Demystifying the FRACGP exam

Abstract

In the initial stages of examination preparation, many candidates for the Fellowship of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) feel overwhelmed by the perceived complexity and magnitude of the impending exam. This article describes an exam workshop for general practice registrars in Western Australia that provides case based and context based (ie. as if in your practice) learning experiences to address this anxiety. It aims to provide FRACGP candidates with a practical approach to exam preparation. One general practice patient case is worked through in stages, and the information obtained is related to the six question types as found in the FRACGP exam. This article will be useful for anyone contemplating sitting the FRACGP exam, general practitioner supervisors, and others involved in the education of general practice registrars.