Are you an overseas oncologist looking to move to the UK? Have you always wanted to hear first-hand the experiences of an international oncologist who has been through the process, from completing their FRCR (Oncology) exams, to GMC registration, securing an NHS job and relocating to the UK?
As part of IMG Stories, we introduce to you, Dr Eric Lee, a wonderful clinical oncologist who relocated to the UK from Hong Kong. Eric has been living and working in the UK with his family after gaining full GMC registration with license to practice.
Today, Eric will be sharing with you his journey and experiences as an IMG oncologist, now working in Colchester in the southeast of England.
Introducing Eric Lee
My name is Eric and I'm a clinical oncologist. I have worked as an oncologist in Hong Kong for 25 years, where I received training in both medical and clinical oncology, in line with the UK system.
Overall, I think the UK system has been so well suited to myself and other generations of doctors and learners, and this was one of my motivations for bringing my family to the UK. Also, for my daughter's education.
Training as a clinical oncologist in Hong Kong
I completed my MBChB and then the FRCR (Oncology) examinations. These were held in Hong Kong with the examiners coming from the UK for assessment. As standard, HK trainees begin FRCR (Oncology) right after becoming medical graduates. Alongside the Royal College exams, you also complete the FHKAM, which is the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine and are the standard qualifications for doctors to complete during their training in Hong Kong.
I began the FRCR (Oncology) training one year after my graduation from medical school. This was in 1996. I spent a total of five years in FRCR (Oncology) training in Hong Kong and received my official FRCR (Oncology) qualification in 2001.
One of the main differences between the UK and Hong Kong systems is that where FRCR (Oncology) tells the medical council that you are almost at the level to work as a consultant. The medical council in Hong Kong has further requirements for doctors transitioning to consultant grade. So, after receiving FRCR (Oncology), I still had to go through 2 to 3 more years of training.
In regards to the Royal College exams, if there's one thing to mention, it's that the examiners are always looking for safe doctors who make patients' safety and comfort their top priority, therefore, my advice for overseas doctors who are looking towards Royal College examinations, especially in oncology, is to remain conscientious and diligent in every aspect of their clinical care, particularly in protecting patients' privacy, rights and safety.
My career as a clinical oncologist
Over the past twenty-five years, I've had rotations in different oncology sub-specialties, including paediatrics, CNS, GI, GU, breast cancer, haematologic malignancies and forensic malignancy. In the last 15 years however, I've been specialising in forensic and genitourinary cancers.
In 2005/ 2006, I had the opportunity to go to Australia for one year for a fellowship. So, I spent almost a year gaining experience in prostate cancer under the supervision of British oncologists in Sydney.
Over the past few years, I've had many thoughts about moving abroad from Hong Kong and looked at several options, including the UK. Finally, it was a Trust in the UK that offered me a job.
This ended up being a very good choice for me, because the UK system is quite similar to medical system in Hong Kong. As an oncologist, I can administer both radiation therapy and chemotherapy, whereas in Australia for example, I'd only be able to practice radiation oncology. So, in the UK, I'm able to use my full training to practice in both medical and radiation oncology.
Going through English language testing
There were several things to consider before I was able to move.
First of all, I had to pass an English language exam. I initially attempted the IELTS exam, but in the end decided to change to the OET exam, because the OET focuses on medical situations, so you don't need to spend too much time going through subjects in other areas.
I managed to achieve a B grade in all 4 sections of the OET exam, which was not easy as my weakest areas are still speaking and writing, and there is of course speaking in the OET exam. You spend 20 minutes speaking in a seminar, similarly to an OSCE. In my exam, I had to take the patient history and give them advice in English.
When the context of the exam is relevant to your specialty e.g. a breast cancer patient, then it’s much easier. However, in the OET exam, the context is not limited to your specialty alone. My tasks for example included two patients with diabetes mellitus and polymyalgia rheumatica. I've not had experience of psychiatry or endocrinology or orthopaedics for many years, but I had to use this knowledge in the exam and act like an orthopaedic surgeon.
Many who take the OET fall into the mindset of a clinical examination and become nervous when presented with a clinical scenario they don’t identify with. My advice to anyone sitting the OET exam is to forget about all the medical things. Forget all your clinical problems. Just relax. Don't worry if your answers aren't 100% correct. What you're expected to do is speak clearly and have an overall caring manner.
The GMC registration process
During the GMC process, I was asked to submit evidence of my continued medical training over the past 10 years because it has been quite a few years since I received my FRCR (Oncology). The GMC wanted to know more about my further medical education over the past 10 years, so I had to submit evidence of all my CME training.
Personally, I'm incredibly fortunate that I've been in the habit of keeping all my certificates of attendance whenever I attend any workshops, conferences or courses, so I have a good record of all my certificates. I spent around a week scanning in all my certificates of attendance from 2002 to 2021, all into one big PDF file.
This advice was given to me by one of my favourite mentors 20 years ago, Dr F.L. Chan, a renowned radiologist in Hong Kong and the warden of the college in Hong Kong. He passed away 10 years ago, sadly, but he gave me some of the most important advice I've been given. He said, 'Eric, you have to keep every one of your certificates, even if you don't see the benefit of the course or workshop, you will find them useful one day'. Since then, I've held onto that advice, and over the last 20 years, I've kept every last certificate in a hard copy!
Finding a job in the UK
I actually posted my CV on LinkedIn and was then contacted by Marcus from IMG Connect. Initially, I wasn't sure if his offer was real as it sounded too good to be true! But I quickly realised that IMG Connect is incredible and could support me with every stage necessary. I personally had a lot of apprehension about the process of moving overseas. I'd been working in a secure job for 25 years, so for me to move from that into the unknown - I would need a lot of support, a lot of counselling. IMG Connect & Marcus were there to provide me with all the support I needed, from day one.
I received job offers from three different Trusts, each with interview processes that began with a stage of informal question, before two rounds of formal interviews online in Microsoft Teams.
Ultimately, the offer from Colchester was the best fit for me. It is the closest to my previous set-up, because I had been working in a General Hospital in Hong Kong and Colchester has the same kind of general hospital set up. This position also allows me to work in my subspecialties of interest - GU and forensic cancers.
My journey to the UK
The timings worked out well for me when it came to the move. We spent some time considering whether to apply for the Tier 2 or BNO visa. The Tier 2 visa requires additional documentation like police checks, but before we had to decide, we received the BNO visa in a matter of days and the decision was made for us. Luckily, because of this, things were much easier - with the BNO visa, my whole family - that is my wife and daughter - could come to the UK as a unit.
The pandemic was really an issue because there was a lot of uncertainty about things like flights, and new variants. After we landed here, all the flights from Hong Kong to the UK were cancelled, so we wouldn't have been able to travel until 2022 if we hadn't left at the time we did.
Since I still have many family members in Hong Kong, I was able to leave behind a lot of my property and belongings with them, and only brought my most important belongings with me. This meant that it didn't take too much time for me to pack all my things together to move, but I still had to do things like sell my car.
What I wish I’d known before I moved to the UK
I wish I’d known more about driving in the UK! There are rules here that I'm not used to, like driving in bus lanes. If I'd known about these things earlier, it may have been easier for me.
My experience working with IMG Connect
First, I must mention Marcus Anderson and IMG Connect - they were very helpful and did such a great job. Everything they do is perfectly timed. I couldn’t improve anything!
Over the past half a year, Marcus was in constant contact with me over WhatsApp and email, and whenever I had a question, I'd WhatsApp or email him, and he’d always get back to me with the answers I needed.
What’s next for me and my family?
I still see myself as someone who is learning, so I'd like to continue with my career development in GU, GI and forensic cancers. I may also try to continue some of my medical studies, for example in palliative medicine, because I know the training for this is very good in Cardiff, where there is a distance learning programme. I'm also looking forward to joining the specialist register for oncology.
My daughter is now enrolled in a private school in Colchester, where the teachers and students are very lovely, so I hope she'll adapt to the system and be able to enter the grammar school here too.
For my wife, she first wants to be able to drive in the UK. She has a driving license, but she's still quite hesitant, so that's a priority for her.
A message to my colleagues in Hong Kong
I have a heartfelt message to my colleagues in Hong Kong, if they are interested in moving to the UK. First of all, there's a lot of negative news in Hong Kong, saying that a lot of good doctors are Hong Kong, leaving those living there unattended. My message to HK doctors is that things aren’t necessarily that bad in HK, but they can be better in the UK.
