How to Pass the Primary FRCA

  1. Familiarise yourself with the exam format

  2. Create a study plan

  3. Glance through the curriculum

  4. Practice questions

  5. Rest and Sleep when you can

As you know, the FRCA exam is a challenging and comprehensive assessment of anaesthetic knowledge and clinical skills. It is essential to be well-prepared and confident when taking the exam in order to achieve success. Starting early can help ease the burden of revision, but don't stress yourself out. Plenty of people have passed this exam in the past.


The first step in preparing for the FRCA exam is to understand the structure and content of the exam. The primary FRCA exam consists of two parts: a written paper and an oral examination. The written paper consists of a Single Best Answer multiple choice exam. The oral examination consists of two parts: a clinical sciences viva and an anaesthetic theoretical viva. It is important to familiarise yourself with the structure and content of the exam in order to plan your study strategy.


The second step is to create a study plan. It is important to allocate sufficient time to study for the exam and to create a study plan that is tailored to your individual needs. Start by making a list of topics that you need to cover and then break them down into manageable chunks. It is also important to set realistic goals and to create a timeline for achieving them.


The third step is to read through the curriculum to familirise yourself with the content expected. This will be daunting at first. Consider using a variety of resources to study for the exam. There are a number of excellent textbooks available that cover the topics included in the exam. In addition, there are online resources and question banks such as practice questions and mock exams that can help you to prepare. It is also beneficial to attend revision courses and to discuss topics with colleagues.


The fourth step is to practice questions. It is important to practice answering questions and to revise topics regularly. Make sure to practice answering questions in the same format as the exam and to time yourself when doing so. It is also beneficial to discuss topics with colleagues and to attend mock exams.


Finally, it is important to stay focused, healthy and motivated. Make sure to take regular breaks and to reward yourself for your hard work. Ensure you get 8 hours sleep and exercise. It is also important to remain positive and to focus on the end goal.


I hope that these tips will help you to prepare for the primary FRCA exam. Good luck!