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How to Pass the Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of South Africa (Part II) [ Study Tips ](https://mdster.com/blog?category=study-tips) How to Pass the Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of South Africa (Part II) ====================================================================================== A practical 12-week strategy for the written papers and OSCE [ MDster Editorial Team ](https://mdster.com/about) · Aug 12, 2026 · 5 min read · 262 [ Reviewed by Dr. Ali Ragab, MBBCH, MSc, MCAI ](https://mdster.com/medical-reviewers/dr-ali-ragab) [Editorial Policy](https://mdster.com/editorial-policy) \| [Corrections Policy](https://mdster.com/corrections) [ Anesthesiology ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=anesthesiology) [ Study Tips ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=study-tips) [ OSCE Preparation ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=osce-preparation) [ CMSA ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=cmsa) [ FCA(SA) Part II ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=fcasa-part-ii) [ Anaesthesiology Exams ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=anaesthesiology-exams) ![How to Pass the Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of South Africa (Part II)](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/how-to-pass-the-fellowship-of-the-college-of-anaesthetists-of-south-africa-part-ii.jpg) Share this article Share this post On this page 1. [ Prepare for Three Different Written Tasks ](#prepare-for-three-different-written-tasks) 2. [ MCQ/SBA paper ](#mcqsba-paper) 3. [ SAQ paper ](#saq-paper) 4. [ Data-interpretation paper ](#data-interpretation-paper) 5. [ Prioritise the Official Blueprint ](#prioritise-the-official-blueprint) 6. [ Study Schedule Template ](#study-schedule-template) 7. [ Train the OSCE as an Observable Performance ](#train-the-osce-as-an-observable-performance) 8. [ Use Resources Deliberately ](#use-resources-deliberately) 9. [ Common Pitfalls ](#common-pitfalls) 10. [ Key Takeaways ](#key-takeaways) 11. [ Conclusion ](#conclusion) 12. [ Frequently Asked Questions ](#blog-faqs) 13. [ References ](#references-heading) On this page 1. [ Prepare for Three Different Written Tasks ](#prepare-for-three-different-written-tasks) 2. [ MCQ/SBA paper ](#mcqsba-paper) 3. [ SAQ paper ](#saq-paper) 4. [ Data-interpretation paper ](#data-interpretation-paper) 5. [ Prioritise the Official Blueprint ](#prioritise-the-official-blueprint) 6. [ Study Schedule Template ](#study-schedule-template) 7. [ Train the OSCE as an Observable Performance ](#train-the-osce-as-an-observable-performance) 8. [ Use Resources Deliberately ](#use-resources-deliberately) 9. [ Common Pitfalls ](#common-pitfalls) 10. [ Key Takeaways ](#key-takeaways) 11. [ Conclusion ](#conclusion) 12. [ Frequently Asked Questions ](#blog-faqs) 13. [ References ](#references-heading) Most candidates make the same mistake: they prepare for FCA(SA) Part II as though it were simply a larger knowledge examination. They read extensively but practise too little timed writing, data interpretation and observable clinical performance. As listed by CMSA on August 12, 2026, Part II has three online written papers: at least 120 MCQ/SBA questions, at least 20 SAQs and at least 20 short-answer data-interpretation questions. Each paper lasts three hours, followed by an OSCE of at least 12 stations. You must pass the combined written component before progressing to the independently assessed OSCE. [\[1\]](#cite-1 "Reference [1]") Prepare for Three Different Written Tasks ----------------------------------------- Do not use one revision method for every paper. Build separate practice streams because each format rewards a different skill. ### MCQ/SBA paper At 120 questions in 180 minutes, your average allowance is 90 seconds per question. Adjust this calculation if the paper contains more questions. - Answer the clinical problem before inspecting distractors. - Identify qualifiers such as **most appropriate**, **initial** or **best next step**. - Record why errors occurred: knowledge gap, misreading, overthinking or poor prioritisation. - If review is permitted, flag uncertain items and move on rather than repeatedly rereading them. ### SAQ paper At 20 questions, the raw average is nine minutes per question. Practise producing scorable points rather than miniature essays. 1. Open with a direct answer or definition. 2. Use headings that mirror the question's verbs. 3. List priorities in clinical order. 4. Add justification only where it earns marks. ### Data-interpretation paper Practise interpreting ABGs, ECGs, ventilator information, haemodynamic traces, laboratory trends and clinical study data. For every dataset, use the same sequence: **describe, interpret, diagnose, assess severity, then manage**. > **Pro Tip:** Complete one timed 20-question simulation every two weeks. Reviewing your omissions is more valuable than rereading the same chapter. Prioritise the Official Blueprint --------------------------------- The CMSA blueprint spans fundamentals, major and trauma surgery, obstetrics, cardiac-thoracic-vascular practice, neurosurgery, airway-related specialties, paediatrics, intensive care, pain and remote-location anaesthesia. It also includes research, quality, management, health economics, professionalism and ethics. [\[2\]](#cite-2 "Reference [2]") Create a spreadsheet with blueprint domains as rows and SBA, SAQ, data interpretation and OSCE as columns. Mark each cell red, amber or green after timed practice—not after reading. Prioritise topics that cross several