What can we learn from the first round of the new format KFP exam report?

Along with exam results, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) provides candidates with a report that includes psychometric information and feedback on the overall performance.  

With valuable retrospective information, such as the most common errors, and a future view on what can be improved, the report can be a useful tool for candidates.   

So, with the change in the KFP exam from short answer to multiple-selection questions, what can we learn from the most recent KFP 2025.2 report?  

Comparing the psychometrics from the 2025.1 and 2025.2 exams (see the table below), candidates scored higher in the 2025.2 KFP exam, with a slightly higher but similar pass rate. With the higher number of candidates sitting the KFP in July 2025, a higher number passed in July compared to January 2025 (refer to table). 

The Cronbach’s Alpha reliability score, used to assess the internal consistency of questionnaires and exams (e.g. is the exam assessing what it was designed to assess) was above 0.7, which is considered good. 

The pass mark or cut-off score was higher for the 2025.2 exam, likely due to use of the modified Angoff standard-setting method to determine the pass mark. 

KFP Psychometrics 2025.1  2025.2  
Format short answer multiple selection question  
Mean score (%)   65.98 70.98 
Standard deviation (%)   7.90 7.60 
Reliability   0.87 0.71 
Pass mark (cut score %)   60.63 64.59 
Pass rate (%)   76.89 79.57 
Number who sat   900 1160 
Number who passed (approx.)   692 923 

Source: RACGP KFP Reports 2025.1 and 2025.2 

So, what does this mean?  

The good news is that the KFP new format is assessing clinical reasoning and decision-making in general practice as it was designed to; and more candidates passed, in that the pass rate was higher. Conversely, it is still a difficult exam and candidates cannot be complacent. Effective, consistent exam preparation is still essential. 

Here are our four key takeaways from the feedback provided in RACGP 2025.2 KFP exam report:  

1. Pay close attention to the key features to formulate a problem representation  

Read the clinical stem thoroughly and then read it again to ensure you have identified all the key features presented. Is it an urban, rural or remote setting? How old is the patient? Who are you in this scenario: a contractor GP, supervisor or practice owner? What are some key features that help define what problem is being presented?  

The KFP exam is designed to assess the clinical reasoning and clinical decision-making needed in Australian general practice, a core competency for all clinicians. When practicing KFP cases, it is important to note or highlight the key features. For example, being a paper exam, underline important key features with your pen to create a clear problem representation.    

2. Select answer options specific to the case and its context 

Read the question carefully to understand what is being asked. It’s a common exam error to answer what you think is being asked, not the actual question. It’s also important to use all the information provided. Don’t cherry-pick or ignore information to fit text-book presentations. The KFP requires analysis of the clinical scenario, with consideration of all clinical information, images or results. The candidate is required to answer focused questions relating to the context of the clinical scenario. Just as in clinical practice, it’s important to give tailored management such as for symptoms or lifestyle advice. Some information may significantly impact answers by influencing investigations needed, or your management. Again, it’s critical to read all the information provided in the stem by noting it or underlining it. Consider all the answers as there will likely be generic options that could distract if you’re not reading carefully. 

3. Check the number of answer options selected to avoid penalties 

There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. However, it is in your interest to select the correct number of answer options for each question (i.e. you must note how many answers are requested as each question could be different).  

Providing too many answers will result in a penalty to the overall exam score (e.g. a 0.35% penalty per additional answer). This could be the difference between pass and fail!   

4. Consider the curriculum and current guidelines 

The RACGP stresses that all KFP cases are designed to assess the core units of the RACGP curriculum and current guidelines, including organisational systems and professional conduct (e.g. medical practice code of conduct), for the provision of safe primary care at Fellowship level. It is vital for candidates to include these in their exam preparation and study plan.   

Medicolegal and ethical dilemmas also may be presented in KFP cases. The RACGP states that these questions are commonly done poorly in the KFP (RACGP 2025.1). These topics will likely continue to be examined in future KFP exams, so review articles from Avant, MDA National, MIGA, MIPS and TEGO to build awareness of medicolegal issues and how to address them if they present in exam questions.   

Summing up the takeaways 

  • Answer questions in the context of the clinical scenario, using all the information provided.  
  • Ensure that the answer options selected are relevant to the key features of the case presentation, including age, gender, comorbidities and other information provided.  
  • Provide only the number of answer options requested; providing additional answers will result in a penalty being applied to the overall score.  
  • Ensure the answers provided are appropriate to, and address the severity and acuity of, illness within the case presentation, as well as the location of the patient encounter.  
  • In-depth knowledge of the curriculum and current clinical guidelines are important because the cases are all developed in line with current guidelines.   

Need help? 

The KFP remains a difficult exam that requires consistent, effective preparation with quality resources and practice questions. For help with your exam preparation, explore our high-quality suite of GP Fellowship exam preparation courses here. 

References:  

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2025). Exam report 2025.1 KFP. East Melbourne, Vic: RACGP 

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Exam report 2025.2 KFP. East Melbourne, Vic: RACGP, 2025.