RANZCP MCQ Exam study plan

Map every major drug class to its mechanism, target receptor or enzyme, and principal adverse effect profile from memory

Calculate loading doses, half-life-based steady-state timing, and CYP-mediated interaction risks for five commonly co-prescribed pairs

Explain the physiology underlying sodium valproate hepatotoxicity, clozapine neutropenia, and lithium nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Distinguish serotonin syndrome from neuroleptic malignant syndrome on timeline, examination findings, and management steps

Interpret a basic ECG and list agents that prolong the QT interval with their monitoring requirements

Construct a structured mental state examination from a written vignette and justify each positive finding

Differentiate phenomenologically between delusions, overvalued ideas, and obsessions using three contrasting case descriptions

Apply diagnostic criteria to first-episode psychosis, bipolar affective disorder, and treatment-resistant depression in vignette format

Sequence a biopsychosocial formulation that links predisposing, precipitating, perpetuating, and protective factors

Select and justify first-line management for acute agitation, catatonia, and psychotic depression

Outline the statutory criteria and likely outcomes for fitness to stand trial, mental impairment defence, and civil detention in an Australian jurisdiction

Explain the principles governing confidentiality, consent, and duty to warn in forensic and addiction settings

Compare withdrawal syndromes and substitution regimens for alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, and nicotine

Apply screening tools and brief intervention frameworks to a written vignette of hazardous drinking

Distinguish intoxication, withdrawal delirium, and primary psychiatric illness in a dual-diagnosis presentation

Match cognitive behavioural, psychodynamic, interpersonal, dialectical behavioural, and systemic therapies to their theoretical mechanism and indicated presentations

Describe the structure and typical session sequence of a course of CBT for panic disorder

Apply developmental milestones and attachment theory to interpret a child presentation vignette

Differentiate ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and anxiety disorders in a school-aged child using onset, context, and symptom pattern

Explain consent and confidentiality rules when working with minors and their families

Distinguish delirium, dementia, and depression in older adults using onset, course, cognition, and investigation findings

Explain the assessment and risk factors for falls, polypharmacy, and capacity in an older inpatient

Apply the principles of capacity assessment to a medically unwell patient refusing treatment

Identify psychiatric sequelae of common medical conditions and their treatments, including steroids, thyroid disease, and post-stroke states

Describe the approach to somatisation, medically unexplained symptoms, and deliberate self-harm in the general hospital setting

Explain the neurobiology of reward, fear conditioning, and memory consolidation and link each to a psychiatric disorder

Interpret neuroimaging and electrophysiology findings at the level of clinical relevance rather than radiological detail

Apply standardised cognitive and psychometric instruments appropriately and describe their limits

Critique the evidence base for a screening instrument using sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value reasoning

Describe the neuroendocrine axes and their relevance to psychiatric presentation and treatment effects

Integrate psychopharmacology decisions with psychotherapy sequencing for a complex comorbid presentation

Justify treatment resistance workup and next steps for depression and schizophrenia using an evidence hierarchy

Weigh risks and benefits of ECT, including indications, consent, and cognitive adverse effects

Explain the phases of a psychotherapy course and how to manage rupture, non-attendance, and termination

Construct a relapse-prevention plan that combines medication, psychological, and psychosocial elements

Complete two full-length timed practice papers under exam conditions and record per-domain accuracy

Revisit every previously logged error and re-derive the correct reasoning without notes

Consolidate high-yield summary sheets into a single rapid-review document

Practise vignette decoding: identify the question stem's actual ask before reading the options

Plan a sustainable examination-day routine including time allocation per question block