formats: - Difficult airway assessment, planning and rescue - Perioperative cardiovascular and respiratory risk - Obstetric and paediatric emergencies - Major haemorrhage, trauma and critical care - Postoperative complications and pain - Consent, resource limitation, teamwork and patient safety Do not neglect smaller professional domains. Ethics, communication, quality improvement and research interpretation can distinguish candidates who know anaesthesia from candidates who demonstrate specialist-level judgement. Study Schedule Template ----------------------- WeeksMain focusRequired output1–3Blueprint audit and core systems40–60 SBA items, two SAQs and one dataset daily4–7Specialty anaesthesia and ICUTwo timed written blocks plus one OSCE circuit weekly8–10Mixed integrationOne full paper weekly and two mock OSCE sessions11–12Examination rehearsalFull timed simulations, error repair and concise revision Use a repeatable weekly rhythm around clinical duties: - **Three sessions:** mixed SBA questions and error review - **Two sessions:** timed SAQs or data interpretation - **Two sessions:** paired OSCE stations - **One session:** repair the week's weakest blueprint domain Train the OSCE as an Observable Performance ------------------------------------------- All OSCE stations are equally weighted. CMSA identifies competencies including communication, collaboration, leadership, health advocacy, professionalism, scholarship and knowledge integration. [\[3\]](#cite-3 "Reference [3]") Use a consistent station framework: 1. Clarify the task and immediate threat. 2. State safety actions aloud. 3. Present a prioritised assessment. 4. Give definitive and contingency plans. 5. Communicate escalation, teamwork and disposition. 6. Close by checking response and unresolved risks. Run stations with a colleague holding a checklist. Ask them to mark structure, prioritisation and communication—not whether your answer sounded impressive. Practise unfamiliar stations involving consent, conflict, adverse events, resource constraints and interpretation of clinical information. Use Resources Deliberately -------------------------- - **Question banks:** Use timed mixed sets, then maintain an error log organised by blueprint domain. - **Core textbooks:** Consult them to repair identified gaps, not for cover-to-cover passive reading. - **Guidelines and local protocols:** Convert major algorithms into one-page verbal management scripts. - **Older papers:** Use them for topic discovery and answer structure; CMSA has not published secure online questions since 2021. [\[1\]](#cite-1 "Reference [1]") - **Study groups:** Keep meetings station-based or question-based. Avoid unstructured topic discussions. Common Pitfalls --------------- - Delaying OSCE practice until written results are available - Writing everything you know instead of answering the command verb - Naming a diagnosis without interpreting the supporting data - Spending excessive time on one SBA or SAQ - Ignoring professionalism, research and quality domains - Giving an ideal plan without acknowledging urgency, resources or escalation Key Takeaways ------------- Implement these actions this week: - Download the current CMSA regulations and blueprint. - Build your red-amber-green domain matrix. - Complete one timed SBA block and five timed SAQs. - Interpret three unfamiliar clinical datasets aloud. - Schedule two OSCE practices with structured feedback. - Start an error log that records why each mistake occurred. Conclusion ---------- FCA(SA) Part II rewards integrated, safe and clearly communicated specialist practice. Start producing timed answers and observable decisions now; let your weaknesses, rather than the textbook contents page, determine tomorrow's study session. Frequently Asked Questions ---------------------------- ### How early should I begin focused FCA(SA) Part II preparation? A 12-week focused phase is workable if your clinical foundation is established. Begin blueprint mapping and OSCE practice earlier when significant domain gaps remain. ### Should I wait until after the written papers to practise OSCE stations? No. The written and OSCE components assess different outputs, so practise stations throughout preparation even though the written component determines progression to the OSCE. ### How should I pace the SAQ paper? Calculate time from the actual question count and marks shown. With 20 questions in 180 minutes, the unadjusted average is nine minutes per question. ### Are older FCA(SA) Part II papers still useful? Yes, for identifying themes and practising concise answers. Do not assume they predict the current secure online question bank or exact contemporary format. References (3) ------------------ 1. 1. [ CMSA: Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of South Africa ](https://cmsa.co.za/fellowship-of-the-college-of-anaesthetists-of-south-africa-fcasa/) [↩](#cite-ref-1-1 "Back to text") 2. 2. [ CMSA FCA(SA) Part II Blueprint ](https://www.cmsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/05._FCASA_Part_II_Blueprints_13_2_2024.pdf) [↩](#cite-ref-2-1 "Back to text") 3. 3. [ CMSA FCA(SA) Examination Regulations ](https://cmsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/01._FCASA_Regulations_20_11_2023.pdf) [↩](#cite-ref-3-1 "Back to text") Study pathway Build momentum in Anesthesiology with focused, exam‑style practice -------------------------------------------------------------------- - Airway, ventilation, and crisis drills - High‑yield anesthesia pharmacology made practical - Track weak topics and improve faster Free 5-day trial No credit card required. 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