Permissible and non permissible items 

Permissible and non permissible items 

Education > FRACGP exams > Sitting your exams > Permissible and non permissible items
Last updated 16 February 2026

Permissible and 
non permissible items 

Candidates are permitted to bring the following items into the exam room without an approved special arrangement: 

Medicine and medical devices 

  • Medication – if in original pack 
    • EpiPens 
    • inhaler 
    • simple analgesia 
    • prescription medications where doses are required during the exam time 
    • insulin 
  • Diabetes / blood glucose monitoring devices or insulin pumps. You can bring your blood glucose monitor as well as your insulin to help maintain your blood sugar levels. If your phone is required, it must be on flight mode with all sounds disabled and must be placed on your desk in view of the invigilators. 
  • Eye drops 
  • Ear drops 
  • Nasal spray 
  • Hearing aids 

Food and water 

  • A small amount of food such as a muesli bar or lollies. Please note the food must be of a type that creates minimal disruption to other candidates and minimal noise when consumed (no plastic wrappers). Hot food or food with nuts or strong odour is not permitted. Food should be in a clear zip lock bag. Chewing gum (not bubble-gum) is allowed but must be disposed of appropriately. 
  • Still water (not carbonated/sparkling) in up to two (2) clear, colourless plastic bottles – the bottles can’t have any writing on them, labels must be removed, and you should place these bottles on the floor or beside your chair only (not on your desk) during the exam 

Comfort aids 

  • Prescription / reading glasses (can be in case with cleaning cloth) 
  • Lip balm 
  • Period and continence care products – if these don’t fit in your pocket, they should be stored in a small bag to be managed by an invigilator in the room  
  • Tissues – a small pack in their original packaging 
  • Hand towel 
  • Ear plugs – non-electronic earplugs (rubber, foam, plastic etc). If you choose to use earplugs, it’s your responsibility to ensure you can hear any announcements the invigilator makes. 
  • Face mask 
  • Pen grip 
  • Highlighters – maximum two, any colour 
  • Cushion 
  • Clear ruler 
  • Small tube of hand cream 

All items must be reviewed at registration and may not be allowed in the exam if they don’t meet the requirements. Ear plugs and tissues will be provided at all venues. 

Candidates are not permitted to bring the following items into the exam room: 

  • Pens, pencils, or other writing devices or stationery of any kind (other than those on the authorised items list). Pens will be provided in all examinations. 
  • Paper including blank notepaper, notes, books or notebooks 
  • Mobile phones 
  • Watches of any type 
  • Timing or recording devices, calculators, computers, iPads, tablets, organisers or electronic devices of any type 
  • Electronic or active earplugs or headphones or ear muffs
  • Meta Glasses, prescription or non-prescription
  • Non-religious headwear, hats or hooded jackets/jumpers/tops 
  • Any bags or other personal belongings. Your invigilator will advise where to place your belongings. This may be in a dedicated space or within the exam room where they are not to be accessed. 

Check that you don’t have any of these items on you before you start your exam.  

You may be asked to pat yourself down (eg along the arms, legs and waistline) to show that you are not concealing banned items. You may also be asked to turn out your pockets so exam staff can verify that they are empty. 

If you don’t comply with these rules you’ll be investigated in line with the Academic Misconduct Policy. 

Candidates are permitted to have access to items while completing the exam. The list is not exhaustive as candidates can sit the exam remotely from their preferred location.  

  • Pens, blank paper to take notes, food/drinks, mobile phone on silent in case RACGP exam staff needs to be in contact. 

 

  • Medical charts or posters must not be visible or accessible in your background during the exam.  
  • Study material is not permitted. This is a closed book exam.  
  • Recording devices