Final FRCA SOE: sittings, booking and prep

Next sitting to book 30 Nov – 4 Dec 2026 · 2 sittings listed

About

The Final FRCA SOE is the structured oral exam that completes the FRCA and leads to the Fellowship by Examination of the Royal College of Anaesthetists.

Who can sit

You need GMC registration, UK or Irish trainee status or another listed route, and a pass in the Primary FRCA (or exemption) and the Final FRCA Written.

Next sitting to book£735
30 Nov – 4 Dec 2026 · Booking open · closes 19 Oct

Every sitting

30 Nov – 4 Dec 2026 · Next sitting
Booking open · closes 19 Oct · results from 17 Dec£735
21–25 Jun 2027
Booking opens 8 Mar 2027, 9am · closes 16 Apr 2027 · results from 14 Jul 2027£735

Before you book

How do I get a place on Final FRCA SOE?
Apply online through the RCoA; the window runs from 0900 on the opening date to 1700 on the closing date, and places are not confirmed until the window closes.
What is the format?
SOE 1 is two 26-minute parts of two short cases with linked science questions, and SOE 2 is a 36-minute session with a long case and two short cases, giving 12 questions in all.
How is it marked?
Two examiners mark independently, awarding 2 for a pass, 1 for borderline and 0 for a fail on each question, for a maximum of 48; the pass mark uses GMC-approved standard setting.
How many attempts do I get?
A maximum of six attempts is allowed.
Where is it sat?
Delivered in person; the December 2026 sitting is at the RCGP examination centre in London, and from 2027 at the new College building, Jubilee House, London.
When are results?
Results are released only through the My RCoA portal on the published results date.
What comes after Final FRCA SOE?
Successful candidates are awarded the Fellowship by Examination of the Royal College of Anaesthetists.