Modified Essay Questions exam (MEQ)

About the exam

The MEQ 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.

Exam structure

The MEQ 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 at the time of application.

The College advises you sit the exam during Stage 3 (30–60 FTE months), as it is set at the standard expected at the end of Stage 3. You should aim to sit the exam once you are fully prepared, to maximise your chance of passing on your first attempt.

You should have successfully completed the exam by 60 months FTE training.

Exam dates

The MEQ exam is held twice a year, in March and September.

• Tuesday 3 March 2026
• Tuesday 1 September 2026

For more details, please refer to the exam timetable.

Format

The MEQ exam is transitioning to a computer-based format in 2026.

Exams will continue to run in-person at testing centres across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Candidates sitting the March 2026 exam at metropolitan testing centres will be offered a choice of:

• the paper-based, hand-written exam
• a computer-based exam.

Note: Copy and paste will be disabled for the computer-based MEQ in March 2026. This is to make the exam more equitable for trainees / SIMG who sit the paper-based exam.

Exam sites in rural and regional areas will continue to offer the paper-based exam until March 2026.

From September 2026, the MEQ exam will only be offered in a computer-based format, across all testing centres.

How to apply

• Applications open: Monday 15 December 2025 8.30am (AEDT)
• Applications close: Friday 16 January 2026 5 pm (AEDT)

Applications must be submitted via the "Forms" tab on InTrain. Need help? Applying for exams in InTrain

Note: You will be asked to choose your location and select either the paper-based or computer-based format at the time of application. During the rollout phase of the computer-based MEQ, the online option will only be offered in metropolitan centres. Preference changes can't be made once the application is approved.

No late applications will be accepted.

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 driver licence (must be original and unexpired – not a photocopy or digital ID).

Past papers and study support

The College publishes a range of past papers, videos and post-exam reports to help you prepare for the exam.

Browse past papers and study support materials

Special consideration

You may request special consideration via InTrain for pre-existing medical conditions and the impacts of pregnancy. Supporting documents are required.

Policy Special Consideration [PDF; 121 KB]

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.

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 also sent via email to candidates.

Marking process and timing

View a detailed breakdown of the marking process and timing for the MEQ exam.

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.

Contact

assesshelp@ranzcp.org