Primary FRCA MCQ: sittings, booking and prep

Next sitting to book 26 Feb 2027 · 2 sittings listed

About

The Primary FRCA MCQ is a three-hour, 90-question single best answer exam on the stage 1 anaesthetic curriculum, and the gateway to the Primary FRCA OSCE and SOE.

Who can sit

You need GMC (or other national medical council) registration plus current RCoA registration as a UK anaesthesia, ACCS, Foundation, or ICM trainee, or as an anaesthetist in a recognised RCoA membership category.

Next booking£420
26 Feb 2027 · Booking opens 9 Nov, 9am · closes 7 Dec

Every sitting

2 Nov 2026
Booking closed · results from 18 Nov£420
26 Feb 2027 · Next sitting
Booking opens 9 Nov, 9am · closes 7 Dec · results from 16 Mar 2027£420

Before you book

How do I get a place on Primary FRCA MCQ?
Apply online through the RCoA; the application window runs from 0900 on the opening date to 1700 on the closing date and late applications are not accepted.
What is the format?
90 single best answer questions in three hours: 30 pharmacology, 30 physiology with biochemistry and anatomy, and 30 physics, clinical measurement, statistics and data interpretation.
How is it marked?
One mark per correct answer out of 90 with no negative marking; the pass mark is set provisionally by examiners using a modified Angoff method.
How many attempts do I get?
A maximum of six attempts is allowed, and a pass is valid for three years.
Where is it sat?
Delivered online at a place of your choosing with remote invigilation by TestReach.
When are results?
Results are released only through the My RCoA portal on the published results date; they are not emailed or given by phone.
What comes after Primary FRCA MCQ?
You must pass the Primary FRCA MCQ before you can apply for the Primary FRCA OSCE and SOE.