2027: Launch of the New FRCA Exams
Key Information for Candidates and Training Supervisors
The Royal College of Anaesthetists is launching new formats for the FRCA examinations, with full implementation beginning July 2027. This marks an exciting step forward in modernising our assessments and improving the candidate experience.
Getting Ready for the New Clinical Performance Exams
June webinar registrations now OPEN!
What’s changing?
- New exam formats will be delivered from July 2027 onward (subject to GMC approval)
- These formats will replace the current OSCE and SOE components.
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All candidates will sit the new formats unless they hold a valid partial pass.
| Legacy Name | New Exam Name | New Exam Format |
| Primary FRCA MCQ |
Primary FRCA AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) |
2 papers 80 SBA (Single Best Answer) questions per paper 2 hours 20 minutes per paper |
| Final FRCA Written |
Final FRCA AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) |
1 paper 100 SBA (Single Best Answer) questions per paper No CRQ (Constructed Response Question) paper 3 hours |
| Primary FRCA OSCE SOE |
Primary FRCA CASE (Clinical Anaesthetic Sciences Exam) |
1 circuit of 13 stations of 9 minutes* 2 minutes to read station information Total time: 2 hours 23 minutes Assessing communication, clinical decision making and judgement, prioritisation, application of basic sciences. |
| Final FRCA SOE |
Final FRCA FCPE (Final Clinical Performance Exam) |
1 circuit of 12 stations of 9 minutes 2 minutes to read station information Total time: 2 hours 12 minutes Assessing communication, clinical decision making and judgement, critical thinking, prioritisation – content according to relevant curriculum for stage of training – considers patient types and clinical arena (pre, intra, post, critical, outside theatre). |
*The format of this exam was changed after the April 2026 pilot from 10 x 9-minute with 4 x 4.5-minute stations to 13 x 9-minute stations.
Why are the exams changing?
The exam formats are being transformed to improve clarity, consistency, and alignment with current training and assessment standards. This transformation has taken place over a four-year development period and addresses the recommendations in the Independent Review of RCoA exam processes published in February 2023.
The new exam formats give candidates
- Greater authenticity
- A better test experience
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A reduced assessment burden
Hear from our Exam Development Leads
In these short videos, our Exam Development Leads introduce the new CASE (Clinical Anaesthetic Sciences Exam) and FCPE (Final Clinical Performance Exam) examinations. They explain the purpose of the new formats, what candidates can expect on the day, and share practical tips and reassurance as you prepare for the transition.
Available May 2026
- An Introduction to CASE
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An Introduction to FCPE
Who does this affect?
- All candidates should prepare for the new exam formats from July 2027.
- Candidates with a valid partial pass (e.g. have passed either SOE or OSCE only) may complete their remaining legacy component during the 2027–2028 transition year.
Not sure which exam route applies to you? See our dedicated planning page for decision pathways.