Primary FRCA Exam Pathways

In academic year 2027 - 2028, legacy Primary OSCE and SOE sessions will be in place to support candidates who hold a partial pass in the Primary FRCA. 

 

What Is a Valid Partial Pass?

A valid partial pass means you’ve passed either the OSCE or SOE but not both. You’ll be eligible to complete the remaining component during the transition year.

For example, a candidate who has passed the SOE but failed the OSCE (and therefore failed overall) will be eligible to complete the remaining component during the 2027–2028 academic year. 

After June 2028, partial passes will expire and cannot be carried forward.

All other candidates will sit the new examination formats from July 2027 onwards.

 

Candidate Eligibility 

Legacy exam access in 2027–2028 is restricted to candidates with a valid partial pass in OSCE or SOE.

No legacy exam attempts will be available after July 2028.

Candidates who:

  • Fail both OSCE and SOE components in 2026–2027, or
  • Have passed MCQ but not yet attempted OSCE/SOE

will sit the new exam format in 2027–2028.

Primary Decision Tree

If you sit the Primary OSCE/SOE in January 2027, your results will give you several pathways:

  • If you pass: you progress to the new Final FRCA written exam.
  • If you receive a partial pass:
    • You may complete your remaining component in May 2027, or
    • Move to the new Clinical Anaesthesia and Sciences Examination (CASE) in academic year 2027–2028, at a reduced fee.
  • If you do not pass:
    • You may resit in May 2027, or
    • Move directly to CASE in academic year 2027–2028.

 

Legacy Exam Sample Materials

Legacy sample materials will remain available to candidates sitting OSCE/SOE during the 2027–2028 transition year. 

Recommendation for Primary Candidates - Wait to Sit

In many cases, choosing to wait for the new format may offer advantages, including:

  • Resetting the attempt count for the relevant examination component.
  • Preserving eligibility to complete the FRCA by avoiding exhaustion of final attempts.
  • The possibility of a one-year extension to the validity of written exam passes, where applicable and in line with College policy.
  • Progression to examinations that are designed to be more integrated and reflective of clinical practice

For further guidance to support candidates in making informed decisions about their examination pathway, please see our dedicated page here: Deciding whether to sit or wait | The Royal College of Anaesthetists