As you prepare for exams, consider ways to maintain your health during this busy time. Adequate sleep, eating well, staying active, and making time for rest and connection will help you study more effectively and perform at your best. Develop a learning plan, set realistic study goals, and discuss your plan with your medical educator if you need guidance. For further advice on exam preparation, see Exam Planning. 

During exams, make your mental health a priority. This not only supports your ability to stay focused and retain information, but more importantly, it safeguards your overall wellbeing and reduces the risk of burnout. Even during the most demanding phases of GP training, remember that you are a person first and a doctor second. This perspective is especially important when facing exam-related stress, performance anxiety, or coping with a result that was not what you hoped for.

If exam stress is impacting your mental health, there are many support options available: 

• Consult your own GP. If you are in an isolated area or having difficulty finding a GP, contact the Doctors’ Health Line (1800 006 888) for assistance. 
• RACGP GP Support Program for free confidential counselling and support 
• The Essential Network (TEN) offer free confidential telehealth counselling and a digital mental health hub 
• Hand-n-Hand Peer Support for peer support and mentoring 
• General Practice Registrars Association (GPRA) for resources, webinars, and exam tips 
• Reach out to your medical educator, supervisor, or RACGP program team for support 
• Seek support from a trusted colleague.

The RACGP runs regular wellbeing webinars, including sessions focused on exam preparation and performance anxiety. Join the RACGP Faculty for GPs in Training for more information.   

The RACGP recommends having a study group to help with case discussion, challenging questions, peer support, and motivation during exams. Out-of-practice workshops are a great place to meet other registrars, develop friendships and find a study group. If you are having difficulty finding a study group, contact your program team, post on the RACGP Faculty for GPs in Training Facebook page or on the GPRA study partner board. 

The RACGP’s Yagila Wadamba Program (meaning ‘learn to heal’) is a support program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GP registrars which runs twice yearly. The program focuses on several key areas of general practice training, including exam preparation. Learning is guided by medical educators as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GP Fellows. If you are preparing to sit your AKT or KFP, you’re encouraged to register. 

The RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Censor offers confidential holistic support to registrars navigating their Fellowship exams. The censor can assist with enrolment, exam preparation, and post-exam support. Support is confidential, tailored to your needs, and available if you feel it’s safe and appropriate. If you would prefer to speak with someone other than the censor for any reason, the RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Faculty 

For more information, please see the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GP in Training Fellowship Exam Support policy.