FRCR Part 2A and Part 2B are the final exams in the FRCR qualification.
Completion of all three parts of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) qualification results in eligibility for GMC registration, once the English language component has also been met.
The FRCR examinations are key to an international oncologist being able to secure senior oncology jobs in the NHS and can be taken by IMGs from any country, provided certain eligibility criteria have been met.
In this article, we take a closer look at the following - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for:
An overview of FRCR (oncology)
What are FRCR (oncology) Parts 2A and 2B?
Am I eligible to sit these exams?
How are the exams structured and marked?
As an international oncologist, where can I sit the exams?
How much will the exams cost?
How do I apply for these exams?
What is the best way to prepare for the exams?
I’ve passed the FRCR oncology exams, what’s next?
FRCR oncology, consultant posts and CESR
An overview of FRCR (Oncology)
FRCR (Oncology) are the set of three postgraduate examinations administered by the Royal College of Radiologists to test candidates’ knowledge and clinical understanding within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology.
The exams are as follows:
FRCR Part 1 – CO1
FRCR Part 2A - CO2A
FRCR Part 2B – CO2B
You can read an overview of the full FRCR (Oncology) examination suite here via our IMG Resources section.
Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.
Alternative routes to GMC registration include PLAB or other recognised GMC qualifications or licensing exams, such as UMSLE or FRANZCR (radiation oncology) which you can find out more about here.
For doctors who are interested in securing senior roles in the NHS which are reflective of their current practice or grade, we advise that FRCR is the best route to take to GMC registration. FRCR is often a requirement of NHS job postings where candidates are not already on the Specialist Register for Clinical Oncology, so this route allows candidates to better align their qualifications with the specifications of relevant jobs.
What are FRCR (Oncology) Parts 2A and 2B?
FRCR Part 2A and 2B form the final two parts of the FRCR examination suite. These assessments expect candidates to have a wide knowledge of subjects related to the investigation of malignant disease and the care of patients with cancer. Whilst the focus is on drug therapy and radiotherapy, there is also the expectation of a good understanding of other key areas such as general medicine, surgery and gynaecology.
Am I eligible to sit these exams?
Eligibility for FRCR Parts 2A and 2B are as follows:
Final FRCR Part A (CO2A):
Passed the first FRCR examination (CO1)
Acquired at least 24 months of training in a clinical oncology role by the date of the examination
Final FRCR Part B (CO2B):
Passed the first FRCR examination (CO1)
Passed the Final FRCR examination Part A (CO2A)
Acquired at least 36 months of training in a clinical oncology role by the date of the examination
How are the exams structured and marked?
All parts of the examination suite are assessed against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus. A new curriculum has been implemented as of summer 2021, and all trainees are expected to have transferred to this curriculum by August 2022. Further information on this can be accessed on the curriculum webpages.
Final FRCR Part A (CO2A):
This exam comprises two papers which include 120-question single best answer (SBA) questions each. The time limit for the exam is three hours and ordinarily, candidates are not allowed more than six attempts at FRCR exams.
CO2A Paper 1
Tumour Type
Number of Questions
Respiratory
24
Urology
24
Head and neck
24
Skin
12
CNS
12
Gynaecology
24
CO2A Paper 2
Tumour Type
Number of Questions
Breast
24
Lower GI
24
Upper GI
12
Haematology
12
Miscellaneous*
38
Image-based
10
*The miscellaneous section will contain questions on sarcoma, thyroid cancer, unknown primary, palliative care, regulations, and a few questions which do not belong to any define site specific category.
Each individual SBA question has a stem (a question or statement) and five answers, and candidates must decide which of the five best represents the answer to the stem question. Essentially, this is a multiple-choice exam. One mark is given for each correct answer and zero marks for incorrect answers. As the exam is not marked negatively, candidates are encouraged to provide an answer all the questions.
Final FRCR Part B (CO2B):
This exam has two components (clinical and oral) which are designed to test different aspects of the candidate’s oncological skills, necessary elements for effective and safe practice. The format allows the for the assessment of skills which are not as easily addressed in a written format.
CO2B Clinical Examination:
This component is practical and involves the use of real patients to increase authenticity in attempts to reflect situations that may present in a clinical setting. The cases are selected for the exam to test common tumour types. The examination itself has five strictly-timed clinical assessment ‘stations’ where certain core clinical skills are tested by a pair of examiners. The use of an objective marking system aims to minimise bias and ensure consistency across examinations for all candidates.
