoring opportunities will directly correspond to the question’s mark value. For example, in the MEQ 2.2 (March 2025), the 9-mark question changes to a 13-mark question and therefore all 13 scoring opportunities will count to the weighted value of the question. This will ensure that all marks continue to count and trainees can continue to demonstrate breadth and depth to their answer.  

To adjust for this change, the total number of marks available across the examination will increase from 125 to 150 marks. However, the cut-off mark to pass each question will continue to be set by subject matter experts at the standard of a minimally competent end stage-3 trainee.

Despite the increase in marks available, trainees will still need to score approximately the same number of marks in order to pass. In practice, this will mean that the overall percentage mark of a minimally competent end stage 3 trainee (standard set by experts) will be a lower mark, which is reflective of the increased marks available. The expected knowledge and breadth and depth of answers will remain the same.

This refinement does not alter the examination’s style, content, structure, or the way candidates prepare. The primary adjustment occurs at the back end, where total marks are summed and used in the standard-setting process. Standard setters will take into consideration the marking rubric changes – every mark counts.

Similarly, there will be no changes to marking or calibration processes. Examiners will continue to mark in the same manner, participate in calibration discussions with the question team leader, and apply the same principles for justification and explanation as set out in the RANZCP MEQ policy and procedures. We will monitor this through several checkpoints, including post hoc analysis, to ensure stable and consistent pass rates, taking into account the change in total marks.

Summary of key elements (from March 2027)

Time and structure

• five MEQ questions (unchanged)
• examination duration remains 150 minutes

Standard setting

• standard remains minimally competent end-of-Stage 3 trainee
• cut score continues to be determined with same standard setting method
• standard minus 1 Standard Error of the Mean continues to apply
• only the total summed marks will change.

Marking

• no change to examiner marking practices
• calibration meetings continue as usual
• marks continue to be awarded and recorded using established marking rubrics.

The refined marking framework ensures that marks are awarded in closer alignment with the intended scope and weighting of each question, while maintaining the integrity, fairness, and educational validity of the MEQ examination.

Contact

meq@ranzcp.org