RANZCOG MCQ vs SAQ: How to Prepare for Written Assessments

Introduction

The written exams — MCQ and SAQ — are often the first academic hurdles in FRANZCOG training. Success requires different skills compared to OSCE preparation.

MCQ Exam

• Tests recall of guidelines and factual knowledge.
• Time pressure: large volume of questions.
• Strategy: eliminate distractors, trust guidelines.

SAQ Exam

• Tests structured clinical reasoning.
• Requires concise, guideline-based answers.
• Marks awarded for structure as much as content.

“Written exams reward clarity. Candidates who write structured, guideline-based answers do better than those who overcomplicate,” says A/Prof George Eskander.

Preparation Tips

• Practise SAQs with examiner-marked samples.
• Revise high-yield topics: labour emergencies, gynaecological malignancy, antenatal counselling.
• Time yourself strictly to avoid unfinished questions.

Analysis of candidate feedback shows that those who spend more than 3 minutes per SAQ sub-question are significantly more likely to leave answers incomplete (RANZCOG Examiner Feedback 2024).

Final Thoughts

The MCQ rewards recall; the SAQ rewards structure. Success comes from practising each in the way examiners expect.

Reference: RANZCOG Assessment Guide 2025.