EDAIC Part I Study Tips for 2026 | MDster You are offline Back online! [ MDster home ](/ "MDster home") Specialities [ Anesthesiology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/anesthesiology) [ Emergency Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/emergency-medicine) [ Family Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/family-medicine) [ Internal Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/internal-medicine) [ Obstetrics & Gynecology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/obstetrics-gynecology) [ Pediatrics ](https://mdster.com/speciality/pediatrics) [ Psychiatry ](https://mdster.com/speciality/psychiatry) [ Features ](https://mdster.com/features) [ Pricing ](https://mdster.com/pricing) [ Blog ](https://mdster.com/blog) Menu Specialities [ Anesthesiology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/anesthesiology) [ Emergency Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/emergency-medicine) [ Family Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/family-medicine) [ Internal Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/internal-medicine) [ Obstetrics & Gynecology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/obstetrics-gynecology) [ Pediatrics ](https://mdster.com/speciality/pediatrics) [ Psychiatry ](https://mdster.com/speciality/psychiatry) [ Features ](https://mdster.com/features) [ Pricing ](https://mdster.com/pricing) [ Blog ](https://mdster.com/blog) [ Login ](https://mdster.com/auth/login) 1. [ Home ](https://mdster.com) 2. [ Blog ](https://mdster.com/blog) 3. [ Study Tips ](https://mdster.com/blog?category=study-tips) 4. European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (Part I Examination): Study Tips That Actually Work [ Study Tips ](https://mdster.com/blog?category=study-tips) European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (Part I Examination): Study Tips That Actually Work ============================================================================================================ A practical, exam-specific plan to master the two-paper MTF format and turn broad anaesthesia reading into passing performance. [ MDster Editorial Team ](https://mdster.com/about) · Apr 20, 2026 · 6 min read · 86 [ 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) [ Medical Education ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=medical-education) [ EDAIC Part I ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=edaic-part-i) [ Anesthesiology Exam Prep ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=anesthesiology-exam-prep) [ Intensive Care ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=intensive-care) ![European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (Part I Examination): Study Tips That Actually Work](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/european-diploma-in-anaesthesiology-and-intensive-care-part-i-examination-study-tips-that.jpg) Share this article Share this post Most candidates do not struggle with EDAIC Part I because they are lazy. They struggle because they prepare for it like a standard single-best-answer exam. Part I is a written exam with **two papers of 60 MTF questions each**: Paper A focuses on basic sciences, Paper B on clinical anaesthesia and intensive care. Each statement is judged independently, **each correct answer earns one mark**, **there is no negative marking**, and **both papers must be passed**. That format rewards precise discrimination, not vague familiarity. [\[1\]](#cite-1 "Reference [1]") Start with a Paper A/Paper B blueprint -------------------------------------- Do not begin by reading random chapters. Build a two-column study map that mirrors the exam. Put **anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, physics, clinical measurement, and equipment** under Paper A. Put **internal and emergency medicine, general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia, special anaesthesia including pain, and intensive care medicine** under Paper B. Then tag every question you miss to one of those domains. Within 10 days you will know your real weak areas instead of guessing. [\[1\]](#cite-1 "Reference [1]") Use your first pass of revision to create **exam tables**, not pretty notes. For example, compare volatile agents by blood-gas solubility, MAC, organ effects, triggers, and contraindications. Compare vasopressors by receptor profile, haemodynamic effect, and common ICU use. Compare ventilator modes by trigger, limit, cycle, and typical indication. MTF questions often punish confusion between near-neighbours, so contrast tables are more useful than long prose. This also fits what we know about retrieval practice and spaced study in health professions education. [\[2\]](#cite-2 "Reference [2]") > **Pro Tip:** If a topic cannot be reduced