FRCPath Part 1 Online
In response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Pathologists has decided to migrate all part 1 FRCPath exams online. This includes FRCPath 1 in Histopathology, Haematology, Microbiology.
This means FRCPath Part 1 may be taken from the comfort of your own home. This development allows the College to continue to offer the FRCPath Part 1 exam to both UK trainees and overseas pathologists.
Please note that the delivery of FRCPath Part 2 remains offline, with examinations being conducted in person, but socially distanced.
FRCPath Part 1 Delivery
The format of the Part 1 exam is unchanged – 125 SBA (or multiple choice) and EMQs (extended matching questions) which aim to assess the candidate's overall knowledge and understanding of histo/ cytopathology, basic science underpinning pathology (including microbiology) and full understanding of autopsy practices undertaken in an NHS District General Hospital.
Previously, FRCPath Part 1 was available in multiple overseas centres, and it is anticipated that the College will return to this set-up once COVID-19 has been better managed globally.
The online exam will be held delivered through a company called TestReach. The College delivered the first sitting on this online format in Autumn 2020.
Candidates will have the opportunity to trial the examination software before the exam to familiarise themselves with it ahead of time. The TestReach system is full-proctored, and candidates will need to complete both an IT systems and environment check before the exam. These checks will ensure that candidates devices are suitable for the exam and that they are in an environment which satisfy exam conditions I.e. where they do not have access to textbooks or other revision materials.
For more information on the online examination see the College website here, or read their FAQs here.
How to apply
The application window for the Spring 2022 sitting of the FRCPath Part 1 exam will open at the end of November/ early December and close in mid-January. Whilst the examination date has yet to be finalised – candidates are advised to apply early and may withdraw their place for a refund if the examination date is unsuitable.
The cost of the exam is £673. For up-to-date information on exam and application dates, keep an eye on the College website here.
For more information on FRCPath in Histopathology, take a look at our collection of articles and blogs here, where we explore the full examination suite, including a detailed look at the structure and format, fees and preparation and resources.
If you are looking for general information that any overseas doctors might need to know - then check out our IMG Resources library.
We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their FRCPath Part 1 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.
Join the online histopathology community – connect with like-minded histopathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters in the IMG Histopathologists Facebook group.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things histopathology, 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:
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:
Here we take a closer look at the Medical Training Initiative (MTI), a placement scheme for more junior overseas doctors to come to the UK to receive training and development within the NHS.
To be eligible for an MTI post, certain criteria must be met. These are summarised below along with a broad look the following:
What is the Medical Training Initiative?
What training will I receive through the MTI?
Am I eligible for an MTI post?
What does the application process for the MTI involve?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the MTI?
Do I need a visa for the MTI?
How can I use the MTI for GMC registration?
How much will I be paid throughout the MTI?
What is the full process for MTI?
I’ve completed the MTI, what’s next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
The Medical Training Initiative
The Medical Training Initiative, or MTI, is a training programme that provides junior doctors from all over the world the opportunity to gain clinical training and development in the UK for a maximum of 24 months.
The MTI as a training scheme is mutually beneficial for both junior doctors and the NHS, in that doctors from several countries and specialisms around the world can work and train in the UK, gaining knowledge and experience which they can take back to their home country, while giving NHS Trusts a high-quality, longer-term alternative for unfilled training vacancies and rota gaps.
Training
The training provided through the MTI scheme will vary between programmes; however, it will typically follow the CCT curriculum (Certificate of Completion of Training). The level of training will be highly dependent on the doctor’s interests, competence and the training available within the placement hospital.
At the beginning of each placement, doctors are allocated an Educational Supervisor who will help to set the doctor’s specific training objectives to meet over the 24 months of the placement.
Eligibility
The MTI has been designed specifically with junior doctors in mind, therefore sponsorship will not be offered to consultants, specialty doctors or for locum-appointed service posts (LAS).
The criteria also differ among MTI programmes, so eligibility criteria should be checked directly with the Royal College before applying. However, the general elements of eligibility include the following:
Country requirements - priority is given to doctors from countries classified as low income or lower middle income by the World Bank. Doctors from outside of these countries may also apply, but there may be a long wait time and no guarantee of acceptance.
Evidence of skills and knowledge – the requirements for evidence of skills and knowledge vary based on the MTI programme, but the potential requirements for evidence of skills and knowledge include:
PLAB exams
Part 1 of relevant Royal College exam e.g. MRCP
Specialist qualifications from your home country
Evidence of English language skills - almost all MTI programs accept what test is approved by the GMC, meaning either of the IELTS or OET can be used for MTI.
Sufficient clinical experience - most MTI programmes will require a minimum of three years' experience, including one year of internship and one year in the relevant specialty.
Active medical practice - candidates must have been actively practicing clinically for at least three out of the last five years including the past 12 months before the application as well as throughout the application process.
The Application Process
There are two ways to join the MTI programme:
Apply for an MTI-match programme – certain specialisms have programmes which match doctors to a job. For these, you apply for the relevant programme, providing the necessary documentation. If your application is successful, you will be allocated a suitable job, which can take up to 12 months.
Find an NHS job before applying for the MTI – in cases where specialties do not have an established match programme, candidates are required to apply directly for an NHS post. Once the candidate has been accepted for the role, they can then apply for the MTI scheme through the relevant Royal College. If you would like to know more about finding NHS posts for the MTI scheme, you can get in touch with us here.
Specialties may use either, or a combination of these two methods, so we suggest visiting the Royal College and searching for their information on the MTI scheme.
The availability of MTI posts will vary between each Royal College, as certain specialties are more consultant-led, meaning there are fewer training posts for junior doctors. Once again, we suggest finding out more from the relevant Royal College.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the MTI Scheme
Advantages
Training – MTI doctors will receive training and development support in their clinical, communication and leadership skills, as well as supervision by a consultant. You will also have the opportunity to create a training plan with the support of an Educational Supervisor.
