Radiation Oncology Education and Training Committee (ROETC) has been hearing and listening to the feedback from trainees and Clinical Supervisors and are pleased to announce greater flexibility for trainees on when exams are sat.   The minimum time examination eligibility requirements for Phase 1 and Phase 2 examinations have been removed. 

This change enables trainees to sit their exams when they feel genuinely ready, rather than being restricted by fixed timelines

Changes: 

• No minimum time requirement to be eligible to apply for or sit Phase 1 or Phase 2 exams. Other exam eligibility requirements trainees are still required, e.g. workshops, Monitoring and Review assessments, MSFs, WBAs, rotations etc.
• Phase 1 minimum training time will be reduced from 18 to 12 months.
• Phase 2 will have a minimum training time of 36 months.

While we’re offering greater flexibility in when exams can be taken, we’ve maintained a minimum training time in Phase 1—though it’s now shorter—and introduced a minimum training time in Phase 2 to ensure there’s enough dedicated time for clinical exposure and development. 

This approach comes from honest and open discussions with trainees and clinical supervisors, who all agree that seeing a wide range of patients and getting plenty of practical experience is what really helps you become the best radiation oncologists you can be.

Implementation:

• From 2 February 2026 all trainees will automatically move to the new requirements, irrespective of commencement date.
• To ensure that trainees who have completed 12 or more months of training are not disadvantaged, trainees who have completed a minimum of 18 months in Phase 1 by 30 September 2026 can apply for a reduction in Phase 2 training time. The reduction will be from 36 to 30 months.  

The application for a reduction in Phase 2 minimum time is a simple one-page application and can be applied for at any time during training (link). 

However, 60-day notice period is required for any change. 

With the move towards more flexible exam sittings, we will continue to review how this may affect other training requirements such as WBAs and entrustability goals. Our aim is to ensure these continue to provide useful feedback and support your progression, which may mean some adjustments to their timing, so they remain fair, consistent, and focused on helping you achieve competency by the end of training.

For now, all exam and fellowship requirements remain the same. Any changes will be communicated clearly and well in advance. Our priority is to keep the process supportive and ensure you receive the feedback you need to grow into caring, professional, and skilled radiation oncologists. 

FAQs:

Q1: Why is the minimum time to sit exams being removed?

A:  Trainees should sit their exams when they genuinely feel ready, rather than being restricted by fixed timelines.  

Q2: When do the changes come into effect and who will it affect

A:  All trainees will transition to the new ‘minimum phase time’ requirements on 2 February 2026

Q3:  I have already done 18 months in Phase 1; do I need to do 36 months in Phase 2?

A:  Trainees who have completed 18 months in Phase 1 by 30 September 2026 are eligible to apply for a reduction to 30 months in Phase 2.  
The application for reduction in Phase 2 minimum time can be done at any time in Phase 2, however a 90-day notice period is required to change. Change application (link)

Q4:  I have completed 18 months in Phase 1 by 30 September 2026, when should I apply for a reduction in Phase 2?

A:  You can apply anytime. However, it is recommended that you have a discussion with your DoT regarding your progression through Phase 2.  If you are on track to complete all the requirements, including examinations in fewer than 36 months, submit a request to reduce the minimum Phase 2 time.   

Q5: So, can I just sit the exams when I am ready?

A:  Yes, trainees can sit when they are ready, however are still required to have completed all the other exam eligibility requirements, e.g. workshops, Monitoring and Review assessments, MSFs, WBAs, rotations etc.

Q6: What do I need to complete to be eligible to apply for Completion of Training and Fellowship?

A: Trainees should apply to have their portfolio reviewed by the Network Portfolio Review Committee, after completing all Phase 2 training requirements. The Committee will ensure that you have met the required entrustability levels for WBAs and completed all training requirements to a satisfactory standard before approving completion of training.

Q7: How will this affect my ePortfolio?

A: Trainees have “relations” on their profile included in the “Phase Information” widget on their dashboard that become active when they are eligible for milestones such as exams or progression.
These ‘relations’ will be updated to align to the new rules, including removing the exam eligibility time requirement and updating the time requirements for progression eligibility.