to a one-page comparison table or a 10-card recall set, you probably have not made it testable enough. Train for MTF, not for generic MCQs ----------------------------------- For every practice question, force yourself to do three steps: - **Answer each statement independently** - **Write a 5-10 word reason why it is true or false** - **Mark whether the error was knowledge, language, or overthinking** That last step matters. EDAIC Part I is multilingual, and many candidates lose marks not because they do not know the subject, but because they miss a qualifier or misread the stem. If you are sitting the exam in a language that is not your strongest clinical language, keep a running glossary of recurring terms and tricky opposites. [\[3\]](#cite-3 "Reference [3]") Because there is **no penalty for incorrect answers**, you should practice finishing every statement. But do not turn that into reckless guessing. Your target is an informed final pass: eliminate what is clearly wrong, decide true or false, and move on. During revision, ban the habit of leaving items unresolved in your notebook. Unresolved thinking becomes unresolved marks on exam day. [\[3\]](#cite-3 "Reference [3]") If you are in a **paper-based centre**, rehearse the answer-sheet workflow. ESAIC’s own guidance notes that transferring answers at the end can take about **30 minutes**, so your mock papers should include booklet marking plus OMR transfer. Many strong candidates underperform simply because they never practiced the mechanics. [\[4\]](#cite-4 "Reference [4]") > **Pro Tip:** In timed practice, circle stems you want to revisit, but never re-read an entire block. Return only to the flagged statements. Study Schedule Template ----------------------- A realistic plan is **12 weeks of focused preparation** around clinical work. TimeframeMain taskWeekly targetWeeks 12-9Build Paper A and Paper B blueprint120-150 MTF statements + 2 comparison tablesWeeks 8-5Mixed topic revision2 timed 30-question sets + 1 group review sessionWeeks 4-2Exam simulation1 full Paper A or Paper B each weekendFinal weekConsolidation onlyFormulas, drug contrasts, guidelines, logistics Your weekly rhythm should be simple: **three short weekday sessions** for recall and tables, **one longer session** for questions, and **one timed block** every weekend. This works better than marathon reading because distributed practice and retrieval practice consistently improve exam performance in health professions education. [\[2\]](#cite-2 "Reference [2]") If the official **On-Line Assessment** or **In-Training Assessment** is available to you, use it as a diagnostic, not as a confidence booster. ESAIC describes the OLA as closely matched to UEMS training domains and useful for benchmarking preparation for the autumn Part I sitting. Treat the result as a blueprint for the next 8-12 weeks. [\[3\]](#cite-3 "Reference [3]") Use the right resource mix -------------------------- Keep your resources narrow and purposeful: - **One core textbook per domain** for first-pass understanding - **MTF-style question practice** for daily retrieval - **Current society guidelines and major review topics** for high-yield clinical updates - **Official ESAIC materials** such as sample questions, the diploma guide, and OLA/ITA when available - **A small study group** that explains why statements are false, not just why one is true ESAIC’s reading list makes the same point indirectly: textbook study alone is only part of preparation; candidates should also know guidelines, recommendations, and current literature. For Part I, the winning combination is breadth from a core text and precision from repeated MTF practice. [\[5\]](#cite-5 "Reference [5]") Common Pitfalls --------------- The mistakes I see most often are predictable: - **Over-reading Paper B and neglecting Paper A**, especially physics and measurement - **Using passive highlighting instead of statement-based recall** - **Practicing single-best-answer questions and assuming that transfers to MTF** - **Ignoring exam mechanics**, especially OMR transfer and pacing - **Repeating the same plan after a fail** instead of using the candidate report by paper and subject area If you have failed before, your next plan should be built from your feedback profile, because ESAIC provides a report showing performance by paper and subject areas. That is far more useful than starting the same textbook again from page 1. [\[1\]](#cite-1 "Reference [1]") Key Takeaways ------------- - Build a **two-column Paper A/Paper B blueprint** this week - Convert your next **50 questions into true/false justification drills** - Schedule **two timed blocks** before the end of the week - If paper-based, practice **answer-sheet transfer** in every mock - Turn **one recent guideline** into 10 testable