How gynaecology is examined
According to RANZCOG, the FRANZCOG written examination is computer-based and has two short answer parts (6 questions each, 90 marks, 2 hours each) and a 100-question MCQ paper (2 hours), totalling 280 marks. Trainees need at least 46 weeks FTE of satisfactory Basic Training to sit it. The oral examination follows once the written exam is passed, with 12 stations from 2026. Check RANZCOG for current dates, delivery and changes from 2027.
High-yield topics
| Topic | Key points |
|---|---|
| AUB | PALM-COEIN classification; LNG-IUD, tranexamic acid, endometrial assessment |
| Ectopic pregnancy | Beta-hCG and ultrasound; methotrexate criteria; surgery |
| Miscarriage | Expectant, medical or surgical management |
| Endometriosis | Clinical diagnosis, hormonal treatment, laparoscopy |
| Contraception | LARC, eligibility criteria |
| Menopause | MHT benefits, risks and contraindications |
| Fibroids | Medical and surgical options |
Worked questions
Worked question 1 · Ectopic
Which feature is a contraindication to methotrexate for ectopic pregnancy?
- A Haemodynamic instability
- B Beta-hCG of 1,500 IU/L
- C No fetal cardiac activity
- D Adnexal mass of 2 cm
- E Minimal pain
Show the reasoning
Answer A. Methotrexate requires a haemodynamically stable woman with no rupture and suitable beta-hCG and mass size. Instability needs surgery.
Worked question 2 · AUB
What is the first-line medical treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding without structural pathology in a woman wanting contraception?
- A Levonorgestrel IUD
- B Endometrial ablation
- C Hysterectomy
- D GnRH agonist
- E Danazol
Show the reasoning
Answer A. The LNG-IUD is first-line for heavy menstrual bleeding and provides contraception.
A 4-week revision block
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bleeding and early pregnancy |
| 2 | Pain, endometriosis and fibroids |
| 3 | Contraception and menopause |
| 4 | Benign surgery and mixed questions |
Use timed MCQ blocks for breadth and write one SAQ answer a day to practise structure under time pressure.
Common traps
- Giving methotrexate to unstable women.
- Missing endometrial sampling indications.
- Prescribing unopposed oestrogen with a uterus.
- Ignoring contraception needs.
Free sample gynaecology questions
Questions from our O&G (RANZCOG) bank. Choose your answer, then open the explanation.
Which criteria are used to diagnose PCOS in adults?
- AJones criteria
- BModified Centor criteria
- CWells criteria
- DRotterdam criteria
- EDuke criteria
Show answer and explanation
Answer D. Two of three: oligo-anovulation, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (or AMH), after excluding other causes.
Learning point: PCOS: Rotterdam 2 of 3.
What is a recommended management for Bartholin abscess?
- AObserve for months
- BAntibiotics alone
- CExcision of the whole gland as first-line treatment
- DSitz baths only
- EWord catheter or marsupialisation
Show answer and explanation
Answer E. Drainage with Word catheter or marsupialisation reduces recurrence compared to simple incision.
Learning point: Bartholin abscess: Word catheter or marsupialisation.
What is first-line treatment for suspected endometriosis pain?
- ANSAIDs and hormonal therapy
- BHysterectomy
- CLong-term opioids for daily pain control
- DIVF
- EAntibiotics
Show answer and explanation
Answer A. NSAIDs plus hormonal suppression (combined pill, progestogens) are first-line; laparoscopy if needed.
Learning point: Endometriosis: NSAIDs and hormonal suppression.
Practise more gynaecology questions free
Every gynaecology subtopic in our bank
The bank holds 25 gynaecology questions across 22 subtopics. You can filter by any of them, build a custom block and track your accuracy subtopic by subtopic.
- Amenorrhoea1
- Asherman syndrome1
- Bartholin abscess1
- Cervical screening1
- Contraception1
- Emergency contraception1
- Endometriosis1
- Fibroids1
- Heavy menstrual bleeding1
- HPV 16/181
- Hyperprolactinaemia2
- Menopause therapy1
- Miscarriage management1
- Ovarian cyst in premenopause1
- Ovarian hyperstimulation1
- Ovarian torsion2
- PCOS1
- Pelvic inflammatory disease1
- PID1
- Postmenopausal bleeding1
- Sheehan syndrome1
- Vulval lichen sclerosus2
Common questions
Which bleeding classification is used?
FIGO PALM-COEIN.
Is benign gynaecological surgery tested?
Surgical principles and complications appear in written and oral exams.
Where can I find Australian contraception guidance?
RANZCOG statements, Therapeutic Guidelines and Family Planning resources.
Sources
Clinical content is summarised from current Australian guidance at the date above. Guidelines change, so always check the latest edition.