Discontinuation of CEQ - frequently asked questions

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

The CEQ was retired in September 2025. The March 2025 CEQ examination was last delivery of the CEQ.

2. Why was the CEQ retired?

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

3. Is there a replacement for the CEQ?

In the short-term, a set of Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules has been developed. From August 2026, completion of these modules is a requirement of Fellowship.

The modules are available on the Learnit platform.

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

In the long term, the College is looking at developing a Critical Reflection Activity (CRA) which will combine structured learning activities alongside group discussion and submission of a group assignment. It’s scheduled for launch in 2028. 

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 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 any future plans?

Completion of the Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules was optional until August 2026, allowing 12 months notification and transition time.

7. What if I was 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 were successful in the March 2025 MEQ but haven’t completed CEQ exam, you’re exempt from the CEQ requirement.
• If you were unsuccessful in the March 2025 MEQ, you must pass the MEQ by March 2026. You will need to complete the Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules now that they are a mandatory requirement of Fellowship.
• If you were unsuccessful in the March 2026 MEQ (or sit after March 2026), you must complete the Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules.

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

No.

10. Are there fees for the CTIP?

No. There are no extra fees associated with completing the CTIP beyond your existing training fees.

11. How do I access the Critical Thinking in Psychiatry (CTIP) learning modules?

You can access them via LearnIt and the CTIP page.

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

12. If I have completed the CTIP modules, will I be required to complete any future replacement assessment, such as the proposed CRA?

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.

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

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