Failed FRACGP written exam twice — what am I missing in my prep? — Forums

lisa.prepOP

May 27, 2026

I'm a GP registrar currently in my third attempt at the FRACGP written component and honestly feeling pretty defeated. First two attempts I scored around 68% when you need 75% to pass. My study routine has been heavy on reading — Australian MIMS, RACGP Red Book, current guidelines — but clearly something isn't clicking when it comes to applying it under exam conditions.

A colleague suggested I shift more of my prep toward active recall and timed questions rather than just re-reading notes. I've started using a FRACGP practice test bank to simulate the Modified Essay Questions and Key Feature Problems, and I think my clinical reasoning is actually stronger than my scores suggest — I just freeze on the specific wording. Has anyone found a particular study guide approach that helped bridge that gap between knowing the content and performing on the day?

I'm giving myself 14 weeks for this third attempt. Averaging about 2.5 hours of study per night after clinic. Would love to hear from anyone who's been through this, especially if you failed before eventually passing — what actually changed your results?

Sofia R.

May 27, 2026

I was in exactly the same spot — passed on my third attempt after two scores in the high 60s. The thing that genuinely shifted my results was doing timed KFP blocks under real conditions, not just reading answers after. I also joined a small study group of four registrars and we'd talk through our reasoning out loud. That verbal explanation step exposed gaps I didn't know I had. 14 weeks is plenty of time if you stay disciplined with practice questions.

Chris D.

May 28, 2026

Honestly the RACGP exam tips that actually helped me weren't about content at all — they were about format recognition. KFPs especially reward a specific kind of thinking where you identify the single most critical action, not the comprehensive one. I nearly failed because I kept writing thorough answers when they wanted decisive ones. Try getting really familiar with examiner reports from past sittings, they're gold. Also, are you doing full-length practice sessions or just question sets? Full simulation matters a lot for stamina.

rachel_s

May 28, 2026

Two failed attempts before my pass here too — don't give up. The jump from 68% to passing felt huge at the time but looking back it was mostly exam technique, not more content knowledge. You probably know enough already.

Failed FRACGP written exam twice — what am I missing in my prep?

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