Moving to live and work in the UK is a big decision to make but can be massively rewarding in many ways. International doctors have the chance to find a new home and the NHS presents an incredible opportunity for IMGs to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their fields and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR, writing publications, teaching opportunities and research.
Whatever route an overseas doctor may take on their journey to the UK, IMG Connect is here to support them through every step and welcome them to the IMG family.
Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With a few options available for clinical oncologists to provide evidence of their skills and knowledge, it can be difficult for IMGs to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.
For international doctors considering their route to the UK, there are essentially two main pathways to consider: PLAB and the postgraduate route - FRCR (Oncology).
Whilst these are the most common routes to GMC registration, this is not an exhaustive list. There are other options such as Royal College sponsorship and GMC-approved qualifications or licensing exams, and you can read more about these here.
Here we provide a summary of both pathways and briefly consider their benefits.
PLAB for GMC Registration
FRCR (Oncology) for GMC Registration
Which is better for me as an overseas pathologist, PLAB or FRCR (Oncology)?
#IMG Tips
How do I get started?
Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)
The first and most common route which is often a popular choice among junior doctors is PLAB.
PLAB is a two-part exam with one written and one practical element, that assesses whether candidates are at least as capable as doctors starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training, and can therefore work safely as an SHO in the NHS.
The GMC has a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.
FRCR (Oncology) - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Clinical or Radiation Oncologists
The UK’s postgraduate qualifications are a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience. Within clinical or radiation oncology, this can be done by attaining Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists. The Royal College of Radiologists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of clinical oncology in the UK.
Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR Oncology) is the full qualification attained through these postgraduate exams for clinical or radiation oncology. The exams assess a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding against the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology. FRCR (Oncology) has three components, with two written and one clinical and oral element.
For complete guides on FRCR (Oncology), take a look at our IMG Resources library.
It is important to note that the FRCR (Oncology) exams are for clinical or radiation oncologists only. Overseas clinical oncologists are not required to also sit the MRCP (UK) exams.
PLAB vs FRCR (Oncology)
FRCR (Oncology) is a legitimate route that demonstrates skills and knowledge and will allow oncologists to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each exam, as well as how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK.
Seniority of Positions in the NHS
It may be difficult for an overseas clinical oncologist to obtain a more senior post within the NHS without FRCR (Oncology), GMC-approved training, or extensive experience from a similar, English-speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.
Time
PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.
FRCR (Oncology) has three stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 36 months of postgraduate experience in clinical or radiation oncology.
These exams can take anywhere from between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.
Cost
The FRCR (Oncology) exams cost just over £1,600, but all the exams are sat in person and there are only a few overseas exam centres.
PLAB costs £1,189, and both exams are sat in person. PLAB 1 can be taken in the UK or several overseas centres, which you can find here. PLAB 2 must be taken within the UK.
SO, for PLAB 2, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.
It’s important to note that the total cost of each exam can rise if re-sits are necessary.
Summary
PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as a Senior House Officer (SHO), does not assess ability in oncology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine, I.e., oncology. PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK.
FRCR (Oncology) involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas oncologists, attaining FRCR (Oncology) will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you will not need PLAB or Core Training.
The Royal College of Radiologists’ exams will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK oncology than PLAB.
#IMG Tips
Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.
Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.
Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam.
Join the community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
Getting started
Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time for a deep dive into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB, FRCR (Oncology), GMC registration and finding your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.
If you have any further questions on PLAB or postgraduate qualifications, please get in touch with our oncology specialists here. We’d be more than happy to help you.
For advice, guidance and news and updates about all things oncology for IMGs, join the conversation through the links below
GMC Registration can be a long and complex process, and with a few routes for medical oncologists to provide evidence of their skills and knowledge, it can be difficult for IMGs to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.
For international doctors considering their route to the UK, there are two main pathways to consider: PLAB or the postgraduate route - in this case, MRCP (UK).
Whilst these are the most common routes to GMC registration, this is not an exhaustive list. There are other options such as Royal College sponsorship and GMC-approved qualifications or licensing exams, and you can read more about these here.
Here we provide a summary of the two main pathways and briefly consider their benefits, summarised in the headings below:
PLAB for GMC Registration
MRCP (UK) for GMC Registration
Which is better for me as an overseas pathologist, PLAB or MRCP (UK)?
#IMG Tips
How do I get started?
Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)
The most common route which tends to be popular among junior doctors is PLAB.
PLAB is a two-part exam with one written and one practical element, that assesses whether candidates are at least as capable as doctors starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training, and can therefore work safely as an SHO in the NHS.
The GMC has a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here, or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.
MRCP (UK) - Postgraduate Qualification for Internal Medicine
The internal medicine postgraduate qualification is a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience. Within medical oncology, this can be done by attaining Membership of the Royal College of Physicians. The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body that regulates internal medicine within the UK, including the specialty of medical oncology.
Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is the full qualification attained through the postgraduate exams for physicians. The exams assess a candidate’s knowledge of basic medical sciences, as well as clinical skills required for the diagnosis and management of disease. MRCP (UK) has three components, with two written and one practical element.
For complete guides on MRCP (UK), take a look at our IMG Resources library.
It is important to note that the MRCP (UK) exams are for medical oncologist, and you would not need to sit the FRCR (Oncology) exams, as these apply to clinical or radiation oncologists only.
PLAB vs MRCP (UK)
Both PLAB and MRCP (UK) are legitimate routes that demonstrate skills and knowledge and will allow you to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each and how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK.
Seniority of Positions in the NHS
It may be difficult for an overseas medical oncologist to obtain a more senior post without MRCP (UK), GMC-approved training, or extensive experience from a similar, English-speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.
Time
PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.
MRCP has three stages, and the Royal College strongly advises that candidates only sit the final exam after 24 months of practical experience.
These exams can take anywhere from 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.
Cost
MRCP costs just under £2,500 for the three exams. The final exam, PACES, is an in-person exam, so travel to the UK must be factored into the overall cost.
PLAB costs £1,189, and PLAB 1 can be taken in the UK or several overseas centres, which you can find here. PLAB 2 must be taken in the UK.
For both MRCP (UK) PACES and PLAB 2, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.
It’s important to note that the total cost of each exam can rise if re-sits are necessary.
Summary
PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as a Senior House Officer (SHO), does not assess ability in oncology or internal medicine specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine, I.e., medical oncology.
PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK.
MRCP (UK) involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas doctors, attaining MRCP (UK) will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you don't need PLAB or Core Training.
The Royal College of Physicians’ exams will facilitate the application for more senior roles in medical oncology in the UK than PLAB.
#IMG Tips
Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.
Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.
Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam.
Join the online community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded MRCP aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
Getting started
Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time to delve deeper into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB, MRCP (UK), GMC registration and finding your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.
If you have any further questions on PLAB, MRCP (UK) or your route to the UK as an overseas oncologist, don't hesitate to get in touch with our oncology specialists here. We’d be more than happy to help you.
Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:
The NHS specialty training programme for clinical oncologists is recognised around the world. The quality and depth of oncology training and career development in the UK is recognised as a gold standard across the globe, making it a major attraction for many IMGs when considering a career in the UK.
The NHS training programme for oncology trainees is regularly reviewed and updated, in keeping with advances and progression in the landscape of oncology around the world and throughout the profession.
In this article, we will explore the training pathway for clinical oncologists in the UK, covering the following topics:
What is the NHS Training Pathway?
How do you enter the training pathway?
What does the specialty training programme look like for clinical oncology?
What happens after completing the clinical oncology training programme?
Can I enter specialty training in the UK as an IMG?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
The NHS Training Pathway for Clinical Oncologists
The NHS training pathway refers to the complete programme undertaken by UK trainees, from medical school to the completion of specialist training and being awarded a CCT.
It is a good idea for overseas trainees to familiarise themselves with this as it helps to provide an understanding of at what stage they can most likely enter the system, either in a training or non-training post.
Entering the NHS Training Pathway
After graduating from medical school, doctors receive provisional GMC registration, allowing them to enter the Foundation programme (a two-year work-based training programme).
Upon completion of the first year of this programme (FY1), doctors will gain full GMC registration with license to practice and will be able to apply for further study and training in a specialised area i.e. medicine. This is known as Internal Medicine Training (IMT), formerly known as Core Training (CT).
Specialty Training in Clinical Oncology
The Specialty Training programme in Clinical Oncology runs over a 6-year period, and doctors will usually take the indicated time, or slightly longer to complete the Specialty Training programme.
