Can I Commit to a New Practice Before I Get My Final RACGP Exam Results?

You’ve just finished your final RACGP exams. The relief is real — but so is the uncertainty. While you wait for results (usually released mid-to-late July), job opportunities are coming in. Many candidates ask the same important question:

“Can I accept a job offer or sign a contract before I officially get my results?”

The short answer is: Yes — but it must be a conditional offer.

Here’s what that actually means in practice and how to approach it wisely.

Why Practices Are Often Happy to Offer Jobs Conditionally

Most GP practices and recruiters understand the exam timeline. They know that strong candidates will be sitting (or have just sat) their final exams and won’t have official results for several weeks.

Because of this, many practices are willing to:

• Interview you now

• Offer you a position conditional on passing your exams and obtaining Fellowship

• Hold the role for you while you wait for results

This is very common, especially for high-quality candidates. Practices would rather secure a good doctor early than risk losing them to another offer once results are released.

What “Conditional” Actually Means

A conditional job offer typically states that the position is offered subject to you:

• Passing your RACGP Fellowship exams

• Being awarded FRACGP

• Successfully upgrading to Specialist Registration with AHPRA

• Obtaining a Medicare provider number (and any required Section 19AB exemption if applicable)

Until these conditions are met, you are not legally committed to start, and the practice is not obligated to employ you if you don’t pass.

This protects both sides. You can confidently explore and accept offers without the risk of being locked into something if results don’t go your way.

Benefits of Securing a Conditional Offer Before RACGP Exam Results

• Reduces stress while waiting for results

• Gives you time to negotiate contract terms properly (rather than rushing once results drop)

• Allows you to compare multiple offers calmly

• Helps practices plan their rosters in advance

• Can speed up your start date once you do pass (some paperwork can be prepared in advance)

Many new Fellows who secure conditional offers in June or early July are able to start practising within 6–8 weeks of results being released.

Important Things to Clarify Before Accepting

Not all conditional offers are equal. Before signing anything, make sure you understand:

1. What happens if I don’t pass?

Is the offer completely withdrawn, or will they consider you again for the next sitting?

2. Start date flexibility

Can your start date be adjusted depending on when your Medicare provider number comes through?

3. Contract terms

Are the salary, percentage split, hours, and conditions the same as a non-conditional offer? Some practices try to offer less favourable terms for conditional roles.

4. Notice period and exit clauses

What are your obligations if you need to withdraw for any reason?

5. DPA requirements (for IMGs)

Confirm that the practice is in a current Distribution Priority Area if you still need one for your provider number.

How to Approach Conditional Offers Professionally

• Be honest with practices about your exam status and expected results timeline.

• Ask for the offer in writing with clear conditions stated.

• Don’t feel pressured to accept the first offer just because you’re anxious about results.

• Use this time to compare multiple opportunities properly (location, support, culture, and long-term fit often matter more than small differences in percentage)

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How Doctor Connect Can Help

Navigating job offers while waiting for results can feel overwhelming. At Doctor Connect, we specialise in supporting candidates through exactly this phase.

We can:

• Help you identify and secure strong conditional offers from quality practices

• Review contract terms and negotiate on your behalf

• Advise on realistic start timelines based on your specific situation (especially if you need a new Medicare provider number or Section 19AB exemption)

• Keep opportunities warm for you while you wait for results

Many of the GPs we work with accept conditional roles weeks before results are released and transition smoothly into independent practice once they pass.

Final Advice

Yes — you can (and often should) commit to a new practice before receiving your final results, provided it is a properly structured conditional offer.

Don’t let anxiety about results stop you from exploring and securing good opportunities. With the right conditional contract in place, you can reduce uncertainty and position yourself to start practising as a Fellow much sooner after results come out.

Just make sure the conditions, start date flexibility, and contract terms are clearly documented and fair.

Would you like help exploring conditional GP opportunities while you wait for your results?

Contact the Doctor Connect team today. We’ll help you find suitable practices, negotiate fair conditional terms, and support you through the entire transition from exam candidate to practising Fellow.