Preparing for the FRCEM SBA (Single Best Answer) exam can be overwhelming, especially with the vast medical knowledge required. Many candidates struggle with retention, forgetting crucial details under pressure. The good news? A scientifically proven way to enhance memory and recall is a combination of active recall and spaced repetition. These strategies can transform your FRCEM SBA study routine, making it easier to absorb information and perform at your best on exam day. In this post, we’ll dive into how you can implement these techniques specifically for your FRCEM SBA prep, helping you study smarter, not harder.


Understanding the FRCEM SBA Exam


Before we jump into study techniques, let’s take a moment to understand the FRCEM SBA format. The FRCEM Primary and Intermediate exams assess your fundamental medical knowledge across various areas. In the SBA section, you’ll need to select the best answer from five choices: recall and critical thinking are key!


Challenges of FRCEM SBA Exam Preparation:


Our comprehensive syllabus dives into anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based medicine. However, memorising without understanding the material is tough when the answer choices are too similar. Plus, time pressure means we have to recall information quickly and accurately. To overcome these hurdles, we need to use techniques that boost our retention and understanding, like active recall and spaced repetition.


What is Active Recall for FRCEM SBA?


Active recall involves retrieving information from memory instead of merely reviewing notes or re-reading textbooks. Research indicates that actively recalling information enhances neural connections, facilitating easier retrieval when necessary.


How to Use Active Recall for FRCEM SBA?


  • Use Flashcards with Questions


Try using flashcards with questions instead of just jotting down full notes. For instance, you could ask yourself: - What’s the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in adults? - What ECG changes do we see in hyperkalaemia? - Which drug serves as the antidote for a beta-blocker overdose? Apps like Anki or Quizlet can help you keep your flashcards organised and handy.


  • Self-Testing Instead of Reading Notes


Now, let’s talk about self-testing instead of just reading your notes. Instead of passively reviewing them, cover your notes and challenge yourself to recall the key concepts. For example, after diving into acid-base balance.


  • Teach Someone Else


Explaining concepts out loud helps you retrieve and simplify complex topics. And if there’s no one around, just pretend you’re teaching a colleague!


  • Practice Past SBA Questions


To prepare for the FRCEM SBA, practice with past questions. One of the best ways to prepare is to simulate the actual exam by working through previous questions and taking mock exams.


What is Spaced Repetition for FRCEM SBA?


Spaced repetition is a learning method in which you revisit information at gradually longer intervals. It takes advantage of the forgetting curve, helping to strengthen your memory right when you're about to forget something.


How to Implement Spaced Repetition in Your FRCEM SBA Study Plan


  • Stick to a Study Schedule with Review Cycles


Start by diving into a topic today → Then, plan to review it in 2 days → Follow up with another review in a week → And finally, check back in a month.

For instance, if you tackle cardiac arrhythmias today, set a reminder to revisit it in 48 hours, then again after 7 days, and once more after a month.


  • Leverage a Spaced Repetition App


Consider using tools like Anki, RemNote, or SuperMemo, which automatically arrange your flashcards based on how well you remember the material.


  • Implement Colour-Coded Reviews


Use a colour system to categorise your topics: mark challenging ones in red, moderate ones in yellow, and the easier ones in green. Spend more time focusing on the red and yellow topics.


  • Pair with Active Recall


Whenever you review, challenge yourself with FRCEM SBA study techniques, like quiz-style questions, to reinforce your learning.


How to Create the Perfect FRCEM SBA Study Routine Using These Techniques


Step 1: Organise Your Study Material


Gather high-yield resources like:


  • RCEM Learning
  • Oxford Handbook of Emergency Medicine
  • FRCEM Primary SBA Books
  • Past Paper Questions


Step 2: Use Active Recall Daily


  • Instead of passive reading, ask yourself questions and answer them.
  • Example: If studying shock, ask: What are the four types of shock? (Then recall and answer.)


Step 3: Implement Spaced Repetition


  • Use an SBA question bank with spaced repetition (e.g., past papers, online mock exams).
  • Create a digital or physical flashcard system with review intervals.


Step 4: Blend Different Learning Styles


  • Mind Maps & Diagrams: These tools are great for visualising how everything connects.
  • Mnemonics: Think of memory tricks like the "ABCDE approach" used in emergency medicine.
  • Case-Based Learning: This method ties concepts to real-life clinical situations, making them easier to grasp.


Step 5: Track Your Progress


  • Set weekly goals (e.g., complete 200 SBA questions per week).
  • Maintain a mistakes logbook to track errors and weak areas.


Real-Life Success Stories: How Active Recall & Spaced Repetition Helped FRCEM Candidates


Many successful FRCEM candidates credit their progress to smart study techniques like active recall and spaced repetition. Instead of relying on passive reading, they focused on practising SBA questions regularly, using tools like flashcards, and building a system of consistent review. These stories offer first-hand insight into how these methods can transform preparation for the FRCEM exams.


🔗A Guide to Conquering the FRCEM SBA


🔗 What I Wish I Knew Before Taking the FRCEM Exams – Mahima Sheikh on Medium


Final Thoughts: Why These Techniques Are the Best FRCEM SBA Study Hacks


  • Active recall pushes your brain to dig up information, which helps with long-term memory.
  • Spaced repetition fights against that pesky forgetting curve, keeping your knowledge sharp.
  • A well-organised study plan that mixes both techniques saves your time and boosts your exam performance.


By weaving these FRCEM SBA study hacks into your daily routine, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in how efficiently you prepare. Rather than cramming at the last minute, you’ll build a strong, lasting foundation of knowledge, so you can walk into your exam feeling confident and ready to shine.