Successful applicants entering into year one of specialty training (ST1), will follow the Royal College of Radiologists’ 2021 Clinical Oncology Specialty Training Curriculum, which sets the expected syllabus as well as required assessments and workload case numbers.
Clinical oncology training as an uncoupled programme
Clinical oncology specialty training begins at ST3, so after foundation training, there are two options open to trainees before they can start specialist clinical oncology training:
Internal Medical Training (IMT)
Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS)
For IMT, this is a two-year training period and the ACCS training programme lasts 3 years.
Both pathways are followed by an open competition to enter a higher specialty training post. It is important to note that the application following core training is competitive and does not guarantee a specialty training post.
Clinical oncology higher specialty training is indicatively a five-year clinical training programme (including Oncology Common Stem), leading to single accreditation in clinical oncology.
There are a few critical progression points during higher specialty training in clinical oncology, and trainees will also be subject to an annual review of progress via the ARCP process. They will have to complete all the curriculum requirements including passing the MRCP and FRCR (Oncology) exams prior to obtaining CCT.
Foundation Training (FY1 – FY2)
The foundation programme usually involves six different rotations or placements in medical or surgical specialties. These rotations enable trainees to practise and gain competence in basic clinical skills and forms the bridge between medical school and speciality training.
This first year of Foundation Training (or FY1) is referred to as an internship. For IMGs applying for GMC registration, it is essential you can meet the requirements for an internship.
Selection
Here, trainees will either choose to either Internal Medicine Training (IMT), Acute Care Common Stem training (ACCS), or training to become a general practitioner (GP Training).
Specialty Training (ST1 – ST7)
Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training (ST1 – ST2)
Year one trainees begin at ST1 of the Internal Medicine Training Programme. In this first stage, trainees develop a solid foundation of professional and generic clinical capabilities, preparing them for participation in acute medicine at a senior level and to manage patients with acute and chronic medical problems in outpatient and inpatient settings. The curriculum for IMT Stage 1 Training can be found here.
The two-year training period culminates in trainees sitting the MRCP (UK) exams. For more information on the Royal College of Physicians examination suite, take a look at our IMG Resources library here.
Please note, trainees must have gained full MRCP prior to beginning Specialty Training in Oncology.
Selection
Here, trainees will either choose to continue with Internal Medicine Training for a further year, to continue with training in a specialty that supports acute hospital care, or to provide primarily out-patient based services in e.g. oncology.
Clinical oncology recruitment into ST3 posts usually occurs after 2 years of Internal Medicine Stage 1 training. However, trainees who complete the full three-year IMT programme are also eligible and there is no preferential selection for trainees who have completed either two or three years of training.
Oncology Common Stem (ST3)
The Oncology Common Stem (OCS) has a duration of one year and usually takes place in year 3 of specialty training (ST3). Here, the focus is on a trainee’s development of generic capabilities-in-practice (CiPs) expected of all doctors, as well as the common CiPs relating to the key areas of overlap between medical and clinical oncology.
Clinical Oncology and Medical Oncology are the two main medical specialities that manage patients with non-haematological malignancy. They often work in partnership with each other, and both offer systemic therapy to patients, but only clinical oncologists administer radiotherapy and there are other differences in work-pattern, approach and focus.
During OCS training, trainees will gain knowledge of radiotherapy planning and delivery. This will enable them to coordinate the care of cancer patients with the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT), managing patients throughout a treatment pathway.
The new curricular structure of the OCS means that trainees who successfully complete the training year will have gained the necessary competencies to progress to ST4 in either clinical or medical oncology.
For oncologists wishing to pursue clinical oncology, the first exam in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists assessment series, First FRCR (Oncology) (Part 1/ CO1), must be passed by the end of ST4.
Candidates do not need to have held a clinical oncology training post to attempt the exam however, so candidates are eligible to sit the exam during ST3.
Click here to learn more about the full FRCR (Oncology) examination suite.
Clinical Oncology Specialty Training & Maintenance of Common Capabilities (ST4 – ST7)
Once trainees have completed the OCS, they will then move onto a subsequent higher specialty-specific programme of their choice I.e. clinical oncology. This programme lasts for four years and takes place from ST4 to ST7, the focus here being to acquire clinical oncology specific CiPs, culminating in trainees’ achievement of Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR Oncology).
The higher specialty-specific programme for clinical oncologists is administered by the Royal College of Radiologists, so the Medical Oncology SCE is not a requirement for clinical oncologists.
Trainees will then sit the Final FRCR (Oncology) Part 2A and 2B exams (CO2A and CO2B), usually from ST6 to ST7. This is to assess their knowledge and skills related to the investigation of malignant disease and the care and management of patients with cancer.
Completion of the Clinical Oncology Specialty Training Programme
Upon completion of the clinical oncology training programme, the choice is made as to whether the trainee will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Clinical Oncology. This will be based on high-level learning outcomes – capabilities in practice (CiPs) set out in the curriculum by the Royal College. You can find the 2021 curriculum here.
At this point, clinical oncologists are recommended to the GMC for the award of CCT and entry onto the specialist register for clinical oncology and can now take permanent consultant posts in the NHS.
Specialist Registration for overseas doctors
Doctors who completed part or all of their clinical or radiation oncology training outside of the UK are eligible for specialist registration through the CESR or CESR-CP pathways. To learn more about specialist registration for overseas doctors, read our blog here.
Joining the Clinical Oncology Specialty Training Programme as an IMG
It is possible for overseas doctors to join the Specialty Training programme in Clinical Oncology in the UK, however it is very competitive.
IMGs interested in UK specialty training must have:
Full GMC registration
Completion of a minimum 12-month (FY1 equivalent) internship
English language test
PLAB or a recognised European Medical Degree
AND
12 months post-internship experience by the time you start begin ST1
Please note, whilst UK trainees are not given priority for specialty training spaces, it can be extremely difficult to join the Specialty Training programme if you do not have previous NHS experience.
So there you have it, the NHS Specialty Training pathway for clinical oncology trainees. The training programme forms the basis of clinical oncology training in the UK, and for overseas clinical or radiation oncologists interested in joining the training programme, good knowledge of the pathway allows you to better understand the alignment of your overseas training with the relevant stage of Specialty Training for clinical oncology in the UK.
Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded oncologists and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
There are several routes a medical oncologist can take to register with the GMC and practice oncology in the NHS.
Medical oncologists looking to secure a job in the NHS must satisfy certain criteria before they can be fully registered with the GMC (General Medical Council) and receive a license to practice in the NHS. For oncology, these criteria depend on where you received your training, and the qualifications you hold.
In this blog, we’re giving you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, as an overseas oncologist. We’ll be covering the following:
How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA oncologist?
How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA oncologist?
How can I demonstrate my English language skills?
What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one?
What do I need to register with the GMC?
Will I need a visa to work in the UK?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
Evidence of knowledge and skills for EEA medical oncologists
For oncologists who trained in an EEA country (all countries inside the EU, also Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway), there are several options potentially available to you.
Depending on the country and year you completed your residency or basic medical training, the GMC may automatically recognise your qualifications and grant you either General Registration, or Specialist Registration in the UK. To find out if your country’s qualifications will allow you to register for either GMC registration, check the relevant GMC page here.
Basic Medical Training
If you have met the requirements for basic medical training, you would not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK, and would therefore not need to complete a Royal College postgraduate qualification or PLAB to register with a license to practice. You would be granted full registration in this case, but not Specialist Registration.
Specialist Training / Residency
Not all European Specialist qualifications are accepted by the GMC. If you have met the GMC’s criteria pertaining to your county, then you should be eligible for Specialist Registration in oncology. So as a medical oncologist, if you hold a Relevant European Specialist qualification, you would be put on the specialist register for medical oncology and can be appointed as a substantive oncologist in the NHS.
Please note, the criteria that is outlined on your country’s GMC registration page must be met. If your training was undertaken prior to the dates mentioned by the GMC – your qualifications will not be accepted.
For EEA oncologists, the main hurdle that you will face will be demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as a doctor in the NHS.
As a European oncologist, this is most likely the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice oncology in the UK.
If you do not meet the GMC requirements for your training to be approved for general or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration include PLAB, or (via the postgraduate route) the Royal College exams for medical oncology (MRCP). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.
Evidence of knowledge and skills for non-EEA oncologists
If you qualified as a medical oncologist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge and skills AND English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.
Oncologists who've trained from outside the UK and EEA and must demonstrate to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For medical oncologists this can be done through one of three main routes:
Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)
The PLAB exam is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in oncology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine. That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, medical oncologists can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS. Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB.
