The Primary FRCA (Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists) exam comprehensively evaluates the entire syllabus for aspiring anaesthetists.
The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) which give you a scenario and asks you to choose the most correct answer out of 5 options.
Note – Since September 2023 there have been no Multiple True False (MTF) questions; all 90 questions are single best answer.
The OSCE and SOE are face-to-face, but the MCQ is delivered online at a place of your choosing, with remote invigilation by TestReach. The RCoA has confirmed the 2027 AKT will also be sat remotely online.
IT Requirements for the Online Exam
- Laptop or Computer running Windows 7 or Mac OS 10.10, or newer.
- Intel Core i3 CPU (or equivalent), or better.
- 4GB+ RAM
- A webcam which can be used to scan the room
- Working microphone and speakers
- A 13”+ screen with at least 1024 x 768 resolution.
- Multiple screens are not allowed.
- Stable internet connection with at least 2 Mbps speed
If you’re unsure whether your computer will work, check out the demo of the TestReachexam software prior to the exam.
It is important to note that MCQ questions may come from any of the curriculum codes tested in the exam and candidates are advised to refer to the "CCT in Anaesthetics, Annex B, Core Level Training" document for a detailed understanding of what is tested in the Primary FRCA exam. This document provides a blueprint of the exam, mapping it against the core level units of training, and gives candidates a better understanding of what to expect and how to prepare for the exam.
Search FRCA Primary courses
How to Apply for the Exam
Here is the process for applying for the written FRCA primary exam in a step-by-step format:
- Meet the eligibility criteria – see below.
- Visit the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) website and create an account.
- Access the application form for the FRCA primary exam and fill in the required personal information, such as your name, contact details, and information about your training and qualifications.
- Upload a copy of your GMC registration certificate (or equivalent) and a passport-style photograph.
- Submit the completed application form along with the application fee (£420 for each of the 2026/27 MCQ sittings) to the RCoA. The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid by the closing date, which can be found on the RCoA website.
- Receive confirmation of your exam date, IT instructions, along with information about the study materials and resources available to help you prepare for the exam.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this exam, you must:
- Be registered with the GMC or an equivalent national medical council.
- Not have failed the exam 6 times.
- Plus, one of the following:
Be registered with the Royal College of Anaesthesia (RCoA) as a trainee in one of the following training programmes:
- Foundation Programme
- Core Anaesthetics
- Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS)
- Intensive Care Medicine
OR
Be registered as a trainee with the College of Anaesthetists, Ireland.
OR
Be registered with the RCoA in a recognised non-affiliate membership category and currently working as an anaesthetist.
OR
Be registered with the RCoA in a recognised non-affiliate membership category and you have previously left anaesthetic training in the UK or Ireland less than 5 years ago.
OR
Be a practising anaesthetist outside the UK who holds International Affiliate membership of the RCoA. This replaced the old Temporary Examination Eligibility (TEE) route. Note that only UK-registered doctors working in anaesthesia in the UK can sit the Primary OSCE and SOE.
Source: Section 5: Eligibility for the Primary FRCA MCQ Examination - RCoA
For individuals who have a physical or mental disability, a specific learning difficulty, or an ongoing medical condition, reasonable adjustments can be requested during the application process by checking the appropriate boxes. It is advised to book the exam as early as possible to ensure sufficient time to put the necessary accommodations in place.
With regards to withdrawals, if a candidate decides to withdraw their application, the refund status depends on how close they are to the exam:
- Before the application closing date – a full refund
- After the application closing date but >7 working days from the exam – refund minus an admin fee
- <7 working days from the exam - no refund unless exceptional circumstances
Trainees who are taking the exam as part of their training program can claim tax relief on both their exam fees and membership fees. You can find more information on how to claim your tax rebate on the Medics Money website.
FRCA Primary MCQ Exam Dates
The exact dates for the exam are determined by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA), the organisation responsible for administering the exam. Applications open at 09:00 on the opening date and close at 17:00 on the closing date; late applications are not accepted.
It's important to note that the exact dates may change from year to year. The best way to find out the exact dates is to check the RCoA examination calendar or contact the RCoA directly.
The fee for each 2026/27 MCQ sitting is £420 (it was £400 in 2024).
These are the final sittings of the current Primary MCQ format before the AKT launches in July 2027:
| Exam Date | Application Open Date | Application Close Date | Results Date |
|---|
| 3 September 2026 | 25 May 2026 | 15 July 2026 | 23 September 2026 |
| 2 November 2026 | 17 August 2026 | 25 September 2026 | 18 November 2026 |
| 26 February 2027 | 9 November 2026 | 7 December 2026 | 17 March 2027 |
FRCA Primary MCQ Pass Mark
Each of the 90 single-best-answer questions carries equal weight. The overall pass mark is calculated using a Modified Angoff Method and is not available ahead of time; the RCoA has confirmed the AKT will also use Angoff standard setting.
FRCA Pass Mark Calculation Process
In the Modified Angoff Method, the passing score for the exam is calculated using expert opinion on how many questions a "borderline" candidate (expected to just scrape a pass) should answer correctly, taking biases into account.
This is combined with adjustments for questions with errors, as well as a standard error of measurement, to give the official exam pass mark. The process is as follows:
- Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) go through each question, giving the likelihood that a borderline candidate will get the answer right.
- SMEs go through several rounds of being given additional information, such as real-life performance data and how their answers compare to other experts.
- In each round, they are permitted to change or keep their answers (this is where the modified version differs from the standard Angoff Method).
- Questions with errors or ambiguities are removed from candidate scores and the marking criteria.
- The calculated average borderline pass mask is then reduced by one Standard Error of Measurement to give the official pass mark for the exam.
The pass rate for the Primary MCQ has generally been around 60%, though it varies from sitting to sitting. The RCoA publishes the figures in its annual examinations report.
It is also important to note that passing the primary FRCA exams is only one of the requirements to become a consultant anaesthetist in the UK, trainees must also pass the FRCA final exams and must meet all the other requirements of the RCoA, including completing a certain number of years of training and passing an assessment of their clinical practice.
FRCA Primary Exam Prizes
There are two prizes available for those on their first attempt at sitting the primary FRCA exams:
Nuffield Prize
This is given to those achieving the highest levels of distinction in a Primary FRCA exam.
Chair’s Commendation Letter
This is given to any candidate who missed out on the Nuffield prize who performs at a level of distinction (top 5% of candidates) in a Primary FRCA exam.