statements - If you are retaking, rebuild your plan from the **candidate report**, not from memory EDAIC Part I is very passable when your preparation matches its format. Study like the exam asks questions, and your score usually starts moving within weeks. Frequently Asked Questions ---------------------------- ### How early should I start serious preparation for EDAIC Part I? For most working trainees, **12 focused weeks** is a good minimum. ESAIC also advises that candidates maximize their chances by registering for Part I after about **3 years of anaesthetic training**. [\[1\]](#cite-1 "Reference [1]") ### Should I answer every true/false statement even if I am unsure? Yes. In Part I, **each correct statement scores one mark**, **wrong answers are not penalized**, and blanks score zero, so you should train yourself to complete every item. [\[3\]](#cite-3 "Reference [3]") ### Is it enough to read a major anaesthesia textbook carefully? No. ESAIC’s reading guidance makes clear that textbooks are only part of preparation; you also need **guidelines, current literature, and exam-style question practice**. [\[5\]](#cite-5 "Reference [5]") ### What is the best way to use the official OLA or ITA? Use the OLA or ITA as a **diagnostic benchmark**. ESAIC describes the OLA as closely aligned to **UEMS domains** and useful for assessing readiness for the autumn Part I exam. [\[3\]](#cite-3 "Reference [3]") ### What should I do differently if I failed once already? Base your new plan on the **candidate report by paper and subject area**, then increase **timed MTF practice** and reduce passive rereading. ESAIC provides this feedback specifically to guide re-sits. [\[1\]](#cite-1 "Reference [1]") References (6) ------------------ 1. 1. [ ESAIC Diploma Guide 2025 ](https://esaic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Diploma-Guide-English-2025.pdf) [↩](#cite-ref-1-1 "Back to text") 2. 2. [ Trumble E, Lodge J, Mandrusiak A, et al. Systematic review of distributed practice and retrieval practice in health professions education. Advances in Health Sciences Education. 2024. ](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10459-023-10274-3) [↩](#cite-ref-2-1 "Back to text") 3. 3. [ ESAIC How to Prepare for the EDAIC ](https://esaic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/how-to-prepare-for-the-edaic-2022english.pdf) [↩](#cite-ref-3-1 "Back to text") 4. 4. [ EDAIC Part I Examination – Paper Examination Regulations for Candidates ](https://esaic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Part-I-Regulations-for-Candidates-EN-2023-Paper-only.pdf) [↩](#cite-ref-4-1 "Back to text") 5. 5. [ ESAIC Recommended Reading List for EDAIC Candidates ](https://esaic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Recommended-Reading-List-for-EDAIC.pdf) [↩](#cite-ref-5-1 "Back to text") 6. 6. [ EDAIC Part I Examination – Instructions to Candidates ](https://esaic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MCQ_Instructions_English-2021.pdf) Keep going 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 [ Start practicing ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) [ Explore Anesthesiology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/anesthesiology) [ View pricing ](https://mdster.com/pricing) [ Explore features ](https://mdster.com/features) No credit card required. Full access to all features. No commitment. Cancel anytime. Explore topics: [ # Anesthesiology ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=anesthesiology) [ # Study Tips ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=study-tips) [ # Medical Education ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=medical-education) [ # EDAIC Part I ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=edaic-part-i) [ # Anesthesiology Exam Prep ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=anesthesiology-exam-prep) [ # Intensive Care ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=intensive-care) [ Back to all posts ](https://mdster.com/blog) Discussion () ----------------- Join the discussion [ Log in ](https://mdster.com/auth/login) or [ Sign up ](https://mdster.com/auth/register) No comments yet Be the first to share your thoughts! ![]() More in Study Tips ------------------ [ See all ](https://mdster.com/blog?category=study-tips) [### Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych Paper A): Study Tips 5 min read May 02, 2026 ](https://mdster.com/blog/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-mrcpsych-paper-a-study-tips) [### How to Pass the Arab Board of Health Specializations (Arab Board Preliminary Exam) in Pediatrics 8 min read Apr 28, 2026 ](https://mdster.com/blog/how-to-pass-the-arab-board-of-health-specializations-arab-board-preliminary-exam-in-pediat) [### How to Pass the Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM Primary) 6 min read Apr 26, 2026 ](https://mdster.com/blog/how-to-pass-the-membership-of-the-royal-college-of-emergency-medicine-mrcem-primary) Related Posts ------------- [ ![Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych Paper A): Study Tips](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-mrcpsych-paper-a-study-tips.jpg) Study Tips ### Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych Paper A): Study Tips Struggling with the science-heavy MRCPsych Paper A? Use this focused plan to prioritise high-yield topics, practise SBA/EMI technique, and revise efficiently. 