Fellowship CAI Written

The Fellowship of the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (FCAI) Written examination is an internationally recognised high stakes assessment of anaesthesiologists in training knowledge. The Fellowship examination is a national test of knowledge as laid out in the FCAI examination syllabus agreed with the Irish Medical Council. The examination is embedded within the curriculum outcomes and specialty anesthesiology trainees will not progress to SAT6 without possession of this qualification.

Key Dates

Application opens Application closes Trial date Exam date Location Fee
09.00-10.00
11.00-12.00
09.00-10.40
11.20-13.00
14.00-15.30
16.00-17.30
25 November 2024 07 February 2025 20 February 2025 27 February 2025 Online €700
13 October 2025 14 November 2025 25 September 2025 02 October 2025 Online €700

* All times stated are in local (Dublin, Ireland ) time

Apply for Examination

To apply the applicant must have completed 36 months in the practice of anaesthesia / anaesthesiology. Additionally, where the applicant is on the Irish National Anaesthesiology Training Programme, they must have completed 36 months within the training programme.

Reading Materials

Here we have compiled a number of resources trainees have found useful for the FCAI. The College of Anaesthesiologists do not endorse specific resources; those listed below are a small selection of available revision aids.

FCAI Syllabus

It is essential that FCAI candidates read and understand the requirements of the FCAI Syllabus.

Reading

  • BJA Education (formerly CEACCP) – http://bjaed.oxfordjournals.org/  [HIGHLY RECOMMENDED]
  • Oxford Handbook of Anaesthesia (Oxford Medical Handbooks), 5th Edition, Freedman, Herbert, et al. OUP Oxford.
  • The anaesthesia science viva book, 3rd Edition, Bricker. Cambridge University Press. [This is an essential book – very good revision of core basic science applied to clinical anaesthesia practice]
  • Advanced training in Anaesthesia (Oxford Specialty Training), 1st Edition, Prout, Jones, and Martin. OUP Oxford
  • Smith and Aitkenhead’s Textbook of Anaesthesia, 7th Edition, Thompson, Moppett, and Wiles. Elsevier
  •  Fundamentals of Anaesthesia, 4th Edition, Lin, Smith, and Pinnock. Cambridge University Press.
  • Association of Anaesthetists Guideline: https://anaesthetists.org/Home/Resources-publications/Guidelines
  • Royal College of Anaesthetists National Audit Projects (NAPs): https://rcoa.ac.uk/research/research-projects/national-audit-projects-naps

Examination Preparation books/online resources:

  Websites

 Question Banks

 

Examinations Contact: exams@coa.ie

FAQ’s / Application Process

  1. Your bank card details
  2. Your digital passport sized photo (jpg)
  3. Signed Head of Dept reference (pdf)
  4. Exempting qualification cert (pdf) (Candidate with MCAI do not need this)

There are 6 attempts at this component of the exams.

No. There is no electronic equipment allowed on your person.

No. You must bring your own food or refreshments to the exam.

You will need to bring photo ID, your invitation letter and pens for the SAQ component. Pencils are provided for the MCQ & SBA papers.

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