Reduced cost – for posts that accept specialist qualifications from the applicant’s home country, the associated costs are lower as you will not have to pay for the PLAB or Royal College exams which can be costly, especially where retakes are needed
Alternative to PLAB and the Royal College – As some posts accept a candidate’s specialist qualifications from overseas, this allows you to bypass the Royal College and PLAB exams (N.B. if you have passed both parts of PLAB or ever failed either of the exams, you are not eligible for MTI)
Diploma of UK Medical Practice - If you complete an MTI post that is at least 12 months long, with the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) or the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), you can apply for the DipUKMP, a professional diploma which can be used as part of the portfolio of evidence required for specialist registration (CESR or CESR-CP).
Disadvantages
Not all posts are paid - Some MTI posts require you to secure funding for your training, for example through scholarships or funding from an organisation in your home country, such as a government agency or university (N.B. personal funds cannot be used).
Junior posts – More senior doctors wanting to take this route to the UK will receive a lower salary and more junior role than if taking the postgraduate route.
British citizenship or ILR - For doctors who wish to make a permanent move to the UK, the 12-24 months spent in the UK on the MTI scheme will not count towards the 5-year requirement for British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Return to home country – at the end of the 24-month period, MTI doctors are legally required to leave the UK and return to their home country.
MTI Posts Offer Tier 5 Visas
MTI candidates require a Tier 5 visa to travel to the UK. Applications for the visa can only be made after receiving the Certificate of Sponsorship.
Applications for Tier 5 visas must be made from your home country (or the country you work in), but never from the UK.
The visa must only be used for travel to the UK at the beginning of the placement and will activate after your arrival, lasting for exactly two years from your arrival date.
Please note that Tier 5 visas cannot be extended.
GMC Registration
All doctors practicing in the UK MUST be registered with the GMC. For MTI candidates, registration is typically supported by the Royal College, but some NHS Trusts also have the right to register MTI doctors.
English Language Testing
As always with GMC registration, candidates will also need to provide evidence of English language skills. 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
Pay Received for MTI Posts
MTI posts are either paid, or candidates are required to secure funding for their placement as detailed above.
Where the placements are paid, the salary received by the MTI doctor corresponds to trainees at a similar level in the UK. All trainees can expect to commence their MTI training at an equivalent salary to ST3 level.
Some hospitals may take prior international experience into account while others do not. This is at the discretion of the hospital and not the Royal College. Hospitals can also decide whether to employ MTI doctors under the 2002 or 2016 junior doctor contract, which have slightly different pay scales.
Therefore, it's best to verify as early as possible where your placement will be paid, whether your prior experience will be taken into account, and under what pay scale you will be paid.
Steps through MTI
We’ve detailed the general processes involved in MTI below, from a candidate’s initial application for a post, to their final interview with the Royal College after gaining GMC registration:
I’ve completed the MTI, what’s next?
Ordinarily, on completion of the MTI scheme, doctors return to their home country with the training and experience they gained from working in the NHS.
Some doctors may want to remain in the UK after completing the MTI for a number of reasons. This can be done if the doctor finds another NHS post, in which case, they may be able to switch from the Tier 5 visa to the Tier 2 Health and Care Worker visa. For more information on the Health and Care Worker Visa, please see here.
If you want to find another NHS post after completing the MTI, applying for your first NHS job follows the same process as any other doctor. You will need to consider what job it is you would like to obtain and what location in the UK you would prefer to relocate to. For guidance on jobs in your specialty in the UK, please see our IMG Resources library.
Once you are ready to start the application process you can get in touch with us – IMG Connect can offer you expert advice and representation throughout the recruitment and relocation process.
For regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and working in the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation below:
Are you an overseas psychiatrist taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration through the MRCPsych exams? Are you interested in sitting the exams in the future?
As part of IMG Stories, we introduce to you Dr Praveen Kumar, a psychiatrist who has recently sat and passed the MRCPsych Paper B exam. Praveen will be sharing with you his experiences of the second of the Royal College of Psychiatrists exams, taking you through his preparation, experience of sitting the exam and sharing some hot tips for international MRCPsych aspirants.
1. Tell us about yourself... what should the IMG Community know about Praveen Kumar?
I'm a Malaysian psychiatrist and I completed most of my training as an Ob-Gyn in Borneo. I originally came to the UK for the PLAB 2 exam, with my ultimate aim being to relocate to Australia. I had planned on spending a few weeks in the UK as a vacation, as it was my first time flying to the west. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was stuck in the UK for some time.
I decided to enter the psychiatry training programme in Inverness, Scotland (CT1) just out of curiosity, because mental health was hardly spoken about in rural Malaysia, so I knew little about it. This was my main plan while I waited for restrictions to ease in Malaysia so I could return home, however plans changed, and I've been here ever since.
2. What motivated you to sit the MRCPsych exams?
I had no experience in psychiatry before starting my training in February 2021, but I felt I owed it to my patients to have at least some basic knowledge. I felt studying for MRCPsych would prepare me for the role, so I took Part A and B early on.
3. At what point in your career and training did you sit the MRCPsych Paper B exam?
I sat Paper A in December 2020 and Paper A in October 2021, so this was quite early on in my training.
4. How far in advance did you start preparing for the MRCPsych Paper B and how much time did you spend on revision?
I began preparing around 6 months before the exam. I'd have 8-20 hours of zoom study sessions weekly for the 6 months, studying around 4-6 days a week.
5. Did you benefit from speaking to senior colleagues or peers about the exam? Did you study with other candidates?
I relied on study groups via a WhatsApp group for discussions and attended weekly zoom study sessions. I formed a study group by seeking out other candidates after posting a message on MRCPsych groups on Facebook.
6. Have you already completed MRCPsych Paper A and how do you feel it prepared you for the Paper B exam?
I completed MRCPsych A on Dec 2020. By then I had already conducted many group studies and had 117 group study mates that continued with me into part B. We did the same format of group study that I hosted before.
