What Is the Primary FRCA Examination?
The short answer
The Primary FRCA Examination is an examination set by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA). Three separately marked components taken in order: a written MCQ, then an OSCE and a Structured Oral Examination (SOE) taken together in person. All three must be passed. For binding detail, see the official RCoA examination pages at https://rcoa.ac.uk.
Who sets the Primary FRCA
The Primary FRCA Examination is administered by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA), the body responsible for setting and marking the examination to a defined competency standard.
Who sits the Primary FRCA
Open to doctors registered with the GMC (or another national medical council) who are registered with the RCoA as a UK trainee (in Anaesthesia, ACCS, the Foundation Programme or ICM), an Irish College anaesthesia trainee, or an anaesthetist registered with the College in a recognised membership category. Overseas doctors join via International Affiliate membership. The OSCE and SOE additionally require a Primary MCQ pass within the last 3 years and the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) or a recognised equivalent.
How the Primary FRCA is structured
The Primary FRCA has 3 assessed components. Three separately marked components taken in order: a written MCQ, then an OSCE and a Structured Oral Examination (SOE) taken together in person. All three must be passed. A full breakdown of each component is on the Primary FRCA format page linked below.
What the Primary FRCA is for
The Primary FRCA Examination is a demanding basic-science gateway examination requiring mechanistic depth in physiology, pharmacology and physics and clinical measurement, followed by an OSCE and Structured Oral clinical phase. It sits within the Royal College of Anaesthetists training and assessment pathway, and passing it is a milestone toward the qualification or progression that pathway leads to.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Primary FRCA Examination?
The Primary FRCA Examination is an examination set by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA). Three separately marked components taken in order: a written MCQ, then an OSCE and a Structured Oral Examination (SOE) taken together in person. All three must be passed.
Who sets the Primary FRCA?
The Primary FRCA Examination is administered by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA), which sets and marks it to a defined competency standard.
Who is eligible to sit the Primary FRCA?
Open to doctors registered with the GMC (or another national medical council) who are registered with the RCoA as a UK trainee (in Anaesthesia, ACCS, the Foundation Programme or ICM), an Irish College anaesthesia trainee, or an anaesthetist registered with the College in a recognised membership category. Overseas doctors join via International Affiliate membership. The OSCE and SOE additionally require a Primary MCQ pass within the last 3 years and the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) or a recognised equivalent.
How is the Primary FRCA structured?
The Primary FRCA Examination has 3 assessed components. Three separately marked components taken in order: a written MCQ, then an OSCE and a Structured Oral Examination (SOE) taken together in person. All three must be passed.