FCA(SA) Exam: Format, Dates, Eligibility and Preparation

Key facts

FCA(SA) exam overview

The Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of South Africa (FCA(SA)) is administered by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA). It is a two-part examination: Part I tests the basic sciences underpinning anaesthesia, while Part II assesses specialist practice through written papers and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

The Part I format changed to four integrated papers from the first semester of 2024. Part II retains three written papers and an OSCE; candidates must pass the written component before proceeding to the clinical examination.

FCA(SA) exam format and papers

Part I: integrated written examination

Part I consists of four papers: two single best-answer (SBA) papers and two short-answer question (SAQ) papers. Each paper integrates the basic-science domains relevant to anaesthesia. Candidates who do not pass must sit all four papers at a subsequent examination; supplementary examinations are not offered.

Part II: written papers and OSCE

The Part II written component and OSCE are separate components, and both must be passed. You must pass the written component before entering the OSCE. If you pass the written component but fail the OSCE, the regulations permit one repeat of the OSCE at the next examination without rewriting the written component.

FCA(SA) exam dates, applications and fees

Part II clinical/oral examination: Second Semester 2026

CMSA lists the Part II clinical/oral examination period as October 26–28, 2026. Your individual timetable gives your assigned date, venue and time.

First Semester 2027 written examinations

The Part II written papers are scheduled for January 25–27, 2027: Paper 1 on January 25, short-answer Paper 2 on January 26, and data-interpretation Paper 3 on January 27. The Part I written examination period is February 8–19, 2027; CMSA provides an individual timetable after an application is approved.

The First Semester 2027 application window runs from October 1 to November 15, 2026. CMSA does not accept late applications. The listed fees for Second Semester 2026 and First Semester 2027, including VAT, are R12,950 for Part I and R24,650 for Part II.

FCA(SA) eligibility requirements

Part I eligibility

You need a medical qualification registered or registrable with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Part II eligibility

You may enter Part II after passing FCA(SA) Part I, passing Part 1 of a South African university MMed (Anaes), or receiving an exemption from the College. You must also have completed 36 months in a full-time registrar post in an academic anaesthesia department by the OSCE date. No more than one year of that training may be in a satellite training hospital. The training must include three full-time months in an accredited intensive care unit (ICU), and you must complete a portfolio of learning with the required declaration from the head of department.

Part II must be passed within six years of passing Part I. To be awarded the fellowship after passing the examination, you must have completed training in a CMSA-recognised registrar post.

FCA(SA) syllabus and examination domains

Part I syllabus

Part I examines basic sciences as they apply to clinical anaesthesia. The main domains are:

• Pharmacology: general principles and the drugs used in anaesthesia, analgesia and related care.
• Physiology and chemical pathology: body systems and pathophysiology relevant to anaesthetic practice.
• Physics and clinical measurement: gas laws, anaesthetic gases and equipment, monitoring, measurement, statistics and data management.

Part II syllabus

The Part II blueprint covers fundamentals of anaesthesia and pain management; major and trauma surgery; obstetric, cardiac, thoracic, vascular and neurosurgical anaesthesia; ENT, eye, dental, maxillofacial and head-and-neck surgery, including airway management; paediatric anaesthesia; intensive care; pain medicine; and anaesthesia in remote locations. It also includes education and research, quality and safety, management and health economics, professionalism and ethics.

FCA(SA) pass standard and results

CMSA does not give a fixed percentage pass threshold in the regulations. For Part I, marks from the four papers are aggregated and the overall standard is set using the Cohen method. For Part II, the written papers are aggregated and standard-set using Cohen with one standard error of measurement added to the pass mark. The OSCE uses borderline regression, with two standard errors of measurement added to the overall OSCE pass mark. Each Part II component must meet its own standard, so a written pass does not compensate for an OSCE fail.

How to prepare for FCA(SA)

A useful preparation plan works through the blueprint, practises each assessment format, and leaves time to rehearse the OSCE.

Weeks 1–2: map the syllabus and find gaps

For Part I, organise revision around the integrated domains: pharmacology; physiology and chemical pathology; and physics, measurement and equipment. Use the blueprint to prioritise areas with important safety consequences and frequent clinical application. For Part II, map the clinical specialties alongside intensive care, pain, safety, research and professionalism.

Weeks 3–5: practise written answers

Alternate SBA practice with timed SAQ writing for Part I. Explain the reasoning behind each answer and practise applying basic science to anaesthetic problems. For Part II, rotate through single-best-answer questions, structured short answers and data interpretation. Do not leave data interpretation until the end of revision; it is a separate written paper.

Weeks 6–8: rehearse the full assessment

Complete timed mixed-topic sessions and review errors by domain and question type. For Part II, practise OSCE stations aloud: structure your assessment, explain decisions clearly, and demonstrate communication, collaboration, leadership, professionalism and knowledge integration. The written component and OSCE have separate pass standards, so prepare for both rather than treating the clinical examination as an afterthought.

More preparation advice: Mastering the SACSA Exams: Your Comprehensive Guide to Success

Frequently asked questions

References

Exam rules, dates and fees change. Always confirm the details with the awarding body before you apply.