Primary FRCA examination
About the exam
The Primary examination is the first part of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthesia (FRCA) examination and comprises three summative examinations. To achieve an overall pass in the FRCA Primary, a candidate must pass all three components. A pass in the Primary FRCA is valid for seven years as part eligibility towards the Final FRCA examination.
The Primary FRCA examination consists of three components: a Multiple Choice Question examination (MCQ), an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and a Structured Oral Examination (SOE). Each exam has a pass or fail outcome. These components form part of a variety of assessment tools designed to support anaesthetic trainees demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to meet the standard expected at completion of training.
The purpose of the Primary FRCA examination is to assess a candidate's competency across a range of disciplines through examinations that act in a mutually complementary way. All Primary examination content is aligned to the core level anaesthetic training curriculum. Questions used in each exam component are checked and verified by FRCA examiners and mapped to the relevant competencies set out in the core level curriculum. Successful completion of all three Primary examination components is required to complete core level training and proceed to the intermediate level of the anaesthetic training curriculum.
Preparing for the Primary FRCA examination
Always practice as many MCQs as you can. Reading is important but practice is essential. There are many questions in the public domain. Mock exams can be found on e-Learning Anaesthesia (e-LA) and in the FRCA guide to the Primary.
There are also are a number of MCQ examples on our website. The Primary FRCA Online Revision Course also offers MCQ guidance with a variety of bite-sized lectures in key areas.
Most candidates prepare well for the MCQ and practice hundreds of questions. Doing this will considerably improve your chance of success.
It is important that you put the same meticulous preparation into the oral exam. If you are poorly prepared and with little knowledge of what is required, you will not do yourself justice. The SOEs require certain skills, practice answering questions under exam conditions allowing five minutes for each question, ensure you answer concepts in depth showing clear thinking and understanding, try and practice with tutors and educational supervisors, they will have knowledge of the process and will be able to guide you. The earlier you start preparing the more confident and competent you will appear on the day
For the OSCE try to practice the key aspects of performance for each station, watch the OSCE videos and try to attend at least one full practice session of OSCE.
The Primary FRCA examination covers a broad syllabus and candidates will need to ensure they have a thorough preparation plan in place. We suggest that candidates start planning their revision at least three to four months before sitting each component.
Guide to the Primary FRCA examination
The College provides an essential study guide to help you prepare for the Primary FRCA examination.
Buy your guide at the RCoA shop.
If you book the online Primary FRCA Written Revision Course, you can buy the revision guide at a discount. We will send you a £5 voucher code when you book.