7. How did you manage to juggle other commitments whilst studying for the exam (without panicking)?
Since I am on my own here in the UK, I was able to invest a lot of time and energy in hosting daily study sessions because at the start, it kept me grounded while I was stuck in a foreign country. It gave me the opportunity to communicate with so many people in a setting other than my workplace. It was fairly challenging initially while I moved between Airbnbs (7 in total!) while waiting for flights back home. It was only when I was accepted into a psychiatry training programme in Inverness and acquired stable accommodation that things became a lot easier.
8. What resources did you use to prepare and practice for the MRCPsych Paper B exam?
The hardest part was actually statistics which took up 1/3rd of the exam questions, so the goal was to complete the statistics syllabus, then move on to cover clinicals, repeat statistics again, then finally start mocks before the exam. This was the process that was recommended to me by some friends who passed the exam before me.
The SPMM mocks and high yield questions were most helpful for clinical and stats, but the Psychmentor notes were also really good with the questions and mocks helping to fortify our knowledge.
The Statistics and Research Methods (Cambridge Crash Course) by Dr Paul Wilkinson helped loads with statistics near the end.
I didn’t use any notes or SPMM videos, but I’ve heard they helped others quite a lot.
9. Let's face it, exams are not everyone's favourite day out... so on the day of the exam, what did you do to relax?
I prepped by reassuring myself that I did practice and study as best I could. I was ultimately looking to gather knowledge that would allow me to better help my patients. Whatever else came out of the process was secondary.
10. What was your experience like on the day?
I felt like I could hear the voices of my study mates as I did the exam. It didn't feel particularly difficult to be honest, because I'd had lots of practice sessions.
11. What was the most challenging part of the exam?
There were some tricky bits, for example being asked the percentage of patients who have a particular illness!
12. Now that the MRCPsych exam is provided online, how (if at all) was the test different to exams sat in person?
I didn't see it as much different to be honest.
13. In hindsight, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing really. I genuinely enjoyed the study sessions and I hope others did too.
14. What nugget of advice would you give to any MRCPsych Paper B aspirants?
Form or join a study group with people from various backgrounds. Mine had folks from around the globe with psychiatry experience ranging from none at all to 12 years. Their input was gold - more so since the exam is very relevant to our day-to-day practice.
15. What are your plans going forward?
I’m actually doing a couple of diplomas at the moment. I plan to collaborate with some people on some research/publication opportunities. This is mostly to bide time during CT2 as I am only allowed to sit the CASC exam during CT3 after 2 years psychiatry experience.
The postgraduate route to GMC registration, whilst not the fastest, can be the most rewarding in the long run. The MRCPsych exams are the central components of psychiatry training in the UK, and as an international psychiatrist, this is the route that allows you to most closely align your qualifications with the requirements of more senior roles in the NHS.
Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded overseas MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters.
For news and updates on all things psychiatry, including GMC registration, the Royal College and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
The MRCPsych exams can be overwhelming for overseas Psychiatrists and UK trainees alike.
Where do you turn for study materials? How do you prepare for the exams? What are the exams dates and fees? Where can I sit the exam? How can I find support online?
In this blog we will explore MRCPsych Paper B and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, taking a detailed look at the following topics:
An overview of MRCPsych
What is MRCPsych Paper B?
How is the exam structured and marked?
Am I eligible to sit this exam?
As an international psychiatrist, when and where can I sit the exam?
Where and how do I apply?
How much will the exam cost?
What is the best way to prepare for MRCPsych B?
#IMG Tips
Passed? What next?
Skip to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
An overview of MRCPsych
The MRCPsych exams are the central components of psychiatry training in the UK. The examination series is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills needed for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.
For IMGs taking this route, full MRCPsych satisfies the postgraduate requirements for full GMC registration.
The exams within the series are as follows:
MRCPsych Paper A
MRCPsych Paper B
MRCPsych CASC
For a more general overview of the MRCPsych examinations via our IMG Resources, please click here.
MRCPsych Paper B
Paper B is a three-hour written exam which asses critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry.
Each questions is worth 150 marks, comprised of 150 questions:
One third - critical review
Two thirds - clinical topics
Exam structure and marking
Paper B will cover the following sections of the syllabus:
Organisation and Delivery of Psychiatric Services
General Adult Psychiatry
Old Age Psychiatry
Psychotherapy
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Substance Misuse/Addictions
Forensic Psychiatry
Psychiatry of Learning Disability
Critical Review
In Paper B, the percentage split, and marks allocation for the 150-mark exam will be approximately:
Eligibility
Trainees from any country in the world can sit the MRCPsych Examinations providing that they meet the eligibility requirements.
You are eligible to sit Paper B if you are a fully registered medical practitioner. It is also recommended that you have 12 months experience in Psychiatry before attempting Paper B.
Exam locations and dates
Good news – in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has made the decision to move all MRCPsych exams online! This means you can sit the MRCPsych exams from your home country with submission and preparation details available on the Royal College website.
This change makes it much easier for international psychiatrists to complete their Royal College exams and work towards GMC registration within a normal timeframe and with reduced disruptions.
Exams are usually held three times a year – you will find the most up-to-date information on exam and application dates on the Royal College website.
Applications
To apply you’ll need to complete the Royal College online application form. The form is only available during the published application dates and must be submitted prior to the closing date. If you miss the cut-off date, your application will not be considered.
For new overseas candidates, you will need to register for a Royal College login first.
You will need to provide the following:
Personal details
Primary Medical Qualifications & Registration
Training
Written paper selection
Fees
At the end of your application, you will be directed to an online payment system where you can pay by credit or debit card, so make sure you have your details ready.
Once your application is complete you will receive two confirmation emails, one to confirm receipt of the application and one to confirm the payment has been received.
