Hundreds Of Trainee Aussie Doctors Forced To Resit Exam After Technical Error

Hundreds of trainee doctors who sat a computer-based exam on Monday will be forced to retake it after an “unknown technical fault” locked some people out of the second part of the test.

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) determined that, “in order to be fair”, every single candidate will be forced to resit the Written Divisional Exam, a test that costs upwards of $1800 to take and which students can study for up to two years for.

“We understand that some trainees have booked leave or holidays following today’s Computer based test, and we are working as quickly as possible to reschedule a new exam,” it said in a statement. “It is likely to be more than 24 hours before we can notify new candidates of a new exam date.”

It was the first time the exam had been taken online, via testing software provider Pearson Vue.

“An unknown technical fault left a significant number of candidates locked out of the computer based system and unable to complete the second part of the examination after their scheduled break today,” said the RACP.

“The College explored all options with exam provider Pearson Vue to allow the exam to continue, before the Chairs of the Examinations Committee decided to call off the exam.

“Once again, we apologise for the distress caused.”

It’s holding a full inquiry into what went wrong; meanwhile, Pearson Vue have yet to make a public statement.

The medical community is calling into question why there was no back-up plan made in case the computer-based exam failed.

“I feel sick to my stomach thinking of the exam candidates today,” said Dr. Ashleigh Witt online. “To sit this exam we sacrifice two years, over $10,000 in training / course / exam fees, relationships, mental health. How can there have been no back up plan?!”

“Such a mess by Pearson Vue,” said Dr. Hari Nandakoban. “The flow on effects to the trainees and hospitals is unprecedented both emotionally and financially. Where was the back-up contingency plan?”

“I love the computers and solving problems with tech but the RACP exam debacle is a poignant demonstration of the need for backup systems and plans,” said Dr. Ross Scott-Weekly. “I think a period of deep reflection about the human price of such a major issue is probably warranted.”

Trainee doctors will hopefully find out within 24 hours when they’ll be retaking the test.

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