Candidates are assessed on their ability to:
Detect important clinical signs using effective exam techniques
Provide a rational differential diagnosis
Order and interpret appropriate investigations
Identify the main treatment options
Select and appropriate, safe, and sensible management plan
Recommend a safe radiotherapy technique, know the likely outcomes, and side effects
Recommend a safe systemic treatment schedule and know their likely outcomes and side effects
Discuss a likely prognosis in the case presented
Demonstrate an ability to treat the patient sensitively, ensuring their comfort and dignity
CO2B Oral Examination:
This examination assesses in depth issues related to radiotherapy planning, diagnostic imaging and clinical decision-making, and case management. Communication skills and ethical problems are also addressed.
This element of the FRCR Part 2B exam is designed to mirror day-to-day clinical discussions and MDT meetings which feature heavily in the workload of an oncologist. This section is designed to test the depth of a candidate’s knowledge and higher cognitive skills. There are several slides per question and a candidate’s answer may lead to further questions on subsequent slides, with each question building on from the previous ones.
The Royal College of Radiologists states that a fair, valid and reliable assessment is made possible due to:
Uniformity in the questions asked to candidates
The pairing of examiners (junior and more experienced)
Four independent judgments of the candidate performance
Prior choosing of the competencies to be assessed
The exam having been blueprinted against the curriculum and necessary skills for competent oncologists
An objective marking scheme
For more information on the components and assessment of these examinations, read the Purpose of Assessment which can be found on the College’s website in the exam section.
As an international oncologist, where can I sit the exams?
The exams are held twice a year, normally in February and in either August or September. Applications are normally open for just under two weeks, several months before the exam. Please refer to the examinations page for up-to-date information on application dates.
The current UK venues for the exams are Belfast, Birmingham, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, and Bridgend Wales. Overseas centres for now are India and Malta.
How much will the exams cost?
The cost breakdown for each of the final exams is as follows:
FRCR(Oncology) Part 2A:
Members - £464
Non-members - £591
FRCR (Oncology) Part 2B:
Members - £663
Non-members - £844
How do I apply for these exams?
UK trainees are given priority for examination places, followed by those who have had exams deferred over the last year due to cancellations. The remaining places are offered to all other candidates through a ballot system following the close of priority applications.
All candidates should apply for the exams through the Royal College website here. More detailed information can also be found here in relation to preparation for the application.
What is the best way to prepare for the exams?
There are many resources available online to aid in preparation for the FRCR Part 2A and 2B exams. We always recommend that the best place to start your preparation is the Royal College’s website, particularly with the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the Clinical Oncology syllabus.
Using this as a blueprint for your preparation is the best way to ensure your study is focused on the most relevant and useful information as prescribed directly from teaching materials. These can be accessed here.
Other useful resources to aid your studies include:
Learning hub: available to members through the Royal College website and contains many useful learning resources. The learning hub can be found here.
Clinical Oncology Curriculum Implementation Tools: a range of tools compiled by the RCR to support the implementation of the new curricular which all candidates should have transferred to by summer of 2022 at the latest. Access this here.
Sample Questions: sample oral questions for FRCR Part 2B. These are provided with answers and can be found here.
Examiners' Reports: a guide for candidates for future sittings, based on the experiences of examiners with previous applicants, found here.
Trainees' experiences: a two-part audio series compiled from the experiences of candidates in preparation for and sitting the final exams which is available here.
Demonstration films: clinical and oral demonstration videos for FRCR Part 2B which can be accessed here.
Royal College YouTube: several helpful videos which can be used for training and informational purposes on their YouTube channel.
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’ve passed the FRCR Oncology exams! What’s next?
Firstly, congratulations - passing these exams is a massive achievement! With all parts of the FRCR Oncology complete, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. With this application approved, you can work as a doctor in the NHS. Nice one.
We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their Final FRCR exam and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!
Don’t forget to share your progress and successes with us using the hashtag #imgstories on social media, we love to hear from you.
Overseas oncologists often ask us how to best prepare for the Final FRCR Part 1 and 2 exams. With so much online content geared towards UK clinical oncology trainees, it can be difficult to know what is best suited to you as an international candidate.
Here we have compiled some of the best advice and resources available to help overseas radiation oncologists prepare for their Royal College (RCR) exams. We’ll also address some of the changes to the exam, both the format, administration and availability of the exam in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this article, we'll cover the following - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for:
What are FRCR (Oncology) CO2A and CO2B?