See below for MRCPsych Paper B fees for 2022:
PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £446
Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £495
Preparation
With lots of materials online, we have discussed with our community of international psychiatrists as to the best resources and materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:
Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can find this here.
Current critical review syllabus: For Paper B, candidates will need to ensure that they make optimal use of the MRCPsych Paper B critical review - evidence-based practice syllabic content, available here.
Sample Papers: These will help you polish your exam techniques and are a good way to regularly benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. Additionally, they will help you work quickly on the day as you will already know what to expect. The samples can be found here.
Marking schemes: Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance, and not how well you perform against other candidates. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is worked, so you can maximise your exam skills, giving you the best chance of a pass. These can be accessed here.
Sample exam: These can help you understand the exact format of the exam and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment. This is available here.
Online exam guidance: Detailed guidance written specifically to guide candidates in preparing for an sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings. The guidance can be accessed here.
The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful resource to help you to get over the first steps. This is available here.
#IMG Tips
Start your revision early – preparation is key, and what better way to avoid last-minute stress?
Choose the best resources for you – whether it’s the Royal College materials, online courses or flash cards, try to figure out what works best for you.
Join our online support community – why not be part of a community of like-minded psychiatrists and MRCPsych aspirants? Join IMG Connect on social media for a place to ask questions and share resources.
Passed? What next?
Now that you have passed Paper A and B you are now eligible to sit the CASC exam. For more information take a look at our blog we will explore MRCPsych CASC and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.
For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG library.
Here we look briefly at the CESR route available to overseas consultants and exerienced senior doctors who wish to secure a job in the NHS and relocate to the UK.
Many IMGs have recently asked if they would be eligible for the CESR route to Specialist registration. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can apply for CESR, provided certain eligibility criteria are met.
To help answer this question we have put together a short article to explain further, including the following topics:
What is CESR?
What is the Equivalence process?
Who is the CESR for? Who can apply?
What does the CESR route involve?
Are there other senior NHS positions available?
Legal requirement before taking a substantive, honorary or fixed term NHS consultant post in the UK
What are the achieved standards?
How can I prepare my evidence for CESR applications?
What if my application is not successful?
CESR is suitable for those who have already been practising overseas for many years.
What is CESR?
The CESR is for doctors who wish to join the GMC (General Medical Council) Specialist Register, and whose specialist training, qualifications or experience was partly or completely acquired outside an approved CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) programme in the UK.
It is equivalent to a CCT and certifies that the recipient has all the competences defined in the CCT curriculum, known as specialist registration.
What is the Equivalence process?
Equivalence describes the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current training programme requirements, in order to gain a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) for the Specialist Register held by the General Medical Council.
The process involves submitting a written body of evidence to the GMC of:
training and/or competence
skills and knowledge
Each Royal College will assess the application against the relevant Curriculum before providing a recommendation to the GMC, who will then make a decision.
Please note that Equivalence procedures are the responsibility of the GMC.
Applications are made through their Certification Department and initial enquiries should be directed there.
Who is the CESR for? Who can apply?
If you have training, qualifications and experience in a CCT specialty but have gained these partly or completely outside an approved CCT training programme (for example, you have trained outside the UK or EEA), you may apply for a CESR in a CCT specialty.
What does the CESR route involve?
In a nutshell, you will need to compile a portfolio of evidence to prove you have achieved the equivalent skills and experience of a doctor who has completed a full GMC-approved training programme.
You can collect this evidence prospectively through non-training jobs.
Is it the right route for me? Yes, if…
You have already completed specialty training back home
If you have already completed Specialty Training, then you’re unlikely to want to repeat it.
You haven’t completed training, but you have too much experience in your specialty to apply for training posts.
In both scenarios, even if you are willing, you may be overqualified to apply for training.
Doctors who have complete specialist training overseas or via a non-CCT pathway may be eligible for entry without further training. You can check using the guidelines below:
GMC CESR Guidance
Specialty Specific Guidance
You will need to demonstrate all specialty learning outcomes specified in the relevant CCT curriculum.
Are there other senior NHS positions available?
It is important to note that you can apply for more senior roles such as a SAS doctor, specialty doctor or a locum consultant (locum consultants are not required to be on the Specialist Register).
This way you will have better pay and the roles and responsibilities are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a junior trainee. While working in these jobs you can collect evidence of your competences.
This is also a quicker route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.
Legal requirement before taking a substantive, honorary or fixed term NHS consultant post in the UK:
It is a legal requirement that doctors must have their names entered on the General Medical Council's (GMC's) Specialist Register before taking up substantive NHS consultant posts in the UK.
What are the achieved standards?
To apply you will need to have either a specialist qualification or have undertaken a period of specialist training (not less than 6 months anywhere in the world).
Your application is measured against the GMC standard.
The GMC break down the standard into four domains mirroring the headings of Good Medical Practice.
The GMC recommend that you allocate the evidence you provide with your application in the following way:
Domain 1: Knowledge, Skills and Performance - 75%
Domain 2: Safety and Quality - 20%
Domain 3: Communication, Partnership and Teamwork - 5% (combined for
both domains 3 & 4)
Domain 4: Maintaining Trust - 5% (combined for both domains 3 & 4)
The full list of evidence needed for each specialty is provided here.
How can I prepare my evidence for CESR applications?
As CESR applications are currently a completely paper-based process it is important to think about the evidence you present. You should:
Research/think about the types of evidence you will need and begin to gather your evidence well in advance of making your application.
Make sure that your evidence is current and of the highest possible quality.
Always note any curriculum changes – you will be assessed against the most recent one
Ensure that the evidence you collect demonstrates your competence across the whole of the curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.
Throughout your application you should refer to the Specialty Specific Guidance in your specialty (or the most relevant if applying in a non-CCT specialty).
You should also refer to the relevant CCT curriculum in your specialty; as this is the standard that all CCT applicants will be measured against.
Look thoroughly at the GMC guidance available and get advice on your application from the GMC before you apply.