Royal College of Physicians
Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e. medical oncology. Oncologists taking this route will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the NHS. The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body that regulates the specialism of medical oncology in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is the full qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining MRCP will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK oncology. Take a look at IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCP to learn more.
GMC-recognised or equivalent qualifications
Some overseas qualifications and licensing exams are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This is to say these qualifications or licensing exams are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications.
To find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC, take a look at our blog: Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications
English Language Testing
Both EEA and non-EEA oncologists, regardless of experience, and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have a sufficient grasp and competence of the English language. This can be done by passing either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the OET (OET – Occupational English Test). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:
IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
OET – a guide for overseas doctors
Experience in English-speaking countries
For doctors who have at least two years of their most recent experience in an English-speaking country, you can use a reference from your current employer or employers over these two or more years to demonstrate competence of the English language. This would exempt you from sitting an English language exam.
Certificate of Good Standing
All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they’ve been registered or licensed with in the last five years.
The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you're not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact via the GMC website here.
If there's no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed.
Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it's signed and must be valid when we approve your application.
GMC Registration
Once you’ve completed your English language exam, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. For registration, you must provide evidence of:
English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years).
AND
Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.
AND
(EEA oncologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA oncologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification.
(Non-EEA oncologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA oncologist, this would either be PLAB, MRCP or a GMC-approved qualification.
To understand the registration process more fully, read our article on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.
Visas
If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a visa from the Home Office.
A Health & Care visa (Tier 2 visa) is the document given to a skilled worker by the UK Home Office following a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License. The list of valid Tier 2 Sponsors can be found here.
Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: Tier 2 Visa application process & documents needed.
Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependent visa below: Tier 2 Dependent visa - Can I bring my family with me to the UK?
IMG Oncologists
Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
So, there you have it! Hopefully this helps to clarify any worries or doubts you may have on your route to the UK as a medical oncologist planning a career in the NHS. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the medical oncology job market, then get in touch with our team.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
There are several routes a European oncologist can take to GMC registration and medical or clinical (radiation) oncology in the NHS.
All European oncologists looking to secure a job in the NHS will need to satisfy certain criteria before they can register for full GMC (General Medical Council) registration to practice in the NHS. As an oncologist, these criteria depend on where in the world you trained, and the qualifications you hold. In this blog, we’re giving you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, as a European-qualified oncologist. We will be covering the following:
Is my training recognised as an EEA doctor?
How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills?
How can I demonstrate my English language skills?
What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one?
What do I need to register with the GMC?
EEA Doctors
Firstly, it is important to note that where we refer to EEA in this article, this refers specifically to all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway. If you trained & qualified as an oncologist inside the EEA or Switzerland, then you will have a few different options potentially available to you.
Depending on the country and year you completed your residency or basic medical training, the GMC may automatically recognise your qualifications and grant you either General Registration, or Specialist Registration in the UK. To find out if your country’s qualifications will allow you to register for either general or specialist registration, check the relevant GMC page here.
Knowledge and Skills
Basic Medical Training: If you have met the basic medical training requirements, this would mean that you would not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK and would not need to complete a UK- recognised postgraduate qualification or PLAB to register with a license to practice. You would be granted full registration in this case, but not Specialist Registration.
Specialist Training / Residency: If you have met the criteria listed for your country, then once you have completed the GMC application process, you would be granted Specialist Registration in oncology and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS. So as an oncologist, if you hold a Relevant European Specialist qualification, you would be put on the specialist register for medical or clinical oncology and can be appointed as a substantive oncologist in the NHS.
Therefore, the main hurdle that you will face as an EEA doctor will be demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely and proficiently as a doctor in the NHS.
As a European oncologist, this is in most cases the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice oncology in the UK.
If you do not meet the GMC requirements for your training to be approved for full or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration include PLAB or (via the postgraduate route) the Royal College exams for either clinical oncology (FRCR) or medical oncology (MRCP). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.
English Language Testing
All EEA oncologists, regardless of experience, and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have a sufficient grasp and competence of the English language. This can be done by passing either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the OET (OET – Occupational English Test). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:
IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
OET – a guide for overseas doctors
Certificate of Good Standing
All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they have been registered or licensed with in the last five years.
The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you are not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact vis the GMC website here.
Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it is signed and must be valid when the GMC approve your application.
If there is no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed.
GMC Registration
Once you have completed your English language exam, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. For registration, you must provide evidence of:
English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years)
AND
Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA oncologist, this would either be your recognised primary medical degree, or your recognised specialist European qualification (REQ)
AND
Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing
To understand the registration process more fully, read our on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.
So, there you have it! Hopefully any medical or radiation oncologist planning a career in the NHS should have their route to the UK clarified. If you ever have some questions or wish to know more about the oncology job market, then get in touch with our team.
Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded oncologists and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
For regular news and updates on all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
There are several routes a radiation oncologist can take to GMC registration and clinical (radiation) oncology in the NHS.
Clinical (or radiation) oncologists looking to secure a job in the NHS will need to satisfy certain criteria before they can apply for full GMC (General Medical Council) registration with license to practice in the NHS. As an oncologist, these criteria depend on where in the world you trained, and the qualifications you hold. In this blog, we’re giving you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, as an overseas oncologist. We’ll be covering the following:
Will my training be recognised in the UK?
How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA oncologist?
How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA oncologist?
How can I demonstrate my English language skills?
What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one?
What do I need to register with the GMC?
Will I need a visa to work in the UK?
Recognition of knowledge and skills
For clinical oncologists who trained in an EEA country (all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway), there are a number of different options potentially available to you.
Depending on the country and year you completed your residency or basic medical training, the GMC may automatically recognise your qualifications and grant you either General Registration, or Specialist Registration in the UK. To find out if your country’s qualifications will allow you to register for either general or specialist registration, check the relevant GMC page here.
Knowledge and skills for EEA radiation oncologists
Basic Medical Training: If you have met the basic medical training requirements, this would mean that you would not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK and would not need to complete a UK- recognised postgraduate qualification or PLAB to register with a license to practice. You would be granted full registration in this case, but not Specialist Registration.
Specialist Training / Residency: If you have met the criteria listed for your country, then once you have completed the GMC application process, you would be granted Specialist Registration in oncology and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS. So as an oncologist, if you hold a Relevant European Specialist qualification, you would be put on the specialist register for medical or clinical oncology and can be appointed as a substantive oncologist in the NHS.
Therefore, the main hurdle that you will face as an EEA doctor will be demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely and proficiently as a doctor in the NHS.
As a European oncologist, this is in most cases the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice oncology in the UK.
If you do not meet the GMC requirements for your training to be approved for full or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration include PLAB or (via the postgraduate route) the Royal College exams for either clinical oncology (FRCR) or medical oncology (MRCP). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.
Knowledge and skills for non-EEA radiation oncologists
If you qualified as an oncologist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge and skills AND English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.
Oncologists who've trained from outside the UK and EEA and must demonstrate to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For oncologists this can be done through one of three main routes:
Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)
The PLAB exam is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in oncology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine. That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, clinical oncologists can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS. Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB.
Fellowship of Royal College of Radiologists
The Royal College of Radiologists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of clinical oncologists in the UK, and Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) is the full qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining FRCR (Oncology) will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK clinical oncology. Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists for clinical oncology to learn more.
GMC recognised or equivalent qualifications
Some overseas qualifications and licensing exams are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This is to say these qualifications or licensing exams are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications.
To find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC, take a look at our blog: Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications.
English Language Testing
Both EEA and non-EEA oncologists, regardless of experience, and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have a sufficient grasp and competence of the English language. This can be done by passing either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:
IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
OET – a guide for overseas doctors
Experience in English-speaking countries
For doctors who have at least two years of their most current experience in an English-speaking country, you can use a reference from your current employer or employers over these two or more years to demonstrate competence of the English language. This would exempt you from sitting an English language exam.
Certificate of Good Standing
All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they’ve been registered or licensed with in the last five years.
The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you're not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact via the GMC website here.
Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it's signed and must be valid when we approve your application.
If there's no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed.
GMC Registration
Once you’ve completed your English language exam, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. For registration, you must provide evidence of:
English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years).
AND
Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.
AND
(EEA oncologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA oncologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification.
OR
(Non-EEA oncologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA oncologist, this would either be PLAB, FRCR or a GMC-approved qualification.
To understand the registration process more fully, read our blog on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.
