A Professional Peak: Inside the Role of a Fellowship Exam Examiner
16 Jun 2026
Dr Scott Pearson describes the role as a “professional peak”, where he contributes to shaping the next generation of general practitioners in Australia.
What Makes a Strong GP Candidate
According to Dr Pearson, candidates preparing for Fellowship of the RACGP are assessed across four key areas:
Clinical knowledge
Focus during consultation
Thoroughness in assessment and planning
Clear and effective communication
He says these skills are not just for exams, but essential for everyday general practice.
A Role Built on Experience and Growth
Dr Pearson began his career in paediatrics before moving into general practice in Kingscliff, NSW, where he developed a special interest in children’s health.
After completing his Fellowship exams in 2019, he moved into teaching and supervision roles before becoming an examiner. He says the journey required patience and experience, including an early application that was not successful.
Supporting Future GPs
Now working as both a medical educator and examiner, Dr Pearson says the role helps him better support GP registrars during training visits.
He often uses real exam standards to guide feedback, helping trainees understand how their consultation skills translate to Fellowship expectations.
He emphasises that strong preparation comes from regular patient care and reflection on clinical practice.
Real-World Clinical Thinking Matters
Dr Pearson says exam success is not about memorising theory, but applying knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Advice for Future Candidates
He encourages registrars to review past exam reports to better understand common mistakes and expectations.
He also stresses that the CCE reflects everyday GP practice and is designed to test safe, patient-centred care under realistic conditions.
Why He Encourages the Role
Dr Pearson says working alongside other examiners reinforces his pride in the profession and the high standards of general practice training in Australia.
He encourages experienced GPs to consider becoming examiners, describing it as a natural progression after supervision and teaching roles.
The RACGP Clinical Competency Exam plays a key role in developing future GPs, with examiners such as Dr Scott Pearson helping maintain high standards of patient care across Australia through training and assessment.assessment, and mentorship.
A Professional Peak: Inside the Role of a Fellowship Exam Examiner
Source: newsGP / RACGP feature interview (2026)