The Certiva Blog
Syllabus breakdowns, exam dates, recommended books and study plans for the South African CMSA Primaries and postgraduate exams — checked against official CMSA information.
FCPsych Part 1 Guide 2027: Format, Syllabus and How to Pass
FCPsych Part 1 (FC Psych(SA) Part I) is two 3-hour CMSA papers of 100 MCQs each. See the key facts, syllabus, references and a 12-week study plan.
FCS Part 1FCS Part 1 (FCS(SA) Primary): The 2027 Exam Guide
The FCS(SA) Primary is two 120-question CMSA MCQ papers on surgical anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology. See the format, fee and a 12-week plan.
FCP Part 1FCP Part 1 Guide 2027: Format, Syllabus and How to Pass
FCP(SA) Part I is the CMSA's 150-question, 4-hour MCQ in physiology and pathophysiology. See the format, syllabus, fee and a 12-week plan to pass.
Dip PECDip PEC Guide 2027: Format, Blueprint and How to Pass
The Dip PEC(SA) is the CMSA's Diploma in Primary Emergency Care, written as two online MCQ papers. Format, fee, eligibility and a 12-week Paper 1 study plan.
FCPaeds Part 1FCPaeds Part 1 Guide 2027: Format, Syllabus and How to Pass
FC Paed(SA) Part I explained: two 3-hour CMSA papers of 75 single-best-answer MCQs on paediatric basic sciences, plus fees, eligibility and a 12-week plan.
FCOG Part 1FCOG Part 1 Guide 2027: Format, Blueprint and How to Pass
FCOG(SA) Part I is one 3-hour CMSA paper of 150 single-best-answer basic-science questions. See the blueprint, key facts and a 12-week study plan.
FCA Part 1FCA Part 1 Guide 2027: Format, Blueprint and How to Pass
FCA(SA) Part I is four CMSA papers (two SBA, two SAQ) of integrated anaesthesia basic science. See the blueprint, key facts and a 12-week study plan.