How do I get started with my preparation?
What online resources are available?
How have the exams been affected by COVID-19?
Consultant posts and CESR
#IMG Tips
What are FRCR (Oncology) CO2A and CO2B?
As a quick reminder, Final FRCR (Oncology) are the final two exams in the FRCR (Oncology) examination suite. The full set, CO1, CO2A and CO2B are required by overseas clinical or radiation oncologists when applying for GMC registration through the postgraduate route.
For the final exams, candidates are expected to have a wide knowledge of subjects related to the care of patients with cancer and the investigation of malignant disease.
CO2A includes two written papers of 120 single best answer (SBA or multiple choice) questions.
CO2B has two components (clinical and oral) which are designed to test the oncological skills of the candidate which are relevant to safe and effective practice.
The clinical element is assessed in a mock clinical setting with real patients to increase authenticity.
The oral exam assesses clinical decision-making, radiotherapy planning, diagnostic imaging, and case management. It is made to mirror elements of a day-to-day clinical setting, including discussions and MDT meetings.
A full breakdown of the Final FRCR (oncology) Part 2A and 2B exams can be found on our website here.
How do I get started with my preparation?
After discussing with IMGs the best way to approach preparing for the Final FRCR (oncology) exams, most recommended beginning with the Royal College website and resources, which they have put together to aid in your preparation.
Curriculum: The FRCR (oncology) exam is based on the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the Clinical Oncology syllabus. As a rule of thumb, your revision should start here to ensure you are focusing on the exact material that will be in your exam. Knowing the curriculum is key and you can find these on the Royal College website here.
Helpful Royal College Resources include:
Learning hub: the learning hub is available to members and contains many useful learning resources. This can be found here.
Implementation tools: this is a range of tools which have been compiled by the College to support the new curricular which all students should have transferred to by August 2022 at the latest and can be accessed here.
Guidance: a guidance document from trainees who have already sat the exam, on behalf of the Oncology Registrars’ Forum, found here.
Sample questions: sample SBA and oral questions for FRCR CO2A and CO2B have been provided with answers on the RCR website, here for Part A and here for Part B.
Examiners’ reports: this is a collection of generic reports written by examiners on the overall performance of candidates and individual questions as a guide for applicants for future sittings. These are available here.
Trainees’ experiences: the two-part series has been compiled from the experiences of candidates in sitting their final exams, found here.
Demonstration films: demonstrations of both parts of FRCR Part 2, providing insight into both elements of the exam and what candidates can expect on the day. These are on the RCR website here.
Royal College YouTube: several helpful videos to be used for training and informational purposes on the RCR YouTube channel.
Other online resources
There are a couple of online courses which provide preparation for the exam, including mock exams and insight into exam technique. As with all courses, we advise that you register your interest as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as they are in very high demand.
Leeds – TMA Final FRCR Single Best Answer (SBA) Course - FRCR Part 2A
This is a four-day course aimed at clinical trainees who are preparing for their FRCR CO2A. The course offers daily mock SBA exams, question review with site specific experts, coverage of all tumour sites and a deep dive into exam technique.
The course is delivered live virtually, via Microsoft Teams.
Duration
4 days
Cost
TBC
Website
www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/leeds-cancer-centre/education/events/
Oncopaedia – Cardiff FRCR Part 2 Course
This is a web-based revision course for the FRCR part 2. The course allows candidates to revise SBA questions by individual tumour site, timed mock exams (including a leader board), access to Cardiff Course teaching materials and lecture slides, focused tutorials and a user forum.
Duration
On demand
Cost
£50 for 6 months’ access
Website
www.oncopaedia.com/moodle/moodle/enrol/index.php?id=2
FRCR Clinical Oncology Preparation - F.O.R.O. (The Forum of Radiation Oncology)
A handy hour-and-a-half video filled with useful information covering all aspects of the FRCR exam, from revision resources to guidance a breakdown of the format of the exam.
The YouTube video can be found here.
How have the exams been affected by COVID-19?
Final FRCR are still taking place in person, but as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of test centres has decreased. Currently, test centres are available in Belfast, Birmingham, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Bridgend Wales. For now, the only overseas test centres for the exam are India and Malta. For advice on preparation before applying for the exams, see the Royal College website here.
