Computer-based MEQ exam guide

Computer-based format

• The computer-based MEQ exam is run in person at exam sites in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
• It is conducted on a desktop computer using the risr/assess module on the eAssessment platform.  
• The computer-based MEQ has been rigorously tested, including in a mock pilot exam in November 2025.

Why the College is moving away from the paper-based MEQ

Computer-based delivery offers several advantages for trainees and SIMGs, including improved exam legibility, streamlined marking processes, and faster turnaround times for results. The integrated system will also support online marking and enabling more timely feedback to candidates.

On-the-day process and instructions

Optionally, you can download a printable version of this information MEQ computer-based on-day guide [PDF; 331KB]

Note: Copy and paste will be disabled for the computer-based MEQ in March 2026. This is to make the exam more equitable for trainees / SIMG who sit the paper-based exam.

Registration

Present primary ID for check-in, and sign and confirm you have read the RANZCP Candidate Rules Agreement.

You will be provided with a seating number during registration. The seating number will be your assigned seat in the exam room.

• Turn your phone off and place it in your bag when you enter the exam room.
• At your workstation, you will find scratch paper with your username and password for logging into the exam platform.
• Don’t turn over the scratch paper or use the computer until instructed.
• Check your full name and RANZCP ID on the scratch paper. If there is a mismatch, please raise your hand.
• Place your ID on your desk and keep it there during the exam for invigilators to verify if needed.

Logging in

Wait to be instructed to log in.

1. You should be able to see the exam platform login page on your screen.
2. When instructed, enter your username and password exactly as they are written on the scratch paper.
3. Click Log in.
4. The invigilator will check you are logged in correctly.

Accessing the exam

After logging in, you will need to enter a PIN to start the exam.

• Your invigilator will provide you with the PIN when it is time to start the exam.
• When instructed, enter the PIN and click Take chosen exam.
• Your exam time starts when you enter the PIN.

Time remaining alerts

An orange banner will alert you at 2.5 hours remaining, 1 hour, 30 minutes, 15 minutes and 5 minutes remaining.

Auto-saving

Your responses are auto-saved every 30 seconds.

Check if your work has saved in the Overview column. 

• If the question item number is shaded green, your response has been saved. 
• If the question item number is shaded yellow, alert the invigilator.

If the internet drops out

Exam venues have dual internet providers on separate networks to ensure consistent internet connectivity. If your connection drops out, you can continue to work. Your answers will be stored locally. When connectivity is restored, your responses will be saved to the system.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go back to review questions after I have answered them?

Yes, all questions can be reviewed and revised at any time during the allocated examination time of 150 minutes, provided you have not submitted the exam.

If I have submitted and exited the exam before the allocated exam time, can I log back into the exam? 

No, you will not be able to log back into the exam once you have submitted and exited the exam. A confirmation message will appear when you click FINISH in the top left of the screen. Please check that you have answered all questions before exiting the exam.

How do I know my exam has submitted successfully?

Once you have submitted the exam, you will be taken back to the login screen. This means the exam has been successfully submitted.

Can I still sit a handwritten MEQ exam in 2026? 

Yes. For the March 2026 MEQ examination, you will have the option to sit either a paper-based or computer-based version of the exam. From September 2026 onwards, the MEQ will be delivered exclusively as a computer-based exam.

Will the computer-based exam be offered in all locations in 2026?

The computer-based MEQ is being introduced in a phased approach to mitigate any potential issues with the platform and ensure immediate IT support, if required. To test these end-to-end processes and ensure certainty for the trainees, the computer-based MEQ exam will only be offered in metropolitan centres.

For the March 2026 MEQ exam, you can choose to complete the exam on a computer in a metropolitan centre, or hand-write the exam at any approved location. At this stage, the September 2026 MEQ will only be able to be delivered in metropolitan centres.

During the next phase of MEQ Online implementation into 2027 and beyond, the CFE will be advocating for the College to establish processes to enable the MEQ online examination to be delivered via other rural medical education or health services facilities.

Contact

assesshelp@ranzcp.org