Visas
If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.
A Tier 2 visa is the document given to a skilled worker by the UK Home Office following a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License. The list of valid Tier 2 Sponsors can be found here.
Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: Tier 2 Visa - how do I apply and what's the process?
Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependent visa below: Tier 2 Dependent visa - Can I bring my family with me to the UK?
IMG Oncologists
Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
For clinical or radiation oncologists looking to come to the UK to work in the NHS, GMC registration and specialist registration is a crucial part of the process. Therefore, it’s important to put together a good application to present to the GMC, and IMG Connect are here to help with this.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
Are you an oncology IMG looking to sit your FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 (CO1) exam?
International doctors often wonder about the best ways to prepare for the first FRCR (Oncology) exam. There are many resources available online, but with so much geared towards UK applicants and trainees, it can be difficult to decide what is best suited to you as an overseas candidate.
Here we have compiled some of the best resources and guidance for overseas FRCR CO1 applicants preparing for the exam. We will also touch on some of the recent changes to the format, delivery, and availability of the exam in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The topics we’ll be discussing include the following – skip ahead to one of these sections if you know what you’re looking for:
What is FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 (CO1)?
How do I get started with my preparation?
What resources are available online?
How has COVID-19 affected the exam?
#IMG Tips
I’ve passed FRCR (Oncology) Part 1, what’s next?
FRCR (Oncology) Part 1
As a reminder, FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 or CO1 is the first exam in the FRCR (Oncology) examination suite. The full set of exams, Part 1, and Part 2A and 2B, or CO1, CO2A and CO2B are the exams required by international doctors to satisfy the requirements for GMC registration through the postgraduate route.
The assessment expects that candidates have a broad knowledge of subjects that relate to the investigation and management of patients with cancer.
The exam consists of five modules which are taken through four exam papers over two days. On each day, candidates may attempt any number of modules. Altogether the FRCR CO1 exam has 180 SBA (single best answer or multiple choice) questions.
The exam structure is as follows:
For an in-depth breakdown of each of the FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 modules, see our detailed blog, FRCR (Oncology) Part 1, through the IMG resources library, where you can also read an overview of the full FRCR (Oncology) examination suite.
Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the GMC’s postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.
Preparation
We have discussed with IMGs the best way to prepare for the first FRCR (Oncology) exam and most recommended beginning with the Royal College website and resources, which they have compiled to aid in your preparation.
Curriculum: The FRCR (Oncology) exam is based on the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology, and as a rule of thumb, your revision should start here to ensure you are focusing on the exact material that will be in your exam. Knowing the curriculum is key and you can find these on the Royal College website here.
Royal College resources include:
Learning hub: the learning hub is available to members and contains many useful learning resources. This can be found here.
Purpose of assessment: this will help candidates understand the examination's purpose, the required level of candidate training and the application of results, available here.
Implementation tools: this is a range of tools which have been compiled by the College to support the new curricular which all students should have transferred to by August 2022 at the latest and can be accessed here.
Guidance notes – a document with detailed guidance on exam structure, content, requirements and marking which you can find here.
Sample questions: sample SBA questions with answers which can be found here.
Speedwell instructional video: a walkthrough video of the FRCR Part 1 exam format with guidance and instructions which can be found on the College YouTube channel.
Suggested reading list: a suggested list of core texts and additional reading put together by the College which is available here.
Examiners’ reports: this is a collection of generic reports written by examiners on the overall performance of candidates and individual questions as a guide for applicants for future sittings. These are available here.
Other helpful resources
There are several other resources available online, from flashcard-style revision materials to tips and advice from former candidates who have passed the exam:
The Clinical Oncology Registrar
This former candidate has compiled tips, guidance, and notes (including revision notes) on the First FRCR exam. These include revision advice, downloadable materials on key topics and links to good books and core materials to use. You can find the full blog here.
FRCR Oncology
A compilation of recommended books and notes shared by a former FRCR oncology candidate. There are general tips, as well as more detailed notes on the exam modules. These can be accessed here.
British Medical Journal
The BMJ has created an app-based physics revision resource with core questions on elements of the physics module, in the same multiple-choice format as will be seen in the exam. They are available at several price points depending on the duration of access, which ranges from £24.99 for one month to £139.99 for one year. This can be accessed here.
Brainscape
A set of flashcards with over 1300 questions across all modules. This free resource can be used as either revision or practice material and is located here.
FRCR Exam Prep
This website is home to exam tips, an online revision course for the physics module (including timed mock exams), sample cases and articles. The price of the physics course ranges from £25 for one month to £115 for one year. This can be found here.
How the exam has been affected by COVID-19
First FRCR (Oncology) is still taking place in person, but the number of exam centres has been reduced. For now, these are Belfast, Birmingham, Bridgend Wales, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, and London. Overseas centres for now are in Hong Kong, India, and Malta.
For advice on preparation before applying for the exams, see the Royal College website here.
#IMG Tips
Start preparing early, but not too early – you want to avoid the misery of last-minute cramming, but not to burn out. Former candidates recommend starting about 6 months beforehand.
Get familiar with the curriculum – this is the home of the exam’s content – get to know this as well as possible to jumpstart your preparation for the exam.
Go through as many exam questions as possible – we know these are scattered all over the internet, but from those we’ve compiled in this handy guide you should have enough to keep you busy!
Join the conversation – join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
I’ve passed the First FRCR oncology exam, what’s next?
Firstly, congratulations! This is an incredible achievement, and you deserve to treat yourself after all that hard work! With a pass in the First FRCR Oncology in hand, you can look ahead to the Final FRCR Oncology (CO2A and CO2B) exams. Once you have completed all parts of FRCR Oncology, you can apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. Nice one.
We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their Final FRCR exam and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!
Don’t forget to share your progress and successes with us using the hashtag #imgstories on social media, we love to hear from you.
Overseas clinical or radiation oncologists wanting to secure a role in the UK via the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR Oncology) in order to register with the GMC. FRCR Oncology is the UK Royal College qualification and the recommended route for oncologists looking to work in the UK as a specialist or consultant.
IMGs from any country in the world can sit the FRCR (Oncology) examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met.
These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for:
What is FRCR (Oncology)?
Am I eligible?
What is the content and structure?
Where and when can I sit the exams and how much will it cost me?
How do I apply?
How can I prepare for the exams?
Passed? What next?
What is FRCR Oncology?
Clincal oncologists become full members of the Royal College of Radiologists and achieve the designation, FRCR, once they have passed the three separate postgraduate medical exams that make up the FRCR (Oncology) examination suite. The FRCR (Oncology) examinations aim to test a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding against the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the exams are a pre-requisite for anyone looking to go into a specialty training post as an oncologist in the UK. For more senior candidates, absence of FRCR (Oncology) will make it very difficult to attain locum-consultant posts unless you have a recognised equivalent or specialist registration in clinical oncology.
The First FRCR Examination expects candidates to have acquired a broad knowledge of those subjects that relate to the investigation and management of patients with cancer. Candidates are examined against the Clinical Oncology curriculum. A new curriculum is being implemented from summer 2021, with all trainees expected to transfer to the new curriculum by August 2022 at the latest. Further details are available on the curriculum webpages. If you are unsure what curriculum you should be using for your studies in 2021 then please refer to the Royal College website page discussing the FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 exam here.
When registering via the postgraduate route, only full FRCR satisfies the GMC postgraduate requirements for registration as an overseas doctor. There are three parts to the FRCR examinations:
FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 (CO1) > comprises four papers of single best answer (SBA) questions. The written papers for the four subjects are held twice a year over two consecutive days.
FRCR (Oncology) Part 2A (CO2A) (both must be passed in one sitting in order to attain a pass)
two separate single best answer papers
FRCR (Oncology) Part 2B (CO2B)
a reporting session
a rapid reporting session
an oral examination
The FRCR (Oncology) examinations form an essential component of training for clinical or radiation oncologists in the UK. For overseas doctors relocating to the UK, FRCR is one of two options to support full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route). For doctors who wish to secure a senior clinical oncology job in the NHS reflective of their current practice, we advise that FRCR would be the best route to choose. FRCR is often an essential requirement for many job postings in the UK when a candidate does not already have Specialist Registration in Clinical Oncology or a recognised equivalent postgraduate qualification.
Eligibility for FRCR (Oncology):
First FRCR: To be eligible you must:
hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes.
have completed courses covering the syllabus in the subjects listed below.
