No, the FFICM is not computer-adaptive. Its written multiple-choice component is a linear, fixed-form paper in which the difficulty does not respond to your answers, and every candidate sitting a paper faces the same questions.
What the FFICM format actually is
The Fellowship of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine has a written multiple-choice component using multiple true-false and single-best-answer questions, alongside separate objective structured clinical examination and oral components. The written paper is a fixed set of questions, so everyone sitting it faces the same items, unlike an adaptive test. Confirm current question counts and timings on the FICM website.
How the pass mark is set
The FFICM written paper is standard-set to a defined level of competence, so the raw mark needed can vary between sittings while the standard stays constant. For how this compares across exams, see how medical exam pass marks are set.
What would be different if it were adaptive
If the FFICM were adaptive, it would select each question based on your running ability and every candidate would see a different paper, as in the AMC CAT, explained in how computer-adaptive testing works. The FFICM written paper is a fixed paper measured against a fixed standard.
How to prepare
With a fixed paper, target your weak areas and space your revision. iatroX offers adaptive FFICM practice, with free sample questions to try at iatroX.
Frequently asked questions
Is the FFICM adaptive? No. Its written multiple-choice component is a linear, fixed-form paper. Difficulty does not change based on your answers.
What question types does the FFICM use? Multiple true-false and single-best-answer questions in its written component, alongside separate clinical and oral components.
How is the FFICM written paper marked? By criterion-referenced standard-setting to a defined competence level, so the mark needed can vary between sittings while the standard is constant.