How to Pass the RACGP CCE: 10 Expert Tips from Australia’s Leading GP Examiners

The RACGP Clinical Competency Exam (CCE) is more than just a test - it's the final barrier between you and Fellowship.

Unlike written exams, the CCE simulates the real work of a GP. Candidates must demonstrate not only knowledge, but also communication, prioritisation, time management, and safe patient-centred care - often under pressure.

In this article, we bring you 10 expert strategies to pass the CCE in 2025 - straight from the team behind PassGP, led by A/Prof George Eskander, Chief Examiner and former National Lead for the RACGP KFP and CCE programs.

1. Understand What the CCE Is Testing

It’s not a clinical viva or a checklist exercise. The CCE assesses whether you are ready to work as an unsupervised GP.

A/Prof Eskander says:

“You’re not marked on perfection - you’re marked on safety, structure, and clinical reasoning. You must be able to justify what you do, even if it’s not textbook.”

2. Know the Format - and Think in Stations

The CCE consists of:

• 9 stations across 2 sittings
• Each station = clinical scenario
• May be observed, unobserved, or hybrid

You’ll encounter:

• History-taking (e.g., fatigue, headache, rash)
• Management & counselling (e.g., STI, anxiety, multimorbidity)
• Ethical & medico-legal dilemmas
• Paediatrics, geriatrics, and cultural sensitivity

Train by station type, not just content.

3. Use a Structured Framework (and Stick to It)

In every case, apply a reliable structure:

1. Greeting + Confirm ID
2. Open-ended enquiry
3. Focused history
4. Red flags + ICE (Ideas, Concerns, Expectations)
5. Differential reasoning
6. Management + safety-net
7. Close with plan + handover

PassGP’s mocks follow this flow - so you build habits that mirror real exam expectations.

4. Don’t Just “Say More” - Say the Right Thing

It’s not about talking non-stop. It’s about targeted communication.

• “Let me check I’ve understood…” → shows empathy
• “Would you be comfortable if I explain your options?” → shared decision-making
• “Let’s plan together how you can manage this…” → planning and ownership

You’re marked on how you think, speak, and adapt in real time.

5. Master the 8-Minute Consult

You have 8 minutes per case. It’s not a full consult - it’s a focused simulation.

Your task:

• Identify the core issue
• Show safe management and reasoning
• Finish on time

PassGP mock stations are time-bound to train your pacing.

6. Prioritise the First 2 Minutes

These are critical.

Examiners form early impressions based on:

• Rapport
• Confidence
• Agenda-setting

A/Prof Eskander notes:

“If a candidate takes control in the first 2 minutes, they’re likely to finish well. If they’re scattered early, the case collapses under time pressure.”

7. Don’t Overinvest in Rare Diagnoses

Most CCE cases are common GP presentations with layers of complexity. It’s not a trick.

Focus your prep on:

• Diabetes, fatigue, cough, contraception, low mood, STIs, skin rashes, etc.
• Age-appropriate red flags
• Clear explanations

💬 8. Practise with Realistic Feedback

Solo study isn’t enough. You need:

• Peer or tutor observation
• Feedback on tone, empathy, clarity
• Repetition of weak stations

PassGP’s 1:1 coaching - led by experienced examiners - includes detailed CCE feedback.

9. Review Your Weak Points Using Real Mock Data

Use practice data to:

• Identify station types you struggle with
• Track time issues
• Refine specific phrases (e.g., consent, safety-netting)

Your PassGP dashboard helps you do exactly this - with detailed analytics across CCE practice sets.

10. Integrate Knowledge, Skill, and Mindset

Passing the CCE requires:

• Clinical knowledge
• Communication skill
• Exam mindset: calm, focused, reflective

That’s why PassGP goes beyond questions. Our platform - co-designed by A/Prof George Eskander - builds all three.

Final Thoughts

The RACGP CCE is challenging - but it’s also fair.

If you approach it with structure, clarity, and safety-first thinking, you will pass. And with PassGP by your side, you’ll have access to:

• 4,500+ Fellowship-level questions
• 14 full-length CCE mock stations
• 1:1 coaching with real examiners
• Case walkthroughs written by Australia’s top GP educators

 Start your free trial now at PassGP - and walk into your CCE with confidence.