Cancer Biology and Radiobiology
Clinical Pharmacology
Medical Statistics
Physics
There is no requirement to have held a clinical oncology training post in order to attempt the First FRCR Examination.
Final FRCR Part A: To be eligible you must:
have passed the First FRCR examination
must have passed the First FRCR examination and have completed three years of supervised clinical oncology training covering the examination syllabus.
In exceptional circumstances, with support from the Training Programme Director and at the discretion of the Medical Director (Education and Training), this minimum training period may be reduced to two years and six months.
Final FRCR Part B: To be eligible you must:
have passed the Final FRCR Part A, First FRCR and have completed three years of supervised clinical oncology training
Content and structure for FRCR (Oncology)
First FRCR Examination: It is delivered through a digital platform and as such is now also available at a larger number of test centres than before. The First FRCR Examination comprises four papers of single best answer (SBA) questions. The written papers for the four subjects are held twice a year over two consecutive days. Further general information on the examination shows in the guidance notes for candidates here, however it can be summarised as below:
Day One
Format
Cancer Biology & Radiobiology
50 questions over 2.5 hours
Clinical Pharmacology
40 questions over 2 hours
Day Two
Format
Physics
50 questions over 2.5 hours
Medical Statistics
40 questions over 2 hours
Each SBA question comprises a stem (a question or statement) and five items (answers) [labelled (a) to (e)]. Candidates are asked to decide which one of the five items represents the best answer to the question given in the stem. The four modules break down as below:
Cancer Biology and Radiobiology: the processes of cancer cell transformation and tumour development and how these processes may be demonstrated, and the response to ionising radiation of cells both individually and grouped as tissues.
Clinical Pharmacology: the structure, action, use and evaluation of drugs used in the treatment of a patient with cancer.
Medical Statistics: with special reference to clinical trials and assessment of results, and the epidemiology of cancer.
Physics: the application of physical principles and methods in clinical radiotherapy, physical basis of the therapeutic uses of radioactive isotopes, radiation hazards and protection. A knowledge of SI units is expected.
Final FRCR (Part A): The examination expects candidates to have a wide knowledge of malignant disease and the management of patients with cancer. The main emphasis is on radiotherapy and drug therapy, but a good knowledge of general medicine, surgery and gynaecology is expected. You will be examined against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus. The Final FRCR (Part A) Examination comprises two papers of 120 single best answer (SBA) questions. It is held twice a year, normally in February and August/September and you are given three hours to answer each of the papers. Read the college's Purpose of Assessment to see this information in detail - however below we summarise the content and structure for FRCR Part A.
Paper 1
Tumour Type
No. of Questions
Respiratory
24
Urology
24
Head & Neck
24
Skin
12
CNS
12
Gynaecology
24
Paper 2
Tumour Type
No. of Questions
Breast
24
Lower Gastrointestinal
24
Upper Gastrointestinal
12
Haematology
12
Miscellaneous*
38
Image-based
10
*The miscellaneous section contains questions on thyroid cancer, sarcoma, unknown primary, regulations, palliative care and a small set of questions that do not specifically fit into a defined site specific category.
FRCR Part 2B (Oncology) (CO2B): The exam requires you to have a wide understanding of malignant disease and management of patients with cancer. The biggest emphasis here is radiotherapy and drug therapy, though a strong knowledge of general medicine, surgery and gynaecology is expected also. You will be examined against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus.
The exam has both a clinical and oral component. Read the Royal College's Final FRCR Purpose of Assessment to understand the format and content in more detail, however a brief summary of both part is below:
Clinical Examination: This is the practical element and will involve you rotating round five strictly timed clinical assessment 'stations' where your skills are assessed by a pair of examiners. This part is to test the skills and competencies that are essential for safe and effective clinical practice as a clinical oncologist in the NHS. Patients with real clinical signs are used throughout this examination, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and judgment in as a realistic a scenario possible.
The clinical examination will assess your ability to:
identify important clinical signs using effective examination techniques
give a rationale differential diagnosis
order and interpret appropriate investigations
identify the main treatment options
select an appropriate, safe and sensible management plan
recommend a safe radiotherapy technique, understanding and communicating the likely outcomes & side effects
recommend a safe systemic treatment schedule, understanding and communicating their likely outcomes and side effects
clearly discuss a likely prognosis in the case presented
clearly demonstrate an ability to treat the patient sensitively, ensuring their comfort and dignity
Oral Examination: The structured oral examination assesses in-depth issues surrounding radiotherapy planning, diagnostic imaging and clinical decision-making and case management. Communication and ethical scenarios are addressed during this examination. It will mirror day-to-day clinical discussions and MDT meetings, essential elements to a Clinical Oncologist's role in the UK. There are several slides per question, and your answers can lead to further questions on subsequent slides by the examiners. The questions build as the discussion develops, and this oral examination allows each step of the case to be assessed and discussed as it would be in a real-life clinical scenario.
The structured oral examinations allow for fair, valid and reliable assessments due to:
uniformity of questions asked
pairing of examiners (junior and senior) allowing for ongoing training and accurate data capture and marking
four independent judgments of your performance
the examination is blueprinted against both the curriculum and the range of RCR-designated skills required to be a competent oncologist in the NHS
the use of an objective marking scheme which details the essential points required to pass each question
As an overseas candidate, where & when can I sit the exams and how much will they cost me?
This link takes you to the examination updates section. Information on the dates, fees and venues for the FRCR examinations can found here.
How do I apply for the FRCR (Oncology) examinations?
UK Trainees are given priority for examination places, whilst overseas candidates are offered the remaining places via a ballot system following the application closing date. If you've had your exam deferred due to cancellations over the last year, you will be prioritised.
The Royal College urges anyone applying to read the examinations guidance before doing so. Applications are made online via the Royal College website here.
How should I prepare for the FRCR (Oncology) exams?
With lots of materials online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for resources and materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you prepare, see below:
Syllabus: The syllabus should always be your go-to for your studies. This is what you will be tested on, so it should be the foundation of your studies and preparation. As of May 2021 the new curriculum has been approved by the GMC but is pending full publication. You can find this on the Royal College website here.
Clinical Oncology Curriculum implementation tools - a variety of tools are available to support the implementation of the new curricula. This page is very useful and has many different tools within the page. You can access it here.
Remote proctoring guidance - this is a new system and as with anything techy, problems can arise! Use this section of the Royal College to familiarise yourself with the new system with the new normal. Access this page here.
First FRCR examiners' reports - a guide for candidates and trainers preparing for future sittings. Access this here.
Trainees share their experiences of the Final FRCR examination - a two-part audio series featuring trainees talking about their experiences of preparing for and taking the examination.
Final FRCR examiner reports - a guide for candidates and trainers preparing for future sittings. Access the examiner reports archive here.
Final FRCR Part B demonstration films - clinical and oral demonstration videos. Access the Part B demonstration films here.
Sample oral questions - sample questions for the oral component of the Final FRCR Part B examination. You can access the sample questions here.
Connect with the Royal College - connect with the Royal College on YouTube to see their numerous videos that can be used for training and information purposes. Their channel can be found here.
IMG Oncologists
Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
I passed the FRCR Oncology exams! What next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all three parts of your FRCR examinations, you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. This exam will form an integral part of any CESR application (if that is your route to specialist registration) and in most cases, if you have previous and relevant experience, will allow you to practice as a locum consultant clinical oncologist whilst you are not an accredited specialist on the specialist register.
For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
Are you an overseas medical oncologist looking to move to the UK? Here you can hear first-hand the experience of an international medical oncologist who has been through the process, from completing their MRCP and GMC registration, to securing an NHS job and relocating to the UK?
IMG Stories is our series introducing you to international doctors who we have helped to relocate to the UK - sharing their personal journeys from working overseas to securing a new job as a doctor in the NHS.
Today we introduce Kishore Kumar, a brilliant consultant oncologist who relocated to the UK from India. Kishore has been living and working in the UK after receiving full GMC with license to practice. He is now working in the NHS at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he is making a positive impact on the service and the wider community.
Tell us about yourself - what should the IMG community know about Kishore Kumar?
I am a medical oncologist who moved to the UK from India. I moved to the UK later in my life than most IMGs, I'd say, having worked as a consultant medical oncologist in India for over 11 years before I decided to move to the NHS. The system I worked in was quite similar to the NHS (free medical care at the point of access), and whilst I was looking for a change, this was something I enjoyed about my previous work and was looking for that in any healthcare system I may move into.
What motivated you to move to the UK?
