Primary FRCA

Primary FRCA is the initial stage of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Anesthetists (FRCA) examination in the United Kingdom. It is a crucial step for anesthetists in training, as it assesses the knowledge and skills necessary for the practice of anesthesia, intensive care medicine, and pain management.

Overview

The Primary FRCA examination is divided into three parts: the Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) paper, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and the Structured Oral Examination (SOE). The MCQ paper is a written examination that tests the candidate's knowledge in pharmacology, physiology, physics, and clinical measurement. The OSCE and SOE are practical examinations that assess the candidate's clinical skills and application of knowledge.

Examination Structure

Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Paper

The MCQ paper consists of 60 questions, divided into two sections. The first section contains 30 Pharmacology and Physiology questions, while the second section contains 30 Physics and Clinical Measurement questions. Each question has five possible answers, with only one correct answer.

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

The OSCE consists of 16 stations, each lasting five minutes. The stations assess a range of skills, including communication skills, clinical examination, practical skills, anesthetic equipment, and resuscitation.

Structured Oral Examination (SOE)

The SOE is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on physiology, pharmacology, and physics, while the second part focuses on clinical anesthesia, intensive care medicine, and pain management. Each part lasts 30 minutes and consists of four questions.

Preparation

Preparation for the Primary FRCA examination involves a combination of self-study, attending relevant courses, and gaining practical experience in the clinical setting. It is recommended to use a variety of resources, including textbooks, online resources, and practice questions.

See Also

• Fellowship of the Royal College of Anesthetists
• Anesthesia
• Intensive Care Medicine
• Pain Management