Modified Essay Questions (MEQ) Examination
This page contains information about 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 exam is a summative assessment and is a requirement of the RANZCP Fellowship Program.
Structure and format
The MEQ exam is a paper-based, hand-written exam completed 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 are eligible to apply for the MEQ exam after you have completed 18 months FTE training.
The RANZCP recommends that you take the exam in Stage 3, as it is set at the standard expected at the end of Stage 3.
You should have successfully completed the exam by 60 months FTE training.
Exam Dates
- 21 February 2023
- 22 August 2023
For more details, please refer to the exam timetable.
How to apply
Applications for the February 2023 will open on Friday 25 November.
For exam day
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.
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 welfare support line on 1800 941 002 (AUS) or 0800 220 728 (NZ).
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 drivers licence (must be original and unexpired – not a photocopy or digital ID).
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.
►Incident report form – August 2022
A response to your incident report will be included in your result letter.
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]
Examinations 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.
►Modified Essay Questions: Marking Guide [PDF; 140 KB]
Policies
For detailed policies, please refer to Essay examinations under Examinations of the 2012 Fellowship Program regulations, policies and procedures.
Contact
assesshelp@ranzcp.org