Remember to refer to the relevant CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.
The GMC has strict guidelines for presenting evidence, including verification, anonymising and translating documents. We strongly advise all IMGs to take a look here and familiarise themselves with the criteria.
What if my application is not successful?
Following an unsuccessful application, you can apply for a review within 12 months of receiving your decision from the GMC. You can apply for a review of the GMC’s decision on the grounds that:
You now have additional evidence to submit that addresses the areas of your application in which you were previously unsuccessful
You believe that there has been a procedural error or unfairness in the processing of your original application.
Please refer to the GMC guidance for further information on applying for a review.
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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:
As an overseas health and care professional, the main route to the UK is via the HCPC registration.
The Health & Care Proessionals Council is the regulator for 16 health and care professions across the UK.This article is written for overseas health care practitioners who have completed professional training outside the UK and who wish to apply to work in the UK.
Overseas healthcare professionals from any country in the world can register with the HCPC and work in the UK, this registration process is summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
How can I practice in the UK?
Which route is for me?
I qualified and practice outside of the UK, am I eligible?
Am I eligible for full clinical equivalence?
What is the role of the standards of proficiency?
What are the standards of proficiency
How do I demonstrate that I have met the standards of proficiency?
How to apply via European Mutual Recognition (EMR)
How to apply via International Application
Application steps
What documents will be required?
What if I am unsuccessful?
English language proficiency
Successful? What next?
How can I practice in the UK?
To practice in the UK using any of the HCPC regulated terms you have to satisfy the HCPC that you have broadly equivalent skills to those who trained in the UK.
The HCPC check equivalence based on the British qualification which is at Doctorate level.
If your degree is from outside the UK then the HCPC will want to assess all your qualifications and experience to see what you need to add to reach their desired standard for the healthcare profession, or where you would need to join the training path if you have moved to the UK already.
The type of HCPC application you make depends on your country of origin and training. There are two application routes:
European Mutual Recognition (EMR)
International application
Which route is for me?
It all depends on where you have trained and qualified, EEA or outside the EEA.
I qualified inside the EEA:
If you have trained and are a citizen of an EU member state, then you are eligible for European Mutual Recognition (EMR). If you are eligible for EMR then you must apply via this route.
EMR ensures that EEA qualifications are recognised across Europe as equivalent, and therefore you will only require your English language proficiency to complete your application.
Am I eligible for European Mutual Recognition (EMR route)?
To be eligible to apply for registration based on European Mutual Recognition you must be a citizen of a relevant European State
I qualified outside the EEA:
If you have trained outside the EU, then you are eligible for an international application.
Both routes follow the same process, the skills, education and training you submit via your application forms are assessed by Registration Assessors, who make a decision within 60 working days.
Am I eligible for the international route?
To be eligible to apply for registration via the international route, you must have undergone relevant training and be fully qualified to practice your profession.
fully qualified to practice your profession in a relevant European State other than the United Kingdom
Your application will be assessed against the standards of proficiency for your area of healthcare. We advise that before you apply you should check you meet, or exceed, the professional standards all registrants must meet in order to become registered in your area.
What is the role of the standards of proficiency?
For the purposes of HCPC registration, in order to ensure all applicants will work to the standards necessary to protect the public, the HCPC set threshold standards they consider necessary to measure all candidates and practitioners against in the UK.
They set clear expectations for knowledge and abilities for when they start practicing in the UK.
Am I eligible for full clinical equivalence?
To be eligible for full clinical equivalence (i.e. to be able to secure a job in your chosen area in the UK) you have to demonstrate you have met:
all of the competencies required to get a doctorate in the UK
experience of all the core client groups (working age adults, older people, children and families, people with learning disabilities) or core competencies
have a doctoral standard piece of research
How do I demonstrate that I have met the standards of proficiency in my application?
1. Include as much as detail possible:
You will be asked to provide detailed information about your experience, education or training. Include as much relevant information as possible in your application.
2. Cover and provide detail on ALL of your experience:
The HCPC will assess the courses that you have complete, some courses are broader with less in-depth coverage, and others are more detailed but have a narrower scope. Therefore, as a precaution, you must detail as much experience as you can in your application in case there are any shortfalls from the training and qualifications that you have. Significant experience may make up for shortfalls in training.
TOP TIP: HCPC assessors make their determinations based on all the information that you provide. So, provide as much as you can!
How to apply via European Mutual Recognition (EMR):
The EMR application process follows the format of the international applications process. The skills, education and training you submit via the EMR application forms are assessed by Registration Assessors, who make a decision within 60 working days.
How to apply via International Application:
The International application process follows the format above. The skills, education and training you submit are assessed by Registration Assessors, who make a decision within 60 working days.
What are the application steps?
The process follows four steps:
Step 1 - submit forms and pay fee
Step 2 - processing
Step 3 - assessment by the HCPC
Step 4 - decision letter
A successful decision will be confirmed by receipt of a letter stating your addition to the HCPC register.
What documents will be required?
You will require the following to support your application:
identity documentation
qualifications
good standing and character declaration – part of application
declaration regarding background checks – part of application
Original documents that are not in English will have to be accompanied with a translated version.
TOP TIP: We advise that you prepare your documents and experience as early as possible before making your application, this will not only save you time, but give you the chance to add and edit the content you will provide. Increasing your chances of success!
Step 1 - Submit forms and pay fee
Once you have gathered your documents and have fully considered your experience matched to the standards of proficiency, you can submit your forms and pay the application fee.
The HCPC will take a scrutiny payment of £495 at this stage.
You will receive a confirmation receipt and payment.
You will also receive your application reference number. This reference number is important, and you should use this each time you contact the HCPC to discuss your application.
TOP TIP: If your application is not accepted for processing because of missing information, the HCPC will return it to the address on the form. You will then need to resubmit your application. To avoid this, ensure you have prepared all of your evidence and documentation as above.
