The RACGP has never previously had a cap on the number times a candidate may attempt the exams. However, RACGP research shows that after six unsuccessful attempts at an exam, candidates become increasingly less likely to pass at all. Permitting unlimited exam attempts has serious implications for patient and community safety.
In addition, other medical colleges across Australia permit only a limited number of exam attempts, with many of them offering candidates only one or two attempts to pass. The RACGP is now more closely aligned with accepted assessment practice, while still offering candidates a number of opportunities for exam success.