Performance, Policy and Research
About Our Reports
The Exams Department at the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) conducts regular, systematic analyses of data generated by the RCoA delivered examinations. As part of our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement, the College publishes verified information, including pass/fail rates, exam summary reports, and research findings. This ensures that key insights into exam performance, development, and quality assurance are available in the public domain.
This page provides access to essential reports and insights related to RCoA-delivered examinations, including:
- Examination Reporting – Annual reports and statistical analyses
- Examination Reviews – Internal and external quality reviews
- Examination Regulations – Policies on exam development, delivery, and marking
- Examination Research – Studies and projects informing assessment practices
Pass Rates & Key Statistics
The College publishes statistical information on pass / fail rates for all RCoA delivered examinations, including recent figures and historical trends.
- Primary FRCA Pass Rates
- Final FRCA Pass Rates
- FFICM Pass Rates
- FFPM Pass Rates
Examination Reports
Examination Chair's Reports are conducted annually and contain information on exam processes, standard setting, reliability and quality assurance.
- FRCA Chair Reports
- Faculty Chair Reports
Examination Reviews
- Internal Reviews
We are committed to improving the calibre of our examinations, ensuring that they are delivered in line with best practice in assessment for each medical specialty.
Internal Examination Review: FRCA
- External Review
An independent review commissioned by the College to provide external insights into the development and delivery of assessment processes across FRCA, FFICM, and FFPMRCA exams.
Policy
- Examination Regulations
How RCoA delivered exams are developed, delivered, marked, and standardised)
- Examination Conduct Policies
Rules & expectations for our candidates
The Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA), the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM) and the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM) ensure that doctors in training, members and fellows are provided with an appropriate breakdown of costs of supporting doctors in training and in the provision of the examinations that form part of the relevant training programmes.
Examination Research
Information on qualitative and quantitative research undertaken by the College related to its exams, aiming to improve and inform assessment processes.
- Differential Attainment Masterclasses
This project explores the design, delivery, and impact of a series of masterclasses aimed at supporting candidates from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups. Questionnaire data from multiple sittings is being collated and will be linked with exam outcomes and candidate demographics to assess effectiveness.
- Longitudinal Validity Study
A multi-phase study tracking the validity of the Primary FRCA Structured Oral Examination (SOE) over time. The project will continue through the introduction of the new examination format, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of validity evidence across exam changes.