Download and complete your form, then send them by post to the address on the front page of the application.
Download the application form for registration – EMR
Download the application form for registration – International application
Step 2 – Processing
During this period (4 weeks from receipt of application), the HCPC will contact your education provider, any relevant regulatory or professional bodies and any professional referees.
This is to verify the information that you have provided in your application.
You do not need to do anything until the HCPC have notified you of the outcome of the next stage of the process.
Step 3 - Assessment
The next stage is the assessment of your regulated education and training and any other relevant education, training or experience included in your application.
Your application will be sent to two assessors from the practitioner register.
They will consider all the information that you have submitted before making their recommendation to the HCPC.
What are they assessing?
You will have to demonstrate:
you have met all the competencies required to get a doctorate in the UK
experience of all the core client groups (working age adults, older people, children and families, people with learning disabilities) or core competencies
you have a doctoral standard piece of research.
First, they will compare your regulated education and training with HCPC standards of proficiency. If any shortfalls are identified, they will check your submission to see if these have been made up through any other relevant education, training or experience that you have provided details for.
They will then send a recommendation to the Education and Training Committee (ETC). This recommendation will be then reviewed by the ETC who will send their decision to you.
TOP TIP: The HCPC can only base their decision on the information provided in the application. They do not contact referees, training institutions, or employers to obtain further information about your training or work experience. So, remember to provide as much experience, training and relevant education as possible.
The HCPC will send a Record of Assessment to you within 60 working days of receipt. This Record of Assessment may include a request for further information which will prolong the processing time of your application.
Again, for this reason it is important that you include as much relevant information as possible when you submit your application.
Step 4 - Decision letter
You will be notified of the outcome of your application in writing. In successful cases this will confirm your addition to the Register.
What if I am unsuccessful?
If you have not been successful in your HCPC application, it is likely that there was some information missing from your application to demonstrate that you meet the standards of proficiency.
The HCPC will return your application to the address you provided, you can then add more detailed information to your application forms and resubmit.
If, however, you have failed the application, the following will apply depending on the route that you have applied through:
International application rejected:
You may be able to appeal the decision. You can find out more about appeals here.
EMR application rejected:
Your choices are different. If you're a national of an EEA country, and are entitled to practice, you will be required to complete a period of adaptation or an aptitude test to rectify shortfalls in your knowledge or experience. You can find out more about the period of adaptation here.
English language proficiency:
The ability to communicate in English is of course crucial to working effectively in the healthcare profession in the UK. If you are applying via the International Application then you must obtain one of the following scores:
IELTS – 7.0 average in all areas, with no element below 6.5
TOEFL – minimum score of 100/120
If applying via the EMR Application, and are a National of a relevant EEA state, then you are exempt. Please note that Speach & Language Therapists must obtain higher scores, contact us for more information.
Successful? What next?
First of all, congratulations! Once you have been granted registration with the HCPC, you can apply for work as a practitioner in the UK.
For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.
If you have attained HCPC registration don’t hesitate to get in touch with your IMG Consultant to discuss UK job options in your area, including discussions regarding a typical healthcare professionals salary in the UK and the most suitable locations for you.
Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:
OET is fast becoming the most popular English Language test that overseas doctors will use for GMC registration.
It is an English language test that tests medical language specifically and for that reason is very popular with IMGs. However, as with many things the exam has been heavily disrupted by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic OET have created two new versions of their popular English language test to help doctors when their local test centre is closed:
Computer-based OET test
OET@Home
OET@Home - what is it?
OET has partnered with Prometric TM, a private company, to deliver a home version of the OET test. While computer-based testing and remote proctoring (invigilation on behalf of OET) will bring changes to the delivery mode - the test format, tasks presented and level of English assessed will all be the same.
OET@Home - how does it work?
The reading, listening and writing sub-tests of OET will be available via computer-based delivery and the Speaking sub-test will be carried out with a human interlocutor via video calling software. This human involvement and role-play nature of the OET Speaking sub-test which is so important to the test - will not be compromised.
The test will be managed remotely and under strict condition by invigilators who know the importance of this test for patient safety and fair GMC registration process for any doctor taking OET - whether it’s OET@Home of OET sat in person at a test centre.
Below we have summarised a number of FAQs to help address any question you have. We have taken the information directly from the OET Website here https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/at-home-remote-proctored-testing/.
Do I have to take the test on a computer? Or are paper-based tests still available?
You do not have to take the test on a computer. OET will be running both paper-based and computer-based testing, so you can still take the test on paper if that is what you prefer.
They will be continuing to run paper based tests at all the current values as long as local lockdown restrictions allow. So now you can sit one of three OET formats:
paper-based tests at OET test centers (the old method)
a computer based test that you can sit at selected test venues
OET@Home , a remote-invigilated test that you can sit at home using a Windows PC
Is there a difference between computer-based OET and OET@Home?
Not really. They are exactly the same test with the main difference being where you actually take the test. The key difference is this:
With computer based tests you will attend a test venue to take the test.
With OET@Home you will be able to take the test remotely (e.g. at home or work) on your Windows PC.
How does the remote invigilation or proctoring work?
‘Remote proctoring’ essentially means ‘remote invigilation’. This means that you can sit the test outside a test centre under the same strict exam conditions that an OET test centre would provide.
Human proctors or human invigilators check the following:
you are who you say by checking ID
room searches prior to the start of the test
monitor your behaviour during the test, ensuring you do not breach any OET rules and regulations
Remote proctoring systems also help maintain test security with the following:
security features such as limiting functionality of your computer (e.g. so you cannot access the internet or take screenshots)
How often will the computer-based test and OET@Home run?
Initially once a month on either the same day, or alternate Saturdays as the paper-based OET test. However, this is still to be confirmed and OET will release more details in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for their updates found on their website here.
Can I actually sit the test at home?
Yes. Once the OET@Home is live you will be able to sit the test at home, using a Windows PC.
