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 |
| 1 July 2025 | 8 September 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.
Check if you are eligible to sit exam.
Please read the full Examinations Regulations.(pdf)
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:
- SBA:
- SBAs For the Final FRCA (Oxford Specialty Training) 1st Edition, Whymark, Junkin, and Ramsey. Oxford University Press.
- Final FRCA: 300 SBAs, 1st Edition, El-Boghdadly, and Ahmad. Jaypee UK
- SAQ:
- The Final FRCA Short Answer Questions: MasterPass, A Practical Study Guide, 1st Edition, Combeer. Routledge
- SAQs for the Final FRCA (Oxford Specialty Training: Revision Texts), 1st Edition, Shorthouse, Barker, and Waldmann. Oxford University Press
- SOE
- The Final FRCA Structured Oral Examination: A Complete Guide (MasterPass), 1st Edition, Krishnachetty, and Sethi). CRC Press
- Clinical Cases for the FRCA: Key Topics Mapped to the RCoA Curriculum (MasterPass), 1st Edition, Allana. CRC Press
- The anaesthesia science viva book, 3rd Edition, Bricker. Cambridge University Press. [This is an essential book for SOE 3 – Advanced Sciences and Intensive Care Medicine).
Websites
- Deranged physiology (ICU): https://derangedphysiology.com/main/home
- Anaesthesia tutorial of the week: https://resources.wfsahq.org/anaesthesia-tutorial-of-the-week/
- Dr Podcast: https://drpodcast.co.uk/collections/anaesthetic-podcasts
- Life in the fast lane (ICU): https://litfl.com
Question Banks
- BMJ On examination: https://www.onexamination.com (For MCQ)
Examinations Contact: exams@coa.ie
FAQ’s / Application Process
- Your bank card details
- Your digital passport sized photo (jpg)
- Signed Head of Dept reference (pdf)
- 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.