Final FRCA CRQ examination update
On Tuesday 14 September, many candidates sitting our Final FRCA CRQ examination were unable to answer questions because of restrictive character limits in the free text boxes. The platform provider TestReach paused the exam to resolve the issue and resumed the exam when the restriction was lifted.
Through our own investigations and candidate feedback, the College understands that not all candidates had their examination paused. This means that there were very significant variations in candidates’ experience and in their ability to answer the questions.
Understandably and regrettably, the combination of these issues caused substantial stress to a large number of candidates, for which I issued an apology. I would like to reiterate my apologies for the difficult and stressful situation in which candidates were placed. I was very pleased to hear that those candidates who sat the Final FRCA MCQ examination on Thursday 16 September did so without technical problems.
I am determined to find the fairest possible solution to this serious issue. After discussing several options, I, along with relevant College Council members, the Chair of the Examinations Committee, our CEO and senior staff, have agreed that:
- the September 2021 Final FRCA Written examination result will be based solely on the MCQ component
- the College has decided this is the best decision for most candidates, as a resit would extend the period of study and preclude successful candidates from registering for the Final SOE examination in December 2021
- any candidate who does not pass the September 2021 Final FRCA Written examination:
- will not have that sitting counted toward their total number of attempts
- will be eligible for a free resit in the March 2022 examination
- the validity period of a component will be extended if required
- candidates should contact the College if they have an examination component that expires before March 2022.
We have evaluated the statistical detail of this solution and are confident that the examination will provide a valid and reliable result so that the high standards of the FRCA will be upheld. We have discussed this issue with the General Medical Council and the Association of Anaesthetists, and they are supportive of our analysis of the many considerations that have led us to this solution.
In order to ensure that all possible lessons are learned from this incident, I would again like to offer the opportunity for candidates to email an account of their experience to exams@rcoa.ac.uk explaining what went wrong and sharing any specific details that you feel we should know about the examination or the proctoring service.
If candidates require advice, local support is available from College representatives: contact details for your Heads of Schools, College Tutors, Regional Advisers and ATRG reps can be downloaded here.
President, Royal College of Anaesthetists