How will the speaking test work?
The Speaking sub-test will still be two role plays with a live interlocutor or test official. The only difference is with OET@Home, where the live interlocutor will role-play with you via video conference.
How much will this cost me?
At this point it does not look like there will be any change to the cost of OET, no matter which test you take. A reminder - those cost of the OET is currently AUD 587 (A$587) which is currently equivalent to £327. Please note, the price and conversion rate is representative of the time of writing this article (July 2020)
When can I book a test?
OET@Home will be open for bookings at the end of August, with the tests available from September onwards.
Computer-based OET will be available at the end of September in a few locations. More locations will be made available after the first
Will the OET test format change?
No - all tasks, format and timings will remain the same across all types of OET.
If I have already booked to take the OET paper-based test - will I be able to change my booking to either computer based test or OET@Home?
Are the computer-based OET and OET@Home accepted by regulators?
Both the computer-based OET and OET@Home are accepted by the GMC and will be valid for Tier 2 visa applications also.
How do I book my place with either OET@Home or computer-based OET?
You will be able to book your test online and OET will let you know as soon as both new types of test are available for booking.
Can I take the OET@Home on a mobile phone?
No, the OET@Home can only be taken on Windows PC. You can find the technical specifications here.
So, I can only use a Windows laptop? What if I have a Mac?
Unfortunately, if you have a Mac you will not be able to sit the OET@Home with it. You will need a dedicated computer running Windows 10, either a desktop computer or laptop.
Refer to the technical specifications to check you Windows PC can run the software.
How long will the results take to be released?
OET will stick with the same results timeframe in place for paper-based OET tests - however there may be the opportunity to significantly shorten the time needed for results to be released. However, do not expect to see this benefit immediately.
How can I prepare for all versions of the OET?
As with all tests, we recommend preparing as much in advance as you can. Learning a new language is challenging and takes time. You cannot just turn up on exam day and hope to pass, no matter how good your English is already.
Take a read through this article below to help your preparations for OET:
IMG Resources: Preparing for your English Language Test
What courses or tutors can I use for OET preparations?
We discuss this in more depth in the article below:
IMG Resources: Preparing for your English Language Test
As an International Brand dedicated to helping international doctors to register with the GMC and find work in the NHS - we have lots of partnerships in place with trusted companies in many areas.
One of these key areas is English Language Testing and IMG Connect works closely with a company called Specialist Language Courses. You can take a look at their website here.
Specialist Language courses are incredibly professional and are the UK's leading provider of online courses and tutoring. They are also one of the few accredited providers of OET and have provided consultation and guidance to the GMC on English language testing.
Success rates are 70% + for those who sign for their tutoring and you can receive a discount if introduced by IMG Connect.
Register with IMG Connect to request your discount on English Language Courses or get in touch with one of our IMG Consultants to discuss
Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:
There are several routes an overseas histopathologist can take to GMC registration & practicing anatomic pathology in the NHS.
All pathologists looking to secure a job in the NHS, whether you are from inside or outside of Europe, will need to satisfy certain criteria to fully register with the General Medical Council before they can practice in the NHS. As a histopathologist, the criteria you need to meet depends on where you trained, and what qualifications you hold. This article is designed to give you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, no matter where in the world you live. We’ll be covering the following:
How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA histopathologist?
How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA histopathologist?
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?
Evidence of knowledge and skills for EEA histopathologists
For histopathologists 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.
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 you once you completed your GMC application process you would be granted Specialist Registration in your Specialty and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS. So as a pathologist, if you hold a Relevent European Specialist qualification then you would be on the specialist register for histopathology, and can be appointed as a substantive histopathologist in the NHS.
So, the main hurdle that you will face is demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as a doctor in the UK & NHS.
As a European histopathologist, this is in most cases the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice 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 Histopathology (FRCPath). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.
Evidence of knowledge and skills for non-EEA histopathologists
If you qualified as a histopathologist 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.
Histopathologists who've trained from outside the UK and EEA must demonstrate to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For histopathologists 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 pathology 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, pathologists 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 Pathologists
Royal College Qualification of FRCPath: Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e. pathology. For senior pathologists taking this route, they will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the specialism of their choice. The Royal College of Pathologists is the Professional Body that regulates the specialism of Pathology in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) is the full qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining FRCPath will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK Pathology. Take a look at our complete guides on Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists as per your sub-specialty to understand 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 histopathologists, 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 pathologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA pathologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification.
OR
(Non-EEA pathologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA pathologist, this would either be PLAB, FRCPath 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?
For pathologists 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. Whether it’s deciding the best options for demonstrating your skills and knowledge in histopathology, or sourcing the best English Language courses and resources, take advantage of the benefits of having a pathology recruitment specialist working with you and proving you with the best guidance and support to fit your career needs.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things pathology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
Are you an overseas pathologist preparing for FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam?
Overseas doctors often wonder how to prepare for the FRCPath Part 2 examination, especially when so much content and advice online appears geared towards UK applicants and trainee. So what study courses, resources and support is available to an overseas histopathologists looking to take the test?
Here we have compiled some of our advice and resources available to help you prepare for the exam, whilst we also address some of the changes in availability of test centres and upcoming exams as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
What is FRCPath Part 2?
First a quick reminder of what the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 is. The Part 2 exam consists of six components which are taken over two days. Each component comprises a different number of cases provided in 20-minute stations or slots. The components include both written and face-to-face elements with the examiner where candidates should demonstrate and discuss both clinical & practical knowledge as well as complex diagnoses and special techniques. This is done through elements of interpreting and writing reports, interpretation and OSPE. If you want to have a more detailed overview of the FRCPath exam then take a look through the article published in our online IMG Library here, or take a look through the Royay College of Pathologists website here.
So how do I get started with my preparation?
Starting is often the hardest thing to do, and as there are many resources available online, it's hard to tell where the best place is to start. After discussing this with consultants who've passed (both UK trainees and IMGs), most recommended starting with the Royal College, who have posted some useful resources on their website to aid in your preparation.