The NHS is arguably one of the finest healthcare systems in the world (I know many some may disagree, but having personally seen some other systems, I would definitely rate the NHS very highly). Working in the NHS was a long-held desire of mine, so the move was logical once the opportunity presented itself.
Tell us about your experience with the Royal College exams...
I passed the MRCP exams in 2005 at a time when there were no overseas centers in India. I had to travel to the UK for the exam, which was held in Glasgow and I also attended a training session in Ealing Hospital for the exam. It was very exciting process for me, especially visiting the UK for the first time.
Do you have any tips or advice for overseas doctors who are currently working towards MRCP?
I passed the exam quite a while ago, so I'm not sure how relevant my advice will be to current candidates. However, from my experience, overseas doctors need to understand the NHS system to do well, especially for the PACES exam. Practices which build on this knowledge would be helpful.
How did you manage to navigate and juggle the different aspects of registration whilst working?
Since I was working full time, I needed to set aside dedicated time to study for the MRCP exams. I roped in a friend (a very bright doctor) who would conduct mock exams for me over the weekends.
Did you have any major or unexpected issues with the GMC registration process or your visa application?
Since I was applying for GMC registration a significant amount of time after passing the MRCP, the GMC wanted evidence that I was still up-to-date in my practice. Luckily, this wasn't too complicated and the GMC advisor was very helpful.
How did you find a medical oncology job within the NHS?
Two words: IMG Connect. I was completely new to the process and I was quite unsure about locations and the general steps. Ruaidhri form the IMG Connect team was my go-to person for everything, from advice regarding locations, to job profiles, visas, and GMC registration. I don’t think I would have made it here if not for him. Most importantly, IMG Connect really listened and took into consideration all of my needs and worries. They go far beyond any of the simple questions you may have for them and cover all angles, including things you may not have considered yourself!
I would advise any IMGs hoping to relocate to the UK to find someone (like Ruaidhri) who will genuinely look after THEIR interests. It is easy to land up in the wrong role and to struggle through the complications of trying to leave soon after. If in doubt, seek advice from overseas doctors already in the UK and honest recruitment teams like IMG Connect.
Tell us about a day in the life of an NHS consultant medical oncologist...
The days are usually quite busy. They are split into two sessions (morning and afternoon), with at least one session (sometimes both) being a clinic and the other an MDT or another supportive activity. Working in the UK is very different to working in India, in some ways. At my current hospital, we see far less patients than I used to, but the amount of time spent on each patient is far greater. Of course, five-day working weeks are very welcome (it was six in India).
Tell us about your journey to the UK...
I arrived in early November 2020, when the UK had just gone into its second lockdown. COVID numbers were very high and many people advised me against traveling until things had settled. However, at this point I didn’t see COVID-19 going away anytime soon and decided there was no time like the present. The only difference was my family made sure I traveled business class to decrease the risks - this was the only time I've ever flown business class and it was nice ;-)
What has been your experience working with IMG Connect?
Absolutely fantastic! I can’t thank Ruaidhri and Marcus enough for everything. Just to give you an example, once I'd landed in the UK and reached my accommodation, I had to quarantine for two weeks. Ruaidhri drove over 3 hours (one way, at night) from Scotland to my place and brought in groceries for the next two weeks, since I would not be able to go shopping. Need I say more.
Although it’s been almost a year since my arrival in the UK, I still regularly chat with Ruaidhri and Marcus. We're like old friends at this point.
How are you settling into life in the UK?
I'd say I'm settling in quite well, and my colleagues agree. I am currently here without my family (they will join me later), so I've needed something to do at the weekends. Once the lockdown lifted, I bought a car and have traveled quite a bit. I go trekking most weekends and enjoy visiting new places.
What have you enjoyed most about living in Middlesbrough in particular?
The proximity to great places to visit. It’s just 20 minutes from the beach, or the Yorkshire Moors. London (from Darlington) is less than 3 hours away, and Scotland is a couple of hours away, as is the lake district.
What’s next for you now that you’re working in the UK?
My department has been very helpful. They are actively supporting me in my CESR application process, and I'm getting involved in research and clinical trials. I have also been given teaching opportunities, and even delivered a talk in the Royal College of Physicians CPD series.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in moving to the UK?
I'd say the separation from my family, primarily on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Have you experienced any culture shocks living in the UK?
No real 'shocks', but I've found the people here quite friendly. The only shock really is how expensive things are compared to India (things like train fares, eating out etc). I've also been introduced to things I'd never done before, like filling petrol and air in a car, ironing clothes etc.
What have you missed about India the most?
Other than my family, I miss the sunny days most (where I lived in India was sunny and not very hot). I will never take the sun for granted again!
Is there anything you wish you’d known before you began your journey to live and work in the UK?
Not really. Having friends and family who already lived in the UK (as well as the power of the internet), meant that a lot of my questions had already been answered and there was a lot of information available to me.
Do you have any tips or advice for international doctors who want to move to the UK?
Moving to the UK is something to consider if you're an IMG looking for a good work-life balance. A medical oncologist might be paid better in some countries, but it would be difficult to beat the quality of work and the relatively stress-free work environment here. I'd say try to avoid landing here during the winter - it does not make a very good first impression, but if you have interests in other areas (especially travel or hiking), the summers here are really awesome!
Moving to live and work in the UK is a big decision to make but can be massively rewarding in many ways. International doctors have the chance to find a new home and the NHS presents an incredible opportunity for IMGs to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their fields and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR, writing publications, teaching opportunities and research.
Whatever route an overseas doctor may take on their journey to the UK, IMG Connect is here to support them through every step and welcome them to the IMG family.
Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded MRCP aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 or CO1 is the first exam in the FRCR postgraduate qualification.
The completion of all the exams in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) examination suite leads to eligibility for GMC registration. The exams can be taken by IMGs from any country, provided certain criteria have been met. In this article, we’ll take a look at the following:
An overview of the FRCR (Oncology) exams
A deep dive into FRCR (Oncology) Part 1
How is the FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 exam structured?
How is the exam marked?
As an overseas oncologist, where can I sit the exam?
How much will the exam cost?
How do I apply for this exam?
What is the best way to prepare for the exam?
#IMG Tips
I’ve passed the FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 exam, what’s next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
An overview of FRCR (Oncology)
FRCR (Oncology) is the set of postgraduate examinations administered by the Royal College of Radiologists to test a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology.
The exams are as follows:
Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.
You can read an overview of the full FRCR (Oncology) examination suite here via our IMG Resources section.
Alternative routes to GMC registration include PLAB or other recognised GMC qualifications or licensing exams, such as UMSLE or FRANZCR (radiation oncology) which you can find out more about here.
For doctors who are interested in securing senior roles in the NHS which are reflective of their current practice or grade, we advise that FRCR is the best route to take to GMC registration. FRCR is often a requirement for NHS locum consultant job postings where candidates are not already on the Specialist Register for Clinical or Radiation Oncology. The FRCR route allows senior candidates to better align their qualifications with the specifications of relevant jobs.
A deep dive into FRCR (Oncology) Part 1
FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 is the first in the set of FRCR (Oncology) exams. The assessment expects that candidates have a broad knowledge of subjects that relate to the investigation and management of patients with cancer.
This includes a good understanding of the sciences that underpin clinical oncology, including:
Radiobiology
Cancer biology (including molecular biology)
Physics (as applied to radiotherapy)
Pharmacology of systemic anti-cancer treatments
Medical statistics
You can find the full purpose of assessment for FRCR Part 1 on the Royal College website here.
FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 Structure
All three parts of the FRCR (Oncology) exam are assessed against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus. A new curriculum has been implemented as of summer 2021, and all trainees are expected to have transferred to this curriculum by August 2022. For more information on this, visit the curriculum webpages.
The First FRCR (Oncology) exam comprises four modules of 180 single best answer (SBA) questions.
Candidates can enter any number of modules per sitting, though there is a limit of six sittings per candidate within which they must pass all four modules.
Each individual SBA question has a stem (a question or statement) and five answers, and candidates must decide which of the five best represents the answer to the stem question. Essentially, this is a multiple-choice exam.
Here is a breakdown of the exam:
Cancer Biology & Radiobiology - the processes of cancer cell transformation and tumour development and how these processes may be demonstrated and the response to ionising radiation of cells both individually and grouped as tissues
Clinical Pharmacology - the structure, action, use and evaluation of drugs used in the treatment of a patient with cancer
Physics - with special reference to clinical trials and assessment of results, and the epidemiology of cancer
Medical Statistics - the application of physical principles and methods in clinical radiotherapy, physical basis of the therapeutic uses of radioactive isotopes, radiation hazards and protection
A knowledge of SI units is also expected.
