Final FRCA Examination Pass Rate 2026
The headline figure
The RCoA publishes per-component pass rates for the Final FRCA Examination. These are the most recent verified figures:
- Final Written, all candidates (March 2026 sitting): 54.2% (Mar 2026) - official source, verified 2026-07-24.
- Final Written, all candidates (September 2025 sitting): 73.63% (Sep 2025) - official source, verified 2026-07-24.
- Final Written, all candidates (February 2025 sitting): 55.19% (Feb 2025) - official source, verified 2026-07-24.
- Final SOE, all candidates (June 2026 sitting): 73.07% (Jun 2026) - official source, verified 2026-07-24.
- Final SOE, all candidates (December 2025 sitting): 73.55% (Dec 2025) - official source, verified 2026-07-24.
- Final SOE, all candidates (June 2025 sitting): 75.46% (Jun 2025) - official source, verified 2026-07-24.
The RCoA publishes pass rates per sitting for three cohorts: UK trainees at first attempt, UK trainees at all attempts, and all candidates. The value shown for each sitting is the all-candidates pass rate; UK trainee first-attempt rates run higher (for example, the March 2026 Final Written was 65.16% for UK trainees at first attempt versus 54.20% for all candidates, across 524 attendees). Figures are taken from the RCoA examination pass-rates page and are updated by the College after each sitting.
How the standard is set
For the Final FRCA Examination, RCoA assesses candidates against a defined competency standard rather than ranking them against each other, so the proportion who pass reflects how a cohort performs against that bar and varies between sittings. Where a verified figure is published it appears above with its source; where the examining body publishes none, PRIMEX states that plainly rather than estimating one.
What separates pass-tier from fail-tier candidates
Two components: the Final Written (two papers, a Constructed Response Question paper and an MCQ paper, sat on different days) and the Final SOE. Both must be passed, and the Written must be passed before applying for the SOE. There is no OSCE at the Final. Passing the SOE confers Fellowship and the FRCA post-nominals.
Examiner reports and feedback consistently flag the following preparation pitfalls among candidates who fall short:
- Answering at Primary basic-science level instead of applied clinical management - the Final rewards prioritised, structured perioperative decisions.
- Vague dosing: "give a vasopressor" scores poorly where a named UK drug, dose, route and titration target is expected.
- Poor time management across the twelve constructed response questions in three hours - each must be attempted and answered to its mark allocation.
- Ignoring the guideline framework a question is built around (DAS, Resuscitation Council UK, NICE, the Association of Anaesthetists) and the consent, capacity and human-factors marks.
How PRIMEX helps you cross the pass line
- A constructed response question surface at the real Final format (twelve CRQs, each marked out of twenty) with structured examiner feedback and model answers.
- Five-option single best answer bank plus a Structured Oral simulator modelled on SOE 1 and SOE 2, probing clinical management and the linked applied science.
- UK study notes across the full applied-clinical curriculum with spaced-repetition flashcards and progress analytics.
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Frequently asked questions
How long should I study for the Final FRCA Examination?
Most candidates dedicate 20-40 weeks of structured preparation for the Final FRCA Examination. The exact duration depends on your prior knowledge base, clinical experience, and available study time per week. Starting earlier generally produces better outcomes than compressing preparation into a short period.
What is the format of the Final FRCA Examination?
Two components: the Final Written (two papers, a Constructed Response Question paper and an MCQ paper, sat on different days) and the Final SOE. Both must be passed, and the Written must be passed before applying for the SOE. There is no OSCE at the Final. Passing the SOE confers Fellowship and the FRCA post-nominals.
What is the pass rate for the Final FRCA Examination?
The RCoA publishes per-component pass rates for the Final FRCA Examination. These are the most recent verified figures:
- Final Written, all candidates (March 2026 sitting): 54.2% (Mar 2026) - official source, verified 2026-07-24.
- Final Written, all candidates (September 2025 sitting): 73.63% (Sep 2025) - official source, verified 2026-07-24.
- Final Written, all candidates (February 2025 sitting): 55.19% (Feb 2025) - official source, verified 2026-07-24.
- Final SOE, all candidates (June 2026 sitting): 73.07% (Jun 2026) - official source, verified 2026-07-24.
- Final SOE, all candidates (December 2025 sitting): 73.55% (Dec 2025) - official source, verified 2026-07-24.
- Final SOE, all candidates (June 2025 sitting): 75.46% (Jun 2025) - official source, verified 2026-07-24.
The RCoA publishes pass rates per sitting for three cohorts: UK trainees at first attempt, UK trainees at all attempts, and all candidates. The value shown for each sitting is the all-candidates pass rate; UK trainee first-attempt rates run higher (for example, the March 2026 Final Written was 65.16% for UK trainees at first attempt versus 54.20% for all candidates, across 524 attendees). Figures are taken from the RCoA examination pass-rates page and are updated by the College after each sitting.
What are the most common failure modes in the Final FRCA Examination?
- Answering at Primary basic-science level instead of applied clinical management - the Final rewards prioritised, structured perioperative decisions.
- Vague dosing: "give a vasopressor" scores poorly where a named UK drug, dose, route and titration target is expected.
- Poor time management across the twelve constructed response questions in three hours - each must be attempted and answered to its mark allocation.
- Ignoring the guideline framework a question is built around (DAS, Resuscitation Council UK, NICE, the Association of Anaesthetists) and the consent, capacity and human-factors marks.
What resources does PRIMEX provide for the Final FRCA Examination?
PRIMEX provides a curriculum-mapped question bank, AI-graded practice, and structured study resources for the Final FRCA Examination. Start with a 7-day free trial to access the full platform.