Top 7 Primary FRCA Courses

Preparing for the Primary FRCA exam requires consistent, structured revision across a large and technically demanding syllabus. Most candidates will use more than one resource, but choosing the right core Primary FRCA course is what typically determines how efficient and effective your preparation is.

This guide compares the best Primary FRCA courses in 2026, including online revision platforms, multiple choice questions courses, and video-based learning. It reviews the main Primary FRCA revision courses currently used by trainees, focusing on content depth, exam relevance, and how well each supports real exam performance.

1. Pastest Primary FRCA Online Revision Course

Best for: Candidates looking for a single, comprehensive platform, offering full exam preparation and ongoing revision.

Pastest offers a fully integrated Primary FRCA online revision course that combines question-based learning with structured teaching and performance tracking. 

Key features:

• Large, exam-focused Primary FRCA MCQ course with ‘single best answer’ style questions

• Detailed explanations that prioritise exam reasoning, not just recall

• Integrated FRCA video course covering core topics across the syllabus

• Performance analytics to track progress and identify weak areas

• Content regularly updated in line with current exam trends

Unlike many standalone Primary FRCA MCQ courses, Pastest combines question practice, teaching, and progress tracking in one system. This reduces the need to rely on multiple separate resources and helps maintain consistency throughout revision.

2. BMJ OnExamination Primary FRCA Course

Best for: Candidates prioritising MCQ practice

BMJ OnExamination is one of the most established Primary FRCA MCQ courses and is widely used for question-based revision.

Key features:

• Extensive bank of questions

• Timed mock exams

• Performance comparison against other users

The platform is particularly useful for practising exam-style questions. However, it is primarily question-driven, with less emphasis on structured teaching or guided revision pathways, meaning many candidates supplement it with additional learning resources.

3. e-Learning Anaesthesia (e-LA)

Best for: Core theory and syllabus coverage.

e-LA is a free, curriculum-aligned resource developed by the Royal College of Anaesthetists.

Key features:

• Comprehensive topic coverage

• Structured modules across key subjects

• Case-based learning

While valuable, e-LA is not designed as a complete Primary FRCA revision course. It lacks exam-style question practice and performance tracking, so it is typically used alongside a dedicated Primary FRCA MCQ course.

4. TeachMeAnaesthetics

Best for: Quick revision and clarification.

TeachMeAnaesthetics provides concise summaries of key anaesthetic topics.

Key features:

• Clear, accessible explanations

• Free-to-use content

• High-yield topic focus

It is useful for reinforcing understanding but does not function as a full Primary FRCA online revision course. In particular, it does not offer structured exam preparation or analytics.

5. FRCA Masterclass

Best for: Final-stage revision and exam technique

FRCA Masterclass offers intensive teaching courses, both in-person and online.

Key features:

• Consultant-led teaching

• Focus on exam strategy

• Interactive sessions

These courses can be helpful closer to the exam, but they are time-limited and do not provide the ongoing practice or tracking available in online platforms.

6. Passmedicine FRCA

Best for: Supplementary question banks.

Passmedicine provides a straightforward Primary FRCA MCQ course aimed at question practice.

Key features:

• SBA-style questions

• Topic-based organisation

• Accessible pricing

Compared to more comprehensive Primary FRCA courses, it offers less depth in explanations and fewer tools for tracking long-term progress.

7. Self-directed resources (Anki, textbooks, notes)

Best for: Reinforcing memory and understanding.

Many candidates supplement formal FRCA courses with self-directed study tools.

Examples include:

• Flashcards (e.g. Anki)

• Standard textbooks

• Personal notes

This is essential for developing the deeper understanding required to pass.

3. Performance tracking

High-quality Primary FRCA online revision courses include analytics that allow you to:

• Track progress over time

• Identify weak subjects quickly

• Benchmark performance against other candidates

These can be effective when used alongside a structured Primary FRCA revision course, but on their own, they rarely provide sufficient exam preparation.

Which Primary FRCA course is best?

Most Primary FRCA courses are strong in one area but limited in others.

• MCQ-focused platforms improve exam technique but may lack structured teaching

• Theory resources build understanding but don’t replicate exam conditions

• Intensive courses offer short-term gains but limited long-term support

The main difference between providers is how well they combine these elements. Courses that integrate question practice, teaching, and performance tracking tend to provide a more consistent and efficient revision experience. This is particularly beneficial for candidates preparing alongside full-time clinical work.

How to choose the right Primary FRCA course

Where possible, using a single core platform reduces duplication and helps maintain focus. Your choice should reflect your stage of preparation:

• Early stage: A Primary FRCA online revision course with full syllabus coverage and video teaching

• Mid-stage: A balance between theory and a strong Primary FRCA MCQ course

• Final preparation: Timed practice and exam simulation

Start your Primary FRCA preparation

There is no shortage of Primary FRCA courses, but they are not all designed in the same way. The most effective platforms should reflect the current exam format while providing clear, exam-focused explanations. They should allow you to track and adapt your progress while supporting both learning and application.

For most candidates, a course that combines these elements will offer a clearer, more structured path to passing the exam.If you're preparing for the exam, you can explore:

• The Primary FRCA online revision course

• The Primary FRCA Exam Essentials (video course) 

For a full overview of the exam itself, check out our Complete Guide to the Primary FRCA Exam. With the right resources and a structured approach, passing the Primary FRCA exam first time is an achievable goal.