This document outlines the standardised procedures and regulations governing examinations delivered by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) and the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM). By aligning examination processes across these qualifications, this document ensures consistency in eligibility criteria, application procedures, examination conduct, marking, results review, complaints, appeals, and feedback mechanisms.
The purpose of this document is to consolidate and simplify existing regulatory frameworks, ensuring fairness, transparency, and high certification standards, while supporting the professional development of anaesthetists and pain medicine specialists in training and practice.
This document supersedes:
- The FFPMRCA Examination Regulations (May 2023).
- All previous versions of FRCA Primary and Final Examination Regulations, including component-specific regulations.
- Any prior RCoA-published guidance that contradicts the procedures set out herein.
The Fellowship of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FFICM) is now governed by a separate document titled “FFICM Examination Regulations (August 2025)”. This document does not apply to FFICM examinations.
