RANZCR Rad Onc Anatomy exam-day guide
RANZCR Rad Onc Anatomy · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the exact ID the test provider specifies (commonly a current passport or government-issued photo card). Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether the name must match your registration exactly; do not assume a particular document is accepted.
Admission or confirmation documentation
Carry your booking confirmation, candidate number, and any admission letter the provider issues. Store a digital copy as well as a printed copy in case one format is not accepted. Confirm with the provider what must be presented on the day.
Approved calculator
Anatomy papers rarely need calculation, but some formats permit a basic or supplied calculator. Confirm with the provider whether any calculator is allowed and which models are permitted; do not bring a programmable or graphing device unless explicitly approved.
Permitted stationery
Bring several pens or pencils and an eraser if the format is paper-based. Many computer-based centres supply all stationery and prohibit bringing your own; confirm with the provider before relying on either.
Timing and venue details
Note the reporting time, which is usually earlier than the start time, the venue address, and the route. Do a trial trip or check transport disruptions. Confirm reporting time and arrival instructions with the provider.
Personal medication and permitted items
Bring necessary medication and any medical aids. Items such as water bottles, watches, and bags are commonly restricted at test centres; confirm with the provider what may be taken into the test room and what must be stored.
Rest and nutrition plan
Plan a normal night's sleep and a light meal before the session. Avoid new caffeine or stimulant habits on the day. If the test is long, confirm with the provider whether scheduled breaks exist and whether food or drink is allowed at your seat.
Review plan for the final days
Prepare a short, high-yield revision list: cross-sectional anatomy of the head and neck, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis, plus the anatomy most relevant to common radiotherapy target volumes and organs at risk. Do not start new resources in the last 24 hours.
Practice with the question format
If the provider publishes sample questions or a tutorial, complete it so the interface or paper format is familiar. Confirm with the provider where official familiarisation material is located.
Emergency contact and contingency
Save the provider's candidate enquiries contact and know the procedure if you are delayed or unwell. Confirm with the provider how to report illness or a delay, and keep any supporting documentation.
Access or special arrangements confirmation
If you have approved adjustments, bring the approval correspondence and arrive early to allow setup. Confirm with the provider the arrangements and any extra time before the day, as these are not granted on request at the venue.
Clothing and comfort
Wear layered, comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Test rooms are often air-conditioned and sessions can be long. Confirm with the provider whether any dress restrictions apply.
Plan the day
Consolidate rather than expand. Review concise summaries and labelled cross-sectional images of the major body regions, focusing on relationships that matter for staging and radiotherapy planning: nodal levels of the neck, mediastinal compartments, abdominal organs and vasculature, and pelvic structures. Do short, timed practice blocks. Recheck venue, reporting time, and ID requirements against your booking. Confirm with the provider any details you cannot verify from official correspondence.
Plan the journey, including a backup route and parking or public transport options. Prepare the bag with ID, confirmation, permitted stationery, medication, and a charged phone. Tell someone your schedule. Avoid late nights and heavy new study material in the last 24 hours.
Do a light review of your own summary sheets only. Pack the bag and place ID and confirmation in a single accessible pocket. Check the weather and transport notices. Set two alarms. Eat a normal meal and aim for a full night's sleep. Do not attempt to learn new topics or sit long practice papers the evening before.
Eat a light breakfast, hydrate moderately, and arrive at the venue with time to spare, allowing for delays. Leave unnecessary valuables at home. Re-read any venue instructions about where to report and what to do with bags. If delayed or unwell, contact the provider as instructed as early as possible.
Present the required ID and confirmation, follow staff instructions, and store prohibited items as directed. Use the toilet before the session begins. Note where clocks, water, and staff are located and how to attract attention during the test.
Read each question carefully and note whether it asks for the single best answer or multiple responses. Answer straightforward items first and flag uncertain ones for review if the format allows. For image-based anatomy, identify region, then side, then structure relationships before committing. Keep an eye on the clock and protect time to review flagged items. If a technical problem occurs, raise your hand immediately rather than attempting to fix equipment yourself.
Note any items you found uncertain while memory is fresh, but do not attempt to reconstruct the paper for others, as this may breach conduct rules. Confirm with the provider the expected results timeline and the process for any query about the sitting.
Rules to check
Bring the identification specified by the provider and be ready to present it at check-in. The name on the ID must match your registration. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted and what to do if your ID is unavailable on the day.
Arrive by the reporting time. Late arrival may result in refusal of admission or reduced test time. Confirm with the provider the exact cut-off and the policy for exceptional delays.
Follow all instructions from invigilators and centre staff, including rules on what may be taken into the test room, use of toilets, and communication with other candidates. Unauthorised items or communication may lead to removal or invalidation.
Do not bring in, copy, photograph, or share test content. Do not attempt to communicate with other candidates during the session. Report any suspected irregularity to staff rather than confronting others.
Only use permitted aids, such as an approved calculator or supplied materials. Confirm with the provider which aids are allowed for your format, as rules differ between paper and computer delivery.
If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and wait for staff direction. Confirm with the provider whether unscheduled breaks are permitted and whether test time continues during them.
Scoring and pass standards are set by the provider. Confirm with the provider the marking scheme, whether items are equally weighted, whether there is negative marking, and how results are reported; do not assume a particular standard.
If you are unwell or unable to attend, contact the provider as soon as possible and follow their procedure, keeping any supporting documentation. Confirm with the provider the rules on deferral, refund, or special consideration.