Consultant Posts and CESR
FRCR Oncology forms a key part of the application for international doctors looking to attain specialist registration in Clinical Oncology through CESR. For doctors with more senior level experience, this could also allow you to work as a locum consultant clinical oncology post, whilst you are not yet accredited as a specialist in the NHS.
#IMG Tips
Familiarise yourself with the exam content – the best way to do this is through the syllabus and curriculum
Prepare early – the earlier you begin your revision, the more structured and relaxed the entire process can be and the more likely you are to pass!
Join the IMG Connect study and support group – join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their Final FRCR exam and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!
For news and updates on the Royal Collges, the GMC, finding work in the NHS and relocating to the UK, join us online:
The final exam in the FRCPath Histopathology series...
International specialists in histopathology, cellular pathology or anatomic pathology looking to secure a job in the UK via the postgraduate qualification route will need to obtain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists or FRCPath Histopathology by examination only.
The completion of Part 1 and Part 2 of the Royal College of Pathology qualification for Histopathology results in eligibility for GMC registration (with the addition of the English language component). The FRCPath qualification is recommended for international pathologists looking to securing senior jobs in the NHS.
The exams can be taken by IMGs from all over the world, provided certain eligibility criteria have been met.
Here we’ll take a closer look into these and other important questions through the following topics - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for:
An overview of FRCPath Histopathology
What is FRCPath Part 2?
Am I eligible to sit this exam?
How is the exam structured and marked?
As an international histopathologist, where can I sit the exam?
How much will the exam cost?
How do I apply for the exam?
What is the best way to prepare for the exam?
#IMG Tips
I’ve passed the FRCPath exams, what’s next?
An overview of FRCPath Histopathology
The FRCPath Histopathology exams are administered by the Royal College of Pathologists to test a doctor's knowledge and ability to apply this in the practice of histopathology within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Histopathology.
The exams are as follows:
FRCPath Part 1
FRCPath Part 2
To read more about the full FRCPath examination suite via out IMG resources, please click here.
Please note that only full FRCPath satisfies the requirements for GMC registration for overseas doctors taking the postgraduate route. Alternative routes to GMC registration include PLAB and licensing exams such as USMLE. You can find out more about alternative routes here.
For doctors who are interested in more senior roles in the NHS that are reflective of their current practice, we advise that FRCPath is the best route to take to GMC registration. Histopathology in the UK is consultant-led specialism; and many NHS job postings will have FRCPath as a requirement for doctors who are not on the Specialist Register. In most cases, and FRCPath qualification will help you to attain a locum consultant role.
What is FRCPath Part 2?
FRCPath Part 2 is the last exam in the FRCPath qualification. It is designed to recognise candidates who are close to the end of their training who can demonstrate an appropriate approach to independent practice. The assessment consists of six components which are take over a period of two days. The components include both written and face-to-face elements with an examiner where candidates are expected to demonstrate both clinical and practical knowledge as well as special techniques and complex diagnoses. Every section assesses a distinct set of professional skills which are all essential to effective performance ad an independent histopathologist and cytopathologist.
Am I eligible to sit this exam?
The FRCPath Part 2 Histopathology exam is open to candidates from every country, provided they have met certain criteria. This includes the expectation that most trainees will sit the Part 2 exam after at least 3 years of specialty training in Histopathology. There should also normally be a 12-month wait between passing the Part 1 exam and attempting Part 2.
For full details, please see the Royal College website here.
How is the exam structured and marked?
The six stations of FRCPath Part 2 are detailed below:
Surgical Histology
Format: 20 x 20 mins stations, 20 cases over 3 hours and 20 minutes.
This will include twenty cases presented in H&E stained slides in 20-minute slots over 3 hours and 20 minutes. The cases are selected according to a blueprint and include a balanced mix of neoplastic and non-neoplastic material, drawn from a wide range of organ systems. The cases will vary in difficulty from straightforward cases to cases not capable of diagnosis through a single H&E, prompting the use of further techniques and specialist opinions.
Cytopathology
Format: 8 x 20 mins stations, 16 cases
Eight non-gynaecological cases in pairs, in 20-minute slots and will be marked according to pre-determined criteria.
Macroscopic Pathology
Format: 2 x 20 mins stations, 4 cases; 20 mins discussion
Candidates will be provided with photos of 4 cases in the form of gross pathology specimens. Candidates will be provided with clinical information and asked to prepare responses to specific questions and mark on the photos where they would take blocks. There will be two 20-minute slots given to view two cases per slot, followed by a 20-minute discussion with two examiners. The exercise is designed for candidates to show their capabilities in discussing gross pathology and familiarity with block selection in relation to the RCPath Minimum datasets.
