COVID testing

Yes. There are no plans to stop the AKT and KFP. We know how important these exams are for you, and we have said from the outset that we will run the exams if it’s safe and compliant with health directives. We have an exemption which allows us to deliver this exam and keep your progression through training on track. This does require us to take all possible COVIDSafe measures. 

Yes, it is safe. We’ve been working with NSW Health since the first cases of COVID were detected in the community to ensure the KFP and AKT exams can run safely. To ensure we remain safe during the exam, we’re happy to announce access to a new, rapid COVID-19 PCR test to make it even safer for candidates at the ICC in Sydney. 

Yes, you will need to have a test prior to entering the ICC. In light of how quickly COVID-19 is spreading in the community, NSW Health has mandated a negative test as a condition of entry to the exam. NSW Health will attend the KFP today to administer this test to all candidates. Results are available in about 20 minutes. 

No. The test will be administered by NSW Health free of charge. 

Yes. Everyone’s circumstances are unique. If you don’t feel safe or able to attend the exam venue, you can withdraw from the exams. Your exam fee can be refunded or applied to next semester, and if you don’t sit any exams this semester, you can suspend your candidacy as well. 

With this added layer of safety, there will be delays while we get everyone tested. In the worst case, we expect these to extend up to three hours. This means you could be onsite today at the ICC for 7-8 hours, including exam time. 

If you test positive, you will be asked to leave the venue immediately and follow all directions from NSW Health. 

Please arrive at your scheduled time. Candidate arrival times are staggered to ensure social distancing while you wait for your COVID-19 test to be administered and processed. Please do not show up earlier than your scheduled arrival time. 

The end of the KFP is likely to be later than expected, possibly as late as 9:30 pm. 

You can bring food, drinks, snacks and any medicines you may need. Once you have been tested you won’t be able to leave the venue. We encourage you to bring a substantial meal – a sandwich or similar – so that you have enough energy for your exam. 

While you are waiting for the exam to start, you’ll have access to your personal items. So you can still read, use your phone or iPad, and so on.  

Yes. You can read more about it on the Roche website.

This test has only just been approved for use in the past 48 hours and we were advised late last night NSW Health would provide it on site today. The RACGP needs to do its part to keep the community safe – including you, your practice colleagues and patients.