Primary FRCA OSCE/SOE: sittings, booking and prep

Next sitting to book 1–5 Feb 2027 · 3 sittings listed

About

The Primary FRCA OSCE and SOE are the in-person clinical and oral components of the Primary FRCA, taken together after passing the MCQ.

Who can sit

You need GMC (or other national council) registration, UK trainee or recognised RCoA membership status, a Primary MCQ pass in the last three years, and the Initial Assessment of Competence in Anaesthesia or recognised equivalent.

Next sitting to book£775
1–5 Feb 2027 · Booking open · closes 7 Dec

Every sitting

16–20 Nov 2026
Booking closed · results from 4 Dec£775
1–5 Feb 2027 · Next sitting
Booking open · closes 7 Dec · results from 23 Feb 2027£775
17–21 May 2027
Booking opens 15 Feb 2027, 9am · closes 29 Mar 2027 · results from 8 Jun 2027£775

Before you book

How do I get a place on Primary FRCA OSCE/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, with a prioritisation policy if oversubscribed.
What is the format?
The OSCE is a circuit of up to 16 live five-minute stations, each marked out of 20, including simulated patient communication and equipment questions.
How is it marked?
The pass mark for each station is set beforehand by examiners using modified Angoff referencing and the station scores are summed for the whole exam.
How many attempts do I get?
A maximum of six attempts is allowed per component, and a component pass is valid for three years.
Where is it sat?
Delivered in person; the November 2026 sitting is at the RCGP examination centre in London, and from 2027 clinical oral exams are 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 Primary FRCA OSCE/SOE?
Passing both the OSCE and SOE, with workplace-based assessments, allows progression to stage 2 anaesthetic training.