OSPEs
Format: 2 x 20 mins stations
The objective structured practical examination (OPSE) includes two 20-minute stations, one of which is a written exercise and the other is conducted face-to-face with two examiners. Topics may include management/ clinical governance type and MDT-type cases, amongst other topics.
Long Cases
Format: 4 x 20 mins stations
Four 20-minute stations of cases which cannot usually be covered by a single H&E section, requiring additional stains. These may include histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, among other cases.
Frozen Sections
Format: 2 x 20 mins stations, 6 cases; 20 mins discussion
Six cases for review in two 20-minute stations where candidates should make notes, including a ‘bottom line’ diagnosis only, before discussing these with a pair of examiners in a face-to-face 20-minute station.
Exam marking
Each section of the exam is marked against a pre-determined specimen answer with a pass or fail awarded per section. Due to the importance of cellular pathology in medical practice, only a small margin of inaccuracy is allowed. Failure to distinguish across the benign/ malignant boundary (or other similar errors of equal significance in terms of affecting patient outcome) in 15-25% of cases in any section of the exam will result in a failure of the entire exam, regardless of performance in other areas with no leeway to compensate. Final marks will be approved by the Examinations Committee.
Candidates attempting the FRCPath Part 2 exam have four attempts within which to pass the exam, and 7-years between each sitting to pass the full qualification.
As an international histopathologist, where can I sit the exam?
The exam currently takes place twice a year in Spring and Autumn and are held in the UK and in one overseas centre in Irbid, Jordan.
For up-to-date information on exam centres, visit the Royal College website here.
How much will the exam cost?
The FRCPath Part 2 exam costs £1,416. A breakdown of the cost of the 2019 sitting of the exam can be found on the Royal College website here.
How do I apply for the exam?
Applications for each sitting of the exam open months in advance and are currently closed for the Autumn 2021 sitting. Applications for the Spring 2022 sitting will open in late 2021. Late applications are not accepted. Keep an eye on the Royal College website for up-to-date information on applications here.
What is the best way to prepare for the exam?
There are several resources available to help you prepare for your Histopathology FRCPath exam. As always, we recommend that the best starting point for your study is the Royal College website, particularly the Curriculum for Specialty Training in Histopathology. Your exam is based on this curriculum so familiarising yourself with it as soon as possible will give you the best chance for success.
Other helpful resources for your study include:
Regulations and guidelines – before applying for FRCPath exams, the College recommends you read both the general and specialty-specific regulations and guidelines, found below:
General Regulations and Guidelines
Histopathology Regulations and Guidelines
Social media study groups – there are multiple study groups available across different platforms such as Telegram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. IMG Connect hosts study groups for FRCPath Part 2 – these are forums that bring together international doctors from all over the world in one communicative, constructive, and moderated space for learning, sharing, and supporting international histopathologists.
If you are interested in joining the IMG Connect FRCPath Part 2 study group, please email info@imgconnect.co.uk to speak to our histopathology specialist and request your admission.
Online courses, videos and other resources - there are some great online courses and resources available to prepare for the FRCPath Part 2 exam. These include everything from full mock exams to mock exams targeting specific sections of FRCPath Part 2 and YouTube videos. You can find a full list of these here, through our IMG resources library.
FAQs - there is also a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document which the Royal College have compiled to help applicants who have questions about online examinations. You can read this here.
#IMG Tips
Prepare early – getting your revision going as soon as possible will help you avoid those last-minute cramming sessions and increase your chances of passing first time.
Speak to your senior colleagues and peers – there are so many study materials to choose from - who better to ask for recommendations than histopathologists who have been through the process or are going through it with you?
Food and drink – there are multiple stations on both days of the exams so make sure you’re prepared with lots of fuel for the day as there may be no access to food.
Hire a microscope – for applicants for the UK sitting, examination centres will not have microscopes for you to use so you will need to hire one in advance. There are a few companies who rent microscope and you can find these through a quick web search!
Join the conversation – for news and updates on all things histopathology for IMGs, click here follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation.
I’ve passed the FRCPath exams, what’s next?
