Where can I find confirmed Final FRCA Examination dates for 2026 and 2027?

Confirmed dates, registration deadlines and any changes are published by RCoA. Always verify against the official source rather than third-party listings.

How should I plan study leave around the Final FRCA Examination?

Most candidates request study leave in the final 4 to 8 weeks before sitting, with shorter blocks earlier in preparation for protected revision. Speak to your training program well in advance because leave allocation is finite.

Final FRCA Examination Dates 2026 and 2027

Q: How far in advance should I register for the Final FRCA Examination?

Registration windows typically open several months before each sitting and close weeks before the examination date. Late registration is often not permitted or attracts a surcharge. Set a calendar reminder for the registration window, not just the sitting date.

Q: What if the date changes after I have registered for the Final FRCA Examination?

Rescheduling policies vary. The official examination page sets out the current policy for date changes, fee transfers and any extenuating circumstances provisions. Always check the official policy before assuming flexibility.

Confirmed examination dates

Final Written: CRQ and MCQ papers (September 2026): CRQ 9 September, MCQ 11 September 2026 - Online via TestReach (applications close 2026-07-15).
Final Written: CRQ and MCQ papers (March 2027): CRQ 3 March, MCQ 5 March 2027 - Online via TestReach (applications close 2027-01-04).
Final SOE (November to December 2026): week commencing 30 November 2026 - In person at the College, London (applications close 2026-10-19).
Final SOE (June 2027): week commencing 21 June 2027 - In person at the College, London (applications close 2027-04-16).

2026-27 is the final year of the current (legacy) Final FRCA formats. The Constructed Response Question (CRQ) paper is retained through the last legacy Written sitting in March 2027. From the 2027-28 academic year, subject to GMC approval, the Written is replaced by the Final FRCA AKT (a single paper of 100 Single Best Answer questions over 3 hours, with no CRQ) and the SOE is replaced by the Final FRCA FCPE (one circuit of 12 stations of 9 minutes with 2 minutes reading each, about 2 hours 12 minutes, two sittings a year). The first Final AKT sitting is 19 January 2028 and the first FCPE is the week commencing 15 November 2027. The week commencing 21 June 2027 SOE is the last legacy Final clinical sitting; holders of a valid partial pass may complete the remaining legacy component during the 2027-28 transition year.

Always verify your exam date and deadlines against the official RCoA page before making travel or leave arrangements.

How to plan around the examination calendar

Whichever sitting you target, plan three concentric calendars:

Sitting date. The day of the examination itself. Everything else works backwards from here.
Registration window. Typically opens months before and closes weeks before the sitting. Late registration is often impossible or attracts a surcharge.
Study leave window. Request leave for the final 4 to 8 weeks before sitting, with shorter blocks for protected revision earlier in preparation.

Registration deadlines - what to watch for

Registration windows close weeks before the sitting itself; check the closing date as carefully as the sitting date.
Some examining bodies require evidence of training-program eligibility submitted by a separate earlier deadline.
Identification, address verification and supervisor sign-off can take longer than expected. Start the paperwork early.
Confirm the test centre or examination venue is reachable before the registration window closes, particularly for candidates outside major cities.

How to plan your preparation around a confirmed date

Once your exam date is confirmed, work backwards:

Set the date of a full timed practice paper or simulated viva for 8 to 12 weeks before the sitting.
Block the final 2 to 3 weeks for consolidation and rehearsal only - no new content.
Reserve the final week for tapering, sleep recovery and exam-day logistics rehearsal.
Pre-book any travel, accommodation and identification documents as soon as your date is confirmed.

How PRIMEX adapts to your timeline

Progress analytics show your trajectory relative to your exam date so you can adjust effort in real time.
Spaced-repetition scheduling automatically intensifies in the final weeks before the examination.
Timed practice modes let you simulate the format of the Final FRCA Examination as your date approaches.

Start your 7-day free PRIMEX trial for the Final FRCA Examination and lock in a structured countdown to exam day.

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I find confirmed dates for 2026 and 2027?

Confirmed dates, registration deadlines and any changes are published by RCoA. See the link above for the source of truth.

How far in advance should I register?

Registration windows typically open months before each sitting and close weeks before the examination date. Late registration is often not permitted or attracts a surcharge.

How should I plan study leave around the exam?

Most candidates take the bulk of study leave in the final 4 to 8 weeks before sitting, with shorter blocks earlier in preparation. Speak to your training program early because leave allocation is finite.

What if the date changes after I register?

Reschedule policies vary. The official examination page sets out the current policy for date changes, fee transfers and any extenuating circumstances provisions.

Does PRIMEX adjust to my sitting date?

PRIMEX progress analytics and spaced-repetition scheduling adapt to your remaining time, so revision intensity scales with your countdown to the Final FRCA Examination.