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 set of Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules will be available on the Learnit platform from 24 October 2025, with a second rollout of modules in November 2025.

Completion of the CTIP modules will be optional until August 2026, after which it will become a mandatory Fellowship requirement.

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 Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules.

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

5. If I have passed the CEQ, will I need to complete any additional or alternative requirements such as the Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules or Critical Reflection Activity (CRA) before Fellowship?

No. Trainees and SIMGs who have previously passed the CEQ are not required to complete any additional or alternative activity or assessment—such as the CTIP or CRA—prior to Fellowship.

6. Will the College provide 12-months’ notice during the transition to the Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules and future CRA replacement?

Completion of the Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules will be optional following its introduction in October 2025, but will become a mandatory requirement for Fellowship from August 2026, allowing 12 months notification and transition time following the announcement of the CEQ conclusion.

7. 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. 

8. 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  Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules until they become mandatory in August 2026.
• If you are unsuccessful in the March 2026 MEQ (or sit after March 2026), you must complete the Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules once they're mandatory from August 2026.

9. 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.

10. If I complete the Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules while they are optional (between October 2025 and August 2026), will I need to complete them again once they become mandatory?

No. Trainees and SIMGs who complete the Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules  during the optional period (October 2025 to August 2026) will not be required to repeat them once they become mandatory.

11. Will I need to pay any additional fees for the CTIP?

No. There are no extra fees associated with completing the CTIP 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 CTIP in its final form.

12. How will I access the Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules?

The modules will be released on LearnIt through a staggered implementation schedule: 

• Friday 24 October 2025 – the first set of modules is released.
• Friday 28 November 2025 – second set of modules is released.

Completion of required modules will automatically update your InTrain profile to record completion of the requirement.

13. If I have completed the CTIP modules, will I be required to complete the Critical Reflection Activity (CRA) when it is introduced in the future?

The CTIP will also form the foundation of the future Critical Reflection Activity (CRA), which will be incorporated into the redeveloped Formal Education Course (FEC), intended for launch in 2028. Therefore, those who have completed the CTIP modules during either the optional or mandatory period will not be required to undertake any future alternative activity or assessment.

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

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