FRCA examination information

FRCA regulations and policies

The College upholds and governs the integrity and professional standards of the FRCA examination and its examiners through a comprehensive set of regulations and policies. All regulations, policies, and rules set out in these documents are approved by the Education, Training, and Examination Board and are aligned to the General Medical Council's standards.

There are three sets of regulations, which are designed to regulate the procedures and processes essential to the smooth running of the FRCA examination.

1. The FRCA examination regulations govern the content and conduct of the examinations leading to the award of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists.  These regulations cover all areas of exam eligibility and application, they explain the rules regarding the number of attempts allowed and the validity of an exam pass and include the policies for: 

  • prize and commendation awards
  • dress code
  • electronic devices
  • misconduct
  • additional educational training requirements
  • feedback.

2. The Complaints and Appeal Policy informs candidates how to register a complaint or apply for a formal appeal if they are not fully satisfied with the outcome of their complaint. No appeal can be based solely on examiner judgement. 

3. The FRCA selection and appointment of examiners regulations provide the details of FRCA examiner selection criteria and the appointment process. They advise examiners on the procedures used for review, standing down, adjustment of commitment and the expected conduct of examiners. The appendices in these regulations contain the examiner person specifications and the job description and applicants are advised to read these before submitting an application.