Q8: How many attempts do I have for each examination?

A:  There are no changes to the number of available attempts. Trainees have 3 attempts at Phase 1 examinations and 3 attempts at the Phase 2 examinations. 

Q9. What avenues do I have if these changes disadvantage me?

A:  If you feel these changes disadvantage you, in the first instance please reach out to the training team, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for discussion.  

You are also more than welcome to submit a Consideration of Special Circumstances application. 

Q10: I have questions, who should I contact?

A: Please reach out to the training team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us on 02 9268 9777 (#3)

Learning Outcomes and Training Program Handbook

We encourage you to review the Learning Outcomes and Radiation Oncology Training Program Handbook.

The Learning Outcomes articulates what is expected of atrainee from their first day of specialist practice. The Training Program Handbook is a  comprehensive guide with information on training program requirements, assessment tools, instructions, policies, and links to resources.

Training Requirements Checklists

The College has also developed checklist to assist you with progressing through each Phase of training.

• Phase 1 Checklist
• Phase 2 Checklist

ePortfolio

The below page has been developed to help you navigate the system and includes helpful video tutorials and FAQs.

The ePortfolio system also contains in-built FAQs that can be accessed by users by clicking the “Content” button on the menu bar at the top of the page and selecting “FAQs” from the list. To help you navigate through the ePortfolio, please visit the ePortfolio resources page.

ePortfolio Resources

European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)

Radiation Oncology trainees are entitled to complimentary affiliate membership with ESTRO, which provides access to ESTRO newsletters, discounts on ESTRO publications and handbooks, access toESTRO guidelines and discounts to ESTRO courses and conferences, as well as free subscription tothe Green Journal (European Journal of Radiotherapy and Oncology). 

Training sites provide an orientation at the commencement of a training year and when a trainee commences at a new accredited training site. The orientation should address:

• Introduction: to staff, particularly key staff members; so that the phase of training and the responsibility of the trainee is known by all
• The role and relationships between trainees, CSs, other members of the healthcare team, DoT and managers within the training site and training network (where applicable)
• The department layout and equipment
• Arrangements and organisation of the dedicated onsite protected teaching
• Training on any systems in use (i.e. PACS)
• Case-mix description / models of care / work practices
• Indigenous health processes and resources
• Training on all processes pertaining to receiving referrals, undertaking procedures, report writing, rostering, after hours and on call work and OH&S procedures
• The administrative arrangements and organisational structures within the training site
• Trainee management (supervision, training and teaching processes)
• Awareness of the location of all resources available including policies and procedures related to discrimination, bullying, harassment, and cultural safety
• Trainee support programs
• Patient safety training applicable to the site

Trainees should meet with their DoT within the first two weeks of starting a new rotation.

The RANZCR Faculty of Radiation Oncology (FRO) is the peak body for the profession of radiation oncology in Australia and New Zealand. The Faculty has a number of committees that develop policy and support decision making across the Faculty.

Faculty of Radiation Oncology Committee Structure

A key committee under Faculty Council is the Radiation Oncology Education and Training Committee (ROETC). ROETC is responsible for the training, education and examination conduct and structures. It is the primary decision making body regarding trainee matters and its membership is made up of College fellows and chaired by the Chief Censor.

One way that you can get involved in the College is through the Radiation Oncology Trainee Committee (ROTC) which represents trainees, and provides a link between trainees and other committees. Through membership of ROTC you can represent your fellow trainees on the below College committees.

• Radiation Oncology Education and Training Committee (including its sub-committees/working groups) 
• Learning Experiences and Outcomes Committee (LEO)
• Māori, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Executive Committee (MATEC)
• Digital Health Committee
• Economics and Workforce Committee (EWC)
• Radiation Oncology Research Committee (RORC)
• Quality Improvement Committee (QIC)
• Annual Scientific Meeting Management Committee (including Training and Learning Day) 
• Other College committees or working groups as required

Current Opportunities

The College has several policies relating to training which set out the appropriate standard of behaviour or actions expected by the College.

Our policies are formally documented and provide a framework within which operating procedures may be developed.

Radiation Oncology Training Policies

For more information on additional education opportunities please visit this page.