Curriculum: The exam questions are based on the Curriculum for Specialist Training in Histopathology. As a first step, we recommend becoming familiar with this curriculum as early as possible to reinforce your knowledge and to provide a solid foundation for your study plan. Knowing the curriculum is key - as this is what you will be tested on.
Regulations and guidelines: Ensure you have read both the general regulations and guidelines and the specialty specific regulations and guidelines.
Social Media study groups: There are many social media study groups available across various platforms. These include Telegram, Facebook, WhatsApp and to a lesser extent LinkedIn. IMG Connect hosts study groups for FRCPath Part 1 and 2 exams - these are forums that bring together international doctors from all over the world into one constructive, communicative and moderated space where you can share exam tips, stories and woes, and the opportunity to buddy-up with similar colleagues looking to pass the test.
If you think you would be interested in joining either the IMG Connect FRCPath 1 or Part 2 Study groups, please email info@imgconnect.co.uk to speak to the histopathology specialist and request your admission.
Online Courses for FRCPath Histopathology: There are a few online courses which provide preparation, from full mock exams to individual component courses. We've spoken with some IMGs to understand which courses they favoured, and below we have summarised a few of these. With all courses, it is advised that you register your interest as early as possible as they are in high demand.
Pathology Online Hub - FRCPath Part 2 Histopathology Full Mock Exam
This is a complete mock exam course with interactive live discussion sessions and individual feedback for each participant. Sessions will be delivered by UK based pathologists with extensive experience of teaching for the FRCPath exam. Participants will be provided with the mock exam for all the 7 components of FRCPath 2 under strict timed conditions closely simulating the real exam.
Mock exam will include: Cytology, Short surgical cases, Long cases, Frozen section, Macroscopic examination, OSPE 1 Viva and OSPE 2 Written.
Live sessions will include: Exam format and tips on how to prepare with a structured study plan, Review and discussion of all mock exam answers, Group performance summary, Common pitfalls in exam and how to avoid them, and Tips on answering technique for exam.
Duration
3 days
Cost
£270 (£70 registration fee and £200 payable 8 weeks prior to course start date)
Next start date
TBC
Website
www.pathologyonlinehub.com/full-mock-course
Oxbridge Medica - FRCPath Part 2 Mock Course
This is an online 2-day practical course with both a mock examination and seminars preparing trainees for the FRCPath Part 2 Examination. This is a unique course giving trainees that all important pre-exam Mock (under exam conditions) with the papers individually marked and scored in line with the actual exam. The course speakers have knowledge of the Royal College exam - some of them are examiners, and all are experienced teachers.
Duration
2 days (Day 1 = mock exam | Day 2 = review and preparation)
Cost
£300 (£75 registration fee and £225 payable 4 weeks prior to course start date)
Next start date
TBC
Website
http://oxbridgemedica.org/product/frcpath-part-2-mock-course-20th-21st-september-2021/
Oxbridge Medica - FRCPath Part 2 Surgical Course
This is an online 2-week Surgical Revision Course preparing trainees for the FRCPath Part 2 Examination and is exam oriented and includes surgical and cytology mock tests, live-streamed lectures and feedback. The course aims to provide an approach to the part 2 examination, and to cover common exam cases, whilst the trainers have been selected for their expertise within their disciplines, both in their clinical acumen but also their teaching skills. The format of the course is intense and demanding but also rewarding.
Duration
2 weeks, intensive
Cost
£800 (£75 registration fee and £725 payable 4 weeks prior to course start date)
Next start date
TBC
Website
oxbridgemedica.org/product/frcpath-part-2-surgical-course-1st-14th-september-2021
IMG Histopathologists FRCPath Part 2 Course
This is a tailored FRCPath Histopathology course for overseas pathologists sitting the Part 2 exam. This course offers weekly sessions which provide an approach to the FRCPath exams for IMGs specifically, guiding them through the preparation for the exam, delivered by an experienced NHS consultant pathologist and specialist histopathology recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors.
The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on FRCPath and other registrations, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration.
You can access our IMG Histopathologists FRCPath Part 2 Course by joining the Facebook group here.
What other helpful FRCPath 2 resources are out there?
1. What I wish I'd known - A series of YouTube videos produced by the Royal College of Pathologists. The videos are interviews and advice from four pathologists sharing their experiences of the FRCPath Part 2 exam and what they wish they’d known before taking the exam.
2. FRCPath Part 2 Past Examination Surgical Cases – These are from Virtual Pathology at the University of Leeds. The slides can be magnified, and each case comes with a diagnosis.
3. How to Survive and Thrive in the FRCPath Part 2 - This is a detailed breakdown of the complete exam with advice and marking guidance, created by Dr James Henry, Consultant Cellular Pathologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
How has COVID-19 affected FRCPath UK and Overseas test centres & upcoming exams?
The Spring session was postponed for international candidates in response to the pandemic, but discussions are taking place on the possibility of the FRCPath exam taking place at an overseas centre in Autumn 2021. Whilst the Royal College will try to accommodate as many international candidates as possible, priority will be given to candidates entering for the January sitting.
IMG Advice to FRCPath 2 Aspirants
Finding courses can be tricky and mock exams can cost a lot of money, so take your time to consider your options and what best suits your needs, whether that is a paid short course, or free materials which you can access whenever you need them. Speak to peers and supervisors - they may be able to offer advice based on first-hand experience of the courses or general preparation.
Of course, if you need further advice on choosing an FRCPath Part 2 online course, or on this stage of qualifying to work for the NHS, don’t hesitate to get in touch with IMG Connect and request to speak to our Histopathology specialist, Marcus Anderson. He'll be happy to help.
The team at IMG Connect hopes that this article and has been useful for any overseas histopathologists looking to take the FRCPath Part 2 exam. Good luck IMGs!
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