Planning for the New Examinations
Planning your exams ahead of the 2027 format changes
In the two years leading up to the launch of our new exam formats in 2027, we recognise that candidates will need guidance to plan their assessment journey, depending on their stage of training.
Use this page to understand what the changes mean for you.
Transition Timeline
Academic year |
What happens? |
|---|---|
| 2026–2027 | Final academic year of current exam formats. |
| 2027–2028 |
Transition year Primary FRCA - Launch of new examinations. Legacy formats delivered in parallel for those with a valid partial pass in Primary OSCE or SOE. Final FRCA - Launch of new examinations. |
| July 2028 | End of transition period for Primary FRCA candidates with a valid partial pass. |
Banked components & validity extensions
- Legacy OSCE/SOE candidates must pass their remaining component by June 2028 or transition to the new format.
- Written components are valid for 3 years from the point of passing. Candidates who wish to wait to sit the new examination format should contact us if the validity of their written exam expires during this time. We will extend the validity by one year on request.
Exam attempts
Attempts at a new written or clinical oral exam in academic year 2027-2028 will be classed as attempt number one with the exception of those sitting legacy components during this year.
The maximum of six attempts at a component remains unchanged. If you've failed an exam six times, you are no longer eligible to sit further exams.
Extenuating circumstances
Candidates who cannot sit exams in the transition year due to:
- Health reasons
- Parental leave
- Other personal circumstances
will resume in the new exam format upon return.
Primary and Final Pathways
Primary FRCA Exam Pathways
Final FRCA Exam Pathways
Resource Hub
AKT sample questions and explanations
Clinical station example videos
Marking domain descriptors
Performance expectations