Modified Essay Questions (MEQ) Exam
The Essay-style exam is now two separate exams
The Essay-style exam has been split into two independent examinations:
Both exams will be assessed separately, starting in August 2021.
You will need to pass both exams to progress through the Fellowship pathway.
This page is for candidates wanting to find out about the Modified Essay Questions Examination (MEQ exam).
About the exam
This 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 is a summative assessment and a requirement of the RANZCP Fellowship Program.
Structure and format
The MEQ exam is a paper-based, hand-written exam that you complete at a testing centre.
The 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 can apply for the MEQ exam after you have completed 18 months FTE training.
The RANZCP recommends that you take the MEQ exam in Stage 3.
You should have successfully completed the exam by 60 months FTE training.
Dates
The MEQ exam is offered twice a year.
See the examination timetable for future exam dates.
How to apply
February 2022 MEQ Examination applications have closed.
August examinations will open on 20 May 2022.
For exam day
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).
Incident reports
If an incident occurred during your examination that could have affected 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.
►Incident report form for October MEQ examination
Results
Results are released on the dates specified in the examination timetable.
When released, results are published on the Results, timetables, fees page.
Individual result letters are made available via MyRANZCP.
Preparing for the exam
Past Modified Essay Questions
►Past Modified Essay Questions
Background, advice and tips for the MEQ
Purpose of the MEQ, how questions are prepared and tips for the MEQ – Congress Workshop 2018, Dr Jill Reddan [PDF; 56 KB]
Podcast
►Preparing for the Modified Essay Questions (MEQ) Examination
Resources
►A behind-the-scenes look at the Writtens Examinations [PDF, 635 KB]
Marking guide
The documents below are used by examiners to mark the Modified Essay Questions. They are not used as checklists for candidate responses, but as a useful guide for examiners to follow. There may be times when other correct answers may emerge during the marking process.
►MEQ Instructions to Examiners [PDF; 27 KB]
Policies
For detailed policies, please refer to Essay examinations under Examinations of the 2012 Fellowship Program regulations, policies and procedures.
Contact
meq@ranzcp.org