Firstly, congratulations! The FRCPath exams are not easy so this is an incredible achievement. Once you have passed both passed of the FRCPath in Histopathology, your postgraduate qualifications satisfy the requirements for GMC registration. You can now apply for full registration with license to practice.
Get in touch with our IMG Connect histopathology specialist to discuss your options for specialist jobs in the UK or to find out more about where you fit into the NHS as a histopathology specialist with FRCPath.
FRCPath also plays a big part in the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) application, the alternative route to the Specialist Register for overseas doctors who did not complete their training in an approved UK training programme. You can find out more about CESR in our guide for international doctors here.
The team at IMG Connect hope you find this article helpful and wish you the best of luck in your FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam!
Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:
FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 or CO1 is the first exam in the FRCR postgraduate qualification.
The completion of all the exams in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) examination suite leads to eligibility for GMC registration. The exams can be taken by IMGs from any country, provided certain criteria have been met. In this article, we’ll take a look at the following:
An overview of the FRCR (Oncology) exams
A deep dive into FRCR (Oncology) Part 1
How is the FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 exam structured?
How is the exam marked?
As an overseas oncologist, where can I sit the exam?
How much will the exam cost?
How do I apply for this exam?
What is the best way to prepare for the exam?
#IMG Tips
I’ve passed the FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 exam, what’s next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
An overview of FRCR (Oncology)
FRCR (Oncology) is the set of postgraduate examinations administered by the Royal College of Radiologists to test a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology.
The exams are as follows:
Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.
You can read an overview of the full FRCR (Oncology) examination suite here via our IMG Resources section.
Alternative routes to GMC registration include PLAB or other recognised GMC qualifications or licensing exams, such as UMSLE or FRANZCR (radiation oncology) which you can find out more about here.
For doctors who are interested in securing senior roles in the NHS which are reflective of their current practice or grade, we advise that FRCR is the best route to take to GMC registration. FRCR is often a requirement for NHS locum consultant job postings where candidates are not already on the Specialist Register for Clinical or Radiation Oncology. The FRCR route allows senior candidates to better align their qualifications with the specifications of relevant jobs.
A deep dive into FRCR (Oncology) Part 1
FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 is the first in the set of FRCR (Oncology) exams. The assessment expects that candidates have a broad knowledge of subjects that relate to the investigation and management of patients with cancer.
This includes a good understanding of the sciences that underpin clinical oncology, including:
Radiobiology
Cancer biology (including molecular biology)
Physics (as applied to radiotherapy)
Pharmacology of systemic anti-cancer treatments
Medical statistics
You can find the full purpose of assessment for FRCR Part 1 on the Royal College website here.
FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 Structure
All three parts of the FRCR (Oncology) exam are assessed against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus. A new curriculum has been implemented as of summer 2021, and all trainees are expected to have transferred to this curriculum by August 2022. For more information on this, visit the curriculum webpages.
The First FRCR (Oncology) exam comprises four modules of 180 single best answer (SBA) questions.
Candidates can enter any number of modules per sitting, though there is a limit of six sittings per candidate within which they must pass all four modules.
Each individual SBA question has a stem (a question or statement) and five answers, and candidates must decide which of the five best represents the answer to the stem question. Essentially, this is a multiple-choice exam.
Here is a breakdown of the exam:
Cancer Biology & Radiobiology - the processes of cancer cell transformation and tumour development and how these processes may be demonstrated and the response to ionising radiation of cells both individually and grouped as tissues
Clinical Pharmacology - the structure, action, use and evaluation of drugs used in the treatment of a patient with cancer
Physics - with special reference to clinical trials and assessment of results, and the epidemiology of cancer
Medical Statistics - the application of physical principles and methods in clinical radiotherapy, physical basis of the therapeutic uses of radioactive isotopes, radiation hazards and protection
A knowledge of SI units is also expected.
Marking
The exam is marked by a computer, with one mark given for each correct answer and zero marks for incorrect answers. As the exam is not marked negatively, candidates are encouraged to provide an answer to all the questions. No marks are awarded where multiple answers have been selected or where answers are not sufficiently clear as the College does not interpret candidates’ answers.
Results and feedback
Candidates will receive details on scores and the level of performance required to pass each module. A further breakdown for each module will be provided, detailing incorrect questions numbers along with the corresponding syllabus section for each question.
For more information on the exam content and structure, read the guidance notes for candidates on the College website here.