Marking
The exam is marked by a computer, with one mark given for each correct answer and zero marks for incorrect answers. As the exam is not marked negatively, candidates are encouraged to provide an answer to all the questions. No marks are awarded where multiple answers have been selected or where answers are not sufficiently clear as the College does not interpret candidates’ answers.
Results and feedback
Candidates will receive details on scores and the level of performance required to pass each module. A further breakdown for each module will be provided, detailing incorrect questions numbers along with the corresponding syllabus section for each question.
For more information on the exam content and structure, read the guidance notes for candidates on the College website here.
Exam centres
The current venues for the First FRCR (CO1) exam are:
Belfast, Birmingham, Bridgend Wales, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and London. Overseas centres for now are in Hong Kong, India and Malta.
The exam is typically held twice a year over two consecutive days, in February and either August or September.
For updates on exam dates, including the application window, keep an eye on the Royal College website here.
Exam cost
First FRCR (CO1) exam cost (per module):
Members - £168
Non-members - £213
Applications
UK trainees are given priority for examination places, followed by those who have had exams deferred over the last year due to cancellations. The remaining places are offered to all other candidates through a ballot system following the close of priority applications.
All candidates should apply for the exams through the Royal College website here.
FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 Preparation
Although there are many online materials to aid in your preparation for FRCR (Oncology) Part 1, as always, we recommend you start your preparation on the Royal College website, particularly with the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the Clinical Oncology syllabus.
In using these as a blueprint for your preparation, you will ensure your study is focused on the most relevant and useful information as prescribed directly from teaching materials.
Useful resources include:
Learning hub: available to members through the Royal College website and contains many useful learning resources and available here.
Implementation Tools: a range of tools compiled by the RCR to support the implementation of the new curricular which all candidates should have transferred to by summer of 2022 at the latest. This can be found here.
Sample Questions: sample SBA questions with answers which can be found here.
Examiners Reports: a guide for candidates for future sittings, based on the experiences of examiners with previous applicants, found here.
Speedwell instructional video: a walkthrough video of the FRCR Part 1 exam format with guidance and instructions which can be found on the College YouTube channel.
Suggested reading list: a suggested list of core texts and additional reading put together by the College which is available here.
For other great resources including videos, courses, and flashcards, check out our blog on preparation for the First FRCR (Oncology) exam here.
#IMG Tips
Prepare early – the best way to avoid stress and last-minute cramming is to get started as soon as possible.
Get familiar with the exam content – during your study (at least to start off with), the curriculum should be your guide to the FRCR (Oncology) exams.
Join the conversation – join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
I’ve passed the First FRCR (Oncology) exam, what’s next?
Firstly, congratulations! This is an incredible achievement, and you deserve to treat yourself after all that hard work! With a pass in the First FRCR (Oncology) in hand, you can look ahead to the Final FRCR (Oncology) CO2A and CO2B exams. Once you have completed all parts of FRCR (Oncology), you can apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice.
The team at IMG Connect wish all First FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and IMGs the very best of luck with their exams!
Overseas oncologists often ask us how to best prepare for the Final FRCR Part 1 and 2 exams. With so much online content geared towards UK clinical oncology trainees, it can be difficult to know what is best suited to you as an international candidate.
Here we have compiled some of the best advice and resources available to help overseas radiation oncologists prepare for their Royal College (RCR) exams. We’ll also address some of the changes to the exam, both the format, administration and availability of the exam in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this article, we'll cover the following - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for:
What are FRCR (Oncology) CO2A and CO2B?
How do I get started with my preparation?
What online resources are available?
How have the exams been affected by COVID-19?
Consultant posts and CESR
#IMG Tips
What are FRCR (Oncology) CO2A and CO2B?
As a quick reminder, Final FRCR (Oncology) are the final two exams in the FRCR (Oncology) examination suite. The full set, CO1, CO2A and CO2B are required by overseas clinical or radiation oncologists when applying for GMC registration through the postgraduate route.
For the final exams, candidates are expected to have a wide knowledge of subjects related to the care of patients with cancer and the investigation of malignant disease.
CO2A includes two written papers of 120 single best answer (SBA or multiple choice) questions.
CO2B has two components (clinical and oral) which are designed to test the oncological skills of the candidate which are relevant to safe and effective practice.
The clinical element is assessed in a mock clinical setting with real patients to increase authenticity.
The oral exam assesses clinical decision-making, radiotherapy planning, diagnostic imaging, and case management. It is made to mirror elements of a day-to-day clinical setting, including discussions and MDT meetings.
A full breakdown of the Final FRCR (oncology) Part 2A and 2B exams can be found on our website here.
How do I get started with my preparation?
After discussing with IMGs the best way to approach preparing for the Final FRCR (oncology) exams, most recommended beginning with the Royal College website and resources, which they have put together to aid in your preparation.
Curriculum: The FRCR (oncology) exam is based on the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the Clinical Oncology syllabus. As a rule of thumb, your revision should start here to ensure you are focusing on the exact material that will be in your exam. Knowing the curriculum is key and you can find these on the Royal College website here.
Helpful Royal College Resources include:
Learning hub: the learning hub is available to members and contains many useful learning resources. This can be found here.
Implementation tools: this is a range of tools which have been compiled by the College to support the new curricular which all students should have transferred to by August 2022 at the latest and can be accessed here.
Guidance: a guidance document from trainees who have already sat the exam, on behalf of the Oncology Registrars’ Forum, found here.
Sample questions: sample SBA and oral questions for FRCR CO2A and CO2B have been provided with answers on the RCR website, here for Part A and here for Part B.
Examiners’ reports: this is a collection of generic reports written by examiners on the overall performance of candidates and individual questions as a guide for applicants for future sittings. These are available here.
Trainees’ experiences: the two-part series has been compiled from the experiences of candidates in sitting their final exams, found here.
Demonstration films: demonstrations of both parts of FRCR Part 2, providing insight into both elements of the exam and what candidates can expect on the day. These are on the RCR website here.
Royal College YouTube: several helpful videos to be used for training and informational purposes on the RCR YouTube channel.
Other online resources
There are a couple of online courses which provide preparation for the exam, including mock exams and insight into exam technique. As with all courses, we advise that you register your interest as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as they are in very high demand.
Leeds – TMA Final FRCR Single Best Answer (SBA) Course - FRCR Part 2A
This is a four-day course aimed at clinical trainees who are preparing for their FRCR CO2A. The course offers daily mock SBA exams, question review with site specific experts, coverage of all tumour sites and a deep dive into exam technique.
The course is delivered live virtually, via Microsoft Teams.
Duration
4 days
Cost
TBC
Website
www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/leeds-cancer-centre/education/events/
Oncopaedia – Cardiff FRCR Part 2 Course
This is a web-based revision course for the FRCR part 2. The course allows candidates to revise SBA questions by individual tumour site, timed mock exams (including a leader board), access to Cardiff Course teaching materials and lecture slides, focused tutorials and a user forum.
Duration
On demand
Cost
£50 for 6 months’ access
Website
www.oncopaedia.com/moodle/moodle/enrol/index.php?id=2
FRCR Clinical Oncology Preparation - F.O.R.O. (The Forum of Radiation Oncology)
A handy hour-and-a-half video filled with useful information covering all aspects of the FRCR exam, from revision resources to guidance a breakdown of the format of the exam.
The YouTube video can be found here.
How have the exams been affected by COVID-19?
Final FRCR are still taking place in person, but as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of test centres has decreased. Currently, test centres are available in Belfast, Birmingham, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Bridgend Wales. For now, the only overseas test centres for the exam are India and Malta. For advice on preparation before applying for the exams, see the Royal College website here.
Consultant Posts and CESR
FRCR Oncology forms a key part of the application for international doctors looking to attain specialist registration in Clinical Oncology through CESR. For doctors with more senior level experience, this could also allow you to work as a locum consultant clinical oncology post, whilst you are not yet accredited as a specialist in the NHS.
#IMG Tips
Familiarise yourself with the exam content – the best way to do this is through the syllabus and curriculum
Prepare early – the earlier you begin your revision, the more structured and relaxed the entire process can be and the more likely you are to pass!
Join the IMG Connect study and support group – join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their Final FRCR exam and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!
For news and updates on the Royal Collges, the GMC, finding work in the NHS and relocating to the UK, join us online: