Planning for the New Exam

Exam pathway: What happens after your result?

Use the decision tree below to explore your next steps based on your exam outcome in Academic Year 2026–2027. This diagram shows the progression routes for candidates sitting the FFPMRCA SOE to transition to the new exam formats in 2027–2028.

FFPMRCA academic year 2026–2027

If you sit the FFPMRCA SOE in November 2026, your outcome will decide your next steps:

• If you pass: you complete the FFPMRCA under the current format.
• If you do not pass: you will have the option to resit the SOE in May 2027 or transition to the new FFPMRCA Clinical Performance Examination in Pain (CPEP) in academic year 2027-28.

From academic year 2027-28 onwards, candidates who have not passed the FFPMRCA SOE will move onto the new CPEP.

Timeline 

Validity extensions

• Written components are valid for 3 years from the point of passing. Candidates who wish to wait to sit the new examination format should contact us if the validity of their written exam expires during this time. We will extend the validity by one year on request.

Exam attempts

Attempts at a new written or clinical oral exam in academic year 2027-2028 will be classed as attempt number one. 

The maximum of six attempts at a component remains unchanged. If you've failed an exam six times, you are no longer eligible to sit further exams. 

Extenuating circumstances

Candidates who cannot sit exams before July 2027 due to:

• Health reasons
• Parental leave
• Other personal circumstances

will sit the new exam format(s) upon return.