What this area covers
GP registrars sit clinical assessments with consultation-style cases, such as the RACGP Clinical Competency Exam and ACRRM assessments. Formats change, so check the RACGP and ACRRM websites. This page explains how our 15-minute consultation cases help you practise this area with a study partner.
High-yield topics
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Probability | Common things first, red flags always |
| Differentials | Prioritised and justified |
| Tests | Only those that change management |
| Prescribing | Interactions and deprescribing |
| Safety-netting | Clear return advice |
Worked example
Worked example · Red flags
A 58-year-old with new back pain has weight loss and night pain. What is the priority?
- A Investigate for malignancy
- B Reassure and prescribe rest
- C Refer to physiotherapy only
- D Advise a new mattress
- E Review in 6 months
Show the reasoning
Answer A. Weight loss and night pain are red flags for malignancy or infection and need prompt investigation.
A short study plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Read the domain and run 2 cases |
| 2 | Run cases timed with a partner |
| 3 | Review marking guides and repeat weak cases |
Do a short timed set most days and review every explanation, including the options you ruled out.
Common traps
- Running out of time before the plan.
- Ignoring the patient's agenda.
- No safety-netting.
Free sample clinical reasoning stations
Candidate briefs from our GP clinical cases station bank. Read the task, plan your 8 minutes, then open the marking checklist.
Back pain and a request for oxycodone (15 minutes)
You are a GP in an urban practice. Mr Shane Carter, 44, a new patient, has come in requesting oxycodone for back pain. He says his previous GP 'always gave it'.
Task: Assess the patient and respond to his request (15 minutes).
The role-player script, examiner notes, marking checklist and model approach open with a plan.
Tiredness in a 42-year-old woman (15 minutes)
You are a GP. Ms Angela Rossi, 42, has come because she is exhausted.
Task: Take a focused history and outline your assessment and plan (15 minutes).
The role-player script, examiner notes, marking checklist and model approach open with a plan.
Practise clinical reasoning stations free
Every clinical reasoning station in our bank
The bank holds 3 clinical reasoning stations across 2 specialties: Adult health (2), Women's and men's health (1). Each one has a candidate brief, role-player script, examiner notes, marking checklist and model approach.
- Back pain and a request for oxycodoneAdult health
- First antenatal visitWomen's and men's health
- Tiredness in a 42-year-old womanAdult health
Common questions
How long are the cases?
Our consultation cases run for 15 minutes, with a candidate brief, role-player script and marking guide.
Can I practise alone?
Cases work best with a study partner playing the patient and another marking.
How many clinical reasoning stations are in the GP clinical cases bank?
There are 3 clinical reasoning stations, each with a candidate brief, role-player script, examiner notes, a marking checklist and a model approach.
Can I try clinical reasoning stations for free?
Free stations are available in other areas; create a free account to try them first.
How should I practise clinical reasoning stations?
Work with a study partner: one plays the patient using the role-player script, the other marks with the checklist. Keep strictly to 2 minutes of reading and 8 minutes in the station.
Which sources is this clinical reasoning page based on?
It summarises current Australian guidance, including RACGP Fellowship exams; ACRRM assessment. Guidelines change, so always check the latest edition.
When was this clinical reasoning guide last updated?
It was last reviewed on 9 November 2026. We update topic pages when the exam or Australian guidance changes.
How do I unlock all GP clinical cases stations?
Choose a GP clinical cases plan: 3 or 6 months of access, from A$349, one payment with no auto-renew. It opens every area, not just clinical reasoning.
Sources
Clinical content is summarised from current Australian guidance at the date above. Guidelines change, so always check the latest edition.