The Therapeutics Common Final Assessment (TCFA)
The Therapeutics Common Final Assessment (TCFA) in independent prescribing takes place three times a year, usually in spring, summer and autumn. The TCFA is delivered online via TestReach, a remote assessment provider, and you can sit the exam in your home or workplace.
Bookings for the TCFA examination are available online once candidates have had their logbook signed off. Please contact exams@college-optometrists.org if you have any questions.
The examination is completed online and consists of 75 multiple choice questions and 10 pilot questions. These are based on the College’s Clinical Management Guidelines and grouped into patient scenarios. The questions relate to the application of clinical knowledge in terms of differential diagnosis, interpreting clinical signs, pharmacological and non-pharmacological management, monitoring, and prescribing safely and professionally (including risk assessment).
You will receive a PDF of the CMGs applicable to exam after the exam booking deadline to help you prepare.
TestReach, the examination provider will contact you after the exam booking deadline so you can enrol on to the examination platform ahead of the exam.
Arrangements for final assessment
All Final Assessment examinations are now delivered and invigilated remotely through TestReach.
Any independent prescribing trainee who is concerned that they may not be able to start their clinical placement within two years of finishing their university course should contact our education team.
Dates and timings
The College holds final assessments in spring, summer and autumn each year. The TCFA independent prescribing examination is delivered remotely via TestReach. The next examinations taking place will be:
- 27 March 2024, 10:00
Application, Logbook & payment deadline: 1 March
Results date: TBC - 18 July 2024, 10:00
Application, Logbook & payment deadline: 21 June
Results date: TBC - 6 November 2024, 10:00
Application, Logbook & payment deadline: 14 October
Results date: TBC
You must take your first attempt at the final examination within two years of completing your clinical placement.
Booking your examination
You can book your examination in the My College area of the website, or by emailing the examination application form, below, along with your paper logbook to exams@college-optometrists.org.
If you are submitting your logbook and application form by post, please notify the exams team ahead of the application deadline to ensure that your place is secured. Please email exams@college-optometrists.org.
The fees are outlined below. You will receive an invoice within the 'Invoices' section of your My College area, once you have applied for the exam. You must pay this to confirm your place on the exam sitting.
Appeals and complaints
If you believe there was an administrative or procedural irregularity during your examination and would like to appeal the assessment decision please visit our appeals page. Please note that an appeal must be made within 28 days of the examination.
Fees
Examination fees
- Common Final Assessment in independent prescribing examination fee - £425.
Logbook
- The non-member logbook fee is £150, or you can join today for free access.
Appeals
- Submitting an appeal to the Examinations Panel - £100.
- Resubmitting an appeal to the Appeals Panel - £100.