Exam centres
The current venues for the First FRCR (CO1) exam are:
Belfast, Birmingham, Bridgend Wales, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and London. Overseas centres for now are in Hong Kong, India and Malta.
The exam is typically held twice a year over two consecutive days, in February and either August or September.
For updates on exam dates, including the application window, keep an eye on the Royal College website here.
Exam cost
First FRCR (CO1) exam cost (per module):
Members - £168
Non-members - £213
Applications
UK trainees are given priority for examination places, followed by those who have had exams deferred over the last year due to cancellations. The remaining places are offered to all other candidates through a ballot system following the close of priority applications.
All candidates should apply for the exams through the Royal College website here.
FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 Preparation
Although there are many online materials to aid in your preparation for FRCR (Oncology) Part 1, as always, we recommend you start your preparation on the Royal College website, particularly with the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the Clinical Oncology syllabus.
In using these as a blueprint for your preparation, you will ensure your study is focused on the most relevant and useful information as prescribed directly from teaching materials.
Useful resources include:
Learning hub: available to members through the Royal College website and contains many useful learning resources and available here.
Implementation Tools: a range of tools compiled by the RCR to support the implementation of the new curricular which all candidates should have transferred to by summer of 2022 at the latest. This can be found here.
Sample Questions: sample SBA questions with answers which can be found here.
Examiners Reports: a guide for candidates for future sittings, based on the experiences of examiners with previous applicants, found here.
Speedwell instructional video: a walkthrough video of the FRCR Part 1 exam format with guidance and instructions which can be found on the College YouTube channel.
Suggested reading list: a suggested list of core texts and additional reading put together by the College which is available here.
For other great resources including videos, courses, and flashcards, check out our blog on preparation for the First FRCR (Oncology) exam here.
#IMG Tips
Prepare early – the best way to avoid stress and last-minute cramming is to get started as soon as possible.
Get familiar with the exam content – during your study (at least to start off with), the curriculum should be your guide to the FRCR (Oncology) exams.
Join the conversation – join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
I’ve passed the First FRCR (Oncology) exam, what’s next?
Firstly, congratulations! This is an incredible achievement, and you deserve to treat yourself after all that hard work! With a pass in the First FRCR (Oncology) in hand, you can look ahead to the Final FRCR (Oncology) CO2A and CO2B exams. Once you have completed all parts of FRCR (Oncology), you can apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice.
The team at IMG Connect wish all First FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and IMGs the very best of luck with their exams!
Here we take a closer look at the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians examinations (MRCP) for doctors who have chosen their specialism in medicine, including exam dates, fees and eligibility.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the MRCP examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is MRCP(UK)?
Eligibility for overseas doctors
MRCP(UK) Part 1
MRCP(UK) Part 2
MRCP(UK) PACES
How to prepare and what resources are available
How to apply
Fees
Venues
Dates of Exams
Passed? What next?
The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body responsible for the specialty of medicine throughout the UK. Amongst many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession.
What is MRCP(UK)?
The MRCP examinations assess:
knowledge of basic medical sciences
clinical skills required for the diagnosis and management of disease.
The exams are designed to test both applied basic science and principles of medicine to the level of a UK trainee with two to three years postgraduate experience.
Completion of MRCP will allow you to work in the UK from ST3 level upward (ST3+), with seniority beyond ST3 level dependent on experience.
MRCP is one of two routes an overseas doctor can take full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route).
For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCP would be the best route to take.
MRCP (UK) is a prerequisite to anyone wishing to go on to a specialist training post as a physician in the UK.
The MRCP exam has three parts as outlined below:
MRCP Part 1 – two written papers
MRCP Part 2 – two written papers
MRCP PACES – practical assessment in a clinical setting
Eligibility for overseas doctors:
Part 1:
To be eligible you must have a GMC recognised Primary Medical Qualification and a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.
Part 2 & PACES:
To be eligible you must have passed Part 1 within the last seven years.
Whilst it is not essential to successfully complete Part 2 to sit PACES, the Royal College strongly advises you to do so.
To support this, pass-rates are much lower for those who sit PACES before passing Part 2.
MRCP(UK) Part 1:
The entry-level examination is accessible to doctors with a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.
It consists of:
one-day examination
two three-hour papers
200 multiple-choice (best of five) questions
no imagery
sat in an examination hall
A more detailed look at Part 1 can be found here.
This will include examination centers, dates, fees and advice to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt.