5 min read 0 comments ](https://mdster.com/blog/royal-college-of-psychiatrists-mrcpsych-paper-a-study-tips) [ ![Nondepolarizing Blockade: Choosing the Right NMBA in Anesthesia](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/nondepolarizing-blockade-choosing-the-right-nmba-in-anesthesia.jpg) Medical Education ### Nondepolarizing Blockade: Choosing the Right NMBA in Anesthesia A high-yield review of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockade for anesthesiologists, comparing aminosteroids, benzylisoquinoliniums, histamine effects, and organ failure. 6 min read 0 comments ](https://mdster.com/blog/nondepolarizing-blockade-choosing-the-right-nmba-in-anesthesia) [ ![How to Pass the Arab Board of Health Specializations (Arab Board Preliminary Exam) in Pediatrics](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/how-to-pass-the-arab-board-of-health-specializations-arab-board-preliminary-exam-in-pediat.jpg) Study Tips ### How to Pass the Arab Board of Health Specializations (Arab Board Preliminary Exam) in Pediatrics A practical guide for Pediatrics trainees preparing for the Arab Board Preliminary Exam, with topic priorities, a 6-week study plan, and exam-day tactics. 8 min read 0 comments ](https://mdster.com/blog/how-to-pass-the-arab-board-of-health-specializations-arab-board-preliminary-exam-in-pediat) [ ![Anesthesia for WPW Ablation in Adolescents: EP Lab Case Discussion](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/anesthesia-for-wpw-ablation-in-adolescents-ep-lab-case-discussion.jpg) Case Discussion ### Anesthesia for WPW Ablation in Adolescents: EP Lab Case Discussion A board-focused case discussion on anesthetic management of adolescent WPW ablation, including inducibility, hypotension during pacing, tamponade, cryoablation, and ALARA. 6 min read 0 comments ](https://mdster.com/blog/anesthesia-for-wpw-ablation-in-adolescents-ep-lab-case-discussion) [ ![How to Pass the Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM Primary)](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/how-to-pass-the-membership-of-the-royal-college-of-emergency-medicine-mrcem-primary.jpg) Study Tips ### How to Pass the Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM Primary) A practical, blueprint-led guide to MRCEM Primary prep with topic weighting, SBA tactics, and a realistic study schedule for busy emergency clinicians. 6 min read 0 comments ](https://mdster.com/blog/how-to-pass-the-membership-of-the-royal-college-of-emergency-medicine-mrcem-primary) [ ![Blood-Injection-Injury Phobia: Case Discussion and Management](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/blood-injection-injury-phobia-case-discussion-and-management.jpg) Case Discussion ### Blood-Injection-Injury Phobia: Case Discussion and Management A high-yield psychiatry case discussion on blood-injection-injury phobia, vasovagal syncope, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based management for board preparation. 7 min read 0 comments ](https://mdster.com/blog/blood-injection-injury-phobia-case-discussion-and-management) [ MDster home ](/ "MDster home") Master your medical exams with evidence-based learning. [ GET IT ON Google Play ](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mdster.app) Platform - [Home](https://mdster.com) - [Features](https://mdster.com/features) - [Pricing](https://mdster.com/pricing) - [About](https://mdster.com/about) Resources - [Blog](https://mdster.com/blog) - [Dashboard](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) Support - [Contact](https://mdster.com/contact) - [Legal & Policies](https://mdster.com/legal) - [Medical Reviewers](https://mdster.com/medical-reviewers) © 2026 MDster [ ](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mdster.app) [Terms](https://mdster.com/terms) [Privacy](https://mdster.com/privacy) [Editorial](https://mdster.com/editorial-policy) reCAPTCHA Protected by reCAPTCHA. Google [Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply. Cookie Consent -------------- We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies. [ Terms of Use ](https://mdster.com/terms) & [ Privacy Policy ](https://mdster.com/privacy) Accept