Discontinuation of CEQ - frequently asked questions

1. When will the Critical Essay Question (CEQ) examination in its current format be retired?

The Board has determined that the CEQ will be retired from September 2025. The March CEQ examination was last delivery of the CEQ.

2. Why is the CEQ being retired?

The Board’s decision follows the 2023 ACER report, which recommended moving toward a programmatic assessment approach aligned with the RANZCP Curriculum and contemporary best practices.  The ACER report raises concerns about the CEQ’s validity and reliability, highlighting that its essay-based format may not effectively assess the intended competencies. It also notes that the format creates an artificial disadvantage for SIMGs and candidates whose first language is not English, potentially undermining fairness and equity.

3. Will there be a replacement of the CEQ?

A Structured Learning Activity (SLA) focused on the understanding of dimensions of the critical thinking construct within psychiatry will be available on the Learnit platform from September 2025. Completion will be optional until June 2026, after which it will become a mandatory Fellowship requirement.

Further advice will be provided on the structure of this learning activity.

4. What is the long-term replacement for the CEQ?

It is intended that the Critical Reflection Activity (CRA) which will combine structured learning activities alongside group discussion and submission of a group assignment will be introduced as part of redeveloped Formal Education Courses, scheduled for launch in 2028. The CRA will incorporate the interim SLA modules.

Further updates about the development of the CRA will be provided in due course.

5. Will the College provide 12-months’ notice during the transition to SLAs and future CRA replacement?

Completion of the online learning activity will be optional following its introduction in September 2025 but will become a mandatory requirement for Fellowship from June 2026, allowing 12 months notification and transition time following the announcement of the CEQ conclusion.

6. What if I’m unsuccessful in the March 2025 CEQ exam and have completed all other remaining fellowship requirements?

• Trainees ≥ 60 FTE months: Exempt from CEQ; no further requirement or alternative task.
• SIMGs on Partial Comparability Pathway: Exempt from CEQ if they’ve completed 24 months FTE or more on the Partial Comparability Pathway and all other training and assessment requirements.

All exemptions will require committee approval and be considered in the overall context of training trajectory. 

7. What if I haven’t sat the CEQ but will reach 60 FTE months before February 2025?

• If you are successful in the March 2025 MEQ but haven’t completed CEQ exam, you’re exempted from the CEQ requirement.
• If you are unsuccessful in the March 2025 MEQ, you must pass the MEQ by March 2026; you will not need to complete the SLA until it becomes mandatory in June 2026.
• If you are unsuccessful in the March 2026 MEQ (or sit after March 2026), you must complete the SLA once it’s mandatory from June 2026.

8. How do trajectory business rules apply?

Trajectory business rules ensure minimal progression delay for those affected. Exemptions and requirements are tailored to your training trajectory and subject to meet all other fellowship requirements, with relevant committee approval.

9. Will I need to pay any additional fees for the SLA?

No. There are no extra fees associated with completing the SLA beyond your existing training fees. However, fees for the future reformed FECs are not yet determined. When determining any future FEC fee it will consider all components, including the SLA in its final form.

10. How will I access the Structured Learning Activity?

The SLA will be available on the Learnit platform from September 2025. Completion of required modules will automatically update your InTrain profile to record completion of the requirement.

Communication will be sent to all trainees and SIMGs to provide access to SLAs.

11. Who can I contact if I have questions about my individual circumstances?

Please contact the College’s Exams Team at ceq@ranzcp.org.