MRCP(UK) Part 2
Part 2 can only be taken if you have passed Part 1 (building on the knowledge already assessed).
The format at a glance:
two papers taken on one day
papers last three hours
200 multiple choice questions
questions include images
sat in an examination hall
A more detailed look at Part 2 can be found here.
This will include examination centers, dates, fees and advice to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt.
MRCP(UK) PACES:
PACES applicants must have passed MRCP Part 1. However, we echo the Royal College guidance and strongly advise our doctors to take both Parts 1 & 2 before taking PACES.
PACES is based on a format that is similar to OSCEs, a practical assessment in a clinical setting. There are five clinical stations with either patients with a given condition, or trained stand-ins (surrogates).
The format in brief:
half-day examination
takes place in a clinical setting (hospital or clinical skills centre)
assesses seven core skills
five stations
eight patient encounters
two independent examiners at each station
each candidate is assessed independently by a total of 10 examiners
A more detailed look at PACES can be found here.
This will include examination centers, dates, fees to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt.
How do I prepare and what resources are available?
With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for 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:
Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training.
We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible, and using it as a road map for your study plan.
MRCP(UK) mock exams: We suggest registering for the MRCP mock exams here.
These will provide you with the most accurate and relevant mock questions to prepare you for the real thing.
Sample questions: Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, see below:
Part 1
Part 2
PACES content: prepare and practice example questions on the topics and skills covered in the PACES exam
Preparation
Sample scenarios
PACES marksheets
For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation
How do I apply?
Applications for all exams are made online via My MRCP(UK) account.
You will simply need to create an account and submit evidence of your primary medical qualification, then make a payment online to confirm your application.
Application videos from the Royal College can be found below:
Part 1 & 2
PACES
Please note, the application process is a little different for those looking to sit the exam in Hong Kong. Further information can be found on the Royal College website here.
Fees for 2019:
Exam
UK Test Centres
Overseas Test Centres
Part 1
£419
£594 *
Part 2
£419
£594 *
PACES
£657
£1202 *
*the application process and fees applicable for Hong Kong and Singapore centres are different and applicants are encouraged to submit their application directly to the administration team for this centre.
Venues:
Exam
UK Test Centres
Overseas Test Centres
Part 1
&
Part 2
Edinburgh
Glasgow
London
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Egypt
Ghana
Hong Kong
Iceland
India
Iraq
Jordan
Kenya
Kuwait
Malaysia
Malta
Myanmar
Nepal
Oman
Pakistan
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Sudan
United Arab Emirates
United States of America
West Indies
Zimbabwe
PACES
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
Brunei
Egypt
Hong Kong
India
Kuwait
Malaysia
Myanmar
Malta
Oman
Qatar
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Sudan
United Arab Emirates
* Please note, exact locations change from each diet of PACES.
Dates of Exams:
Upcoming dates for the exams can be found using the following links:
Part 1
Part 2
PACES
Passed? What next?
First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of MRCP(UK) you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
For further information on MRCP exams including structure, content, preparing, procedure, dates, locations and fees, see the following articles:
MRCP(UK) Part 1 – a closer look
MRCP(UK) Part 2 – a closer look
MRCP(UK) PACES – a closer look
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Passing PLAB helps the GMC ensure doctors have the knowledge & skills to practice in the UK.
The PLAB test assesses an overseas doctor's ability to work safely in the NHS, showing the GMC they have skills necessary to work at senior house officer level (SHO). IMGs from any country in the world can sit the examinations provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with the following topics:
What is the PLAB test?
Who needs to take the PLAB test?
How is the PLAB exam structured?
What are the entry requirements?
At what stage should I take the exam?
Where and when can I sit the test?
What does it cost?
How do I book my test place?
How do I prepare for PLAB?
Do I need to bring anything to the test?
How many times can I sit the test?
Results
Passed? What next?
An Overview of PLAB
PLAB is as a licensing examination to assess whether an International Medical Graduate (IMG) is eligible to obtain GMC registration.
The exam is designed to ensure that doctors who qualified abroad have the right knowledge and skills to practise medicine in the UK.
Whilst PLAB does not demonstrate proficiency in any particular specialty, it does prove that an IMG is at least as capable as an F2 or SHO.
Who needs to take the PLAB test?
If you graduated from a medical school outside the UK, EEA, or Switzerland, you probably need to sit the PLAB test or attain a recognised postgraduate qualification.
If you are an EEA doctor, and qualified