Guide ยท Updated
How much do the RACP exams cost in 2026?
Short answer: the Divisional Written Examination (DWE) costs $2,329 and the Divisional Clinical Examination (DCE) costs $3,484 in 2026, both in AUD and exempt from GST. One attempt at each is $5,813. Each resit is charged at the full fee again.
2026 RACP exam fees
| Exam | 2026 fee (AUD) | When it is paid |
|---|---|---|
| Divisional Written Examination (DWE) | $2,329 | In full, on application |
| Divisional Clinical Examination (DCE) | $3,484 | In full, on application |
The RACP fee schedule lists these as “Written Examinations” and “Basic Training Clinical Examination”. Both are GST exempt. The New Zealand fees are different and are listed on the same page. RACP: fees
All training fees for the current and preceding years must be paid before a trainee can sit an exam. The 2026 Basic and Advanced Training fee is $4,230 a year. RACP: fee terms and conditions
What a resit costs
There is no reduced resit fee. Each attempt is charged at the full exam fee.
- DWE and DCE, one attempt each: $5,813.
- DWE twice and DCE once: $8,142.
- DWE once and DCE twice: $9,297.
A failed attempt can also mean another year of training fees, depending on timing. The RACP page shows both cases.
Attempt limits
For Basic Trainees who started from 1 January 2017 and whose third written attempt is on or after the October 2023 DWE, the RACP allows 4 DWE attempts and 3 DCE attempts. All exam attempts must be completed within the 8-year Basic Training time limit. Other cohorts have transitional limits. RACP: DWE
From 2027, revised eligibility criteria apply to candidates attempting the DWE and DCE for the first time. RACP: DWE and DCE eligibility changes
Refunds if you withdraw
- Before applications close: full refund.
- After applications close, at least four calendar weeks before the exam: 50% refund.
- Within four weeks of the exam: no refund.
- Not attending: the fee is forfeited.
Withdrawal must be in writing and approved by the RACP. A withdrawal is not counted as an exam attempt. Fees are not carried over to the following year. Refunds on medical or compassionate grounds are considered under the Special Consideration for Assessment Policy. RACP: fee terms and conditions, RACP: DWE withdrawal and refund
Upcoming DWE dates
- February 2027 DWE: applications 23 November to 8 December 2026; exam Tuesday 9 February 2027. The Australian fee is listed as TBC on the RACP page as of 23 October 2026. RACP: February 2027 DWE
- October 2026 DWE: held Tuesday 20 October 2026; proposed results Thursday 19 November 2026. RACP: October 2026 DWE
DCE dates are on the RACP DCE page.
How the fees have changed
| Year | DWE | DCE | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $1,986 | $2,972 | archived page |
| 2020 | $1,986 | $2,972 | archived page |
| 2021 | $1,986 | $2,972 | archived page |
| 2022 | $2,031 | $3,039 | archived page |
| 2023 | $2,031 | $3,039 | archived page |
| 2024 | $2,153 | $3,221 | archived page |
| 2025 | $2,239 | $3,350 | RACP fees |
| 2026 | $2,329 | $3,484 | RACP fees |
From 2019 to 2026 the DWE fee rose 17% and the DCE fee rose 17%. The RACP announced a 4% fee increase for 2026. Earlier years come from archived copies of the RACP fee page.
Fee exemptions
Trainees who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, Māori or Pacific peoples and are registered in the RACP Fee Initiative are entitled to a 100% exemption on examination fees. RACP: fee terms and conditions
Tax and employer support
Exam fees you pay yourself are generally deductible as self-education expenses, including resits. Any amount your employer reimburses cannot be claimed. See Are specialty college fees tax deductible? Some state agreements also provide exam leave or a training allowance. Employer allowances and exam leave by state
See the full pathway cost
The RACP fee calculator adds training fees, exams, resits and Fellowship admission, then subtracts your state allowance and tax. The tax and expenses tracker records each fee as you pay it.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the RACP Divisional Written Examination (DWE) in 2026?
The RACP 2026 fee schedule lists written examinations at $2,329 (AUD, GST exempt). The fee is paid in full when the application is submitted.
How much is the RACP Divisional Clinical Examination (DCE) in 2026?
The 2026 fee for the Basic Training Clinical Examination is $3,484 (AUD, GST exempt), paid at application.
Is there a refund for withdrawing from an RACP exam?
Under the RACP fee terms, withdrawals before applications close get a full refund, withdrawals after close but at least four calendar weeks before the exam get 50%, and withdrawals within four weeks of the exam get no refund. Candidates who do not attend forfeit the fee. A withdrawal does not count as an attempt.
How many attempts are allowed at the DWE and DCE?
For Basic Trainees who started from 1 January 2017 and whose third written attempt is on or after the October 2023 DWE, the RACP allows 4 DWE attempts and 3 DCE attempts, completed within the 8-year Basic Training time limit. Other cohorts have transitional limits listed on the RACP exam pages.
What does the February 2027 DWE cost?
The RACP February 2027 DWE page lists the Australian fee as TBC as of 23 October 2026. Applications run from 23 November to 8 December 2026; confirm the amount when applying.
Are RACP exam fees tax deductible?
Generally yes, as a self-education expense, if you paid the fee yourself, were not reimbursed and the exam relates to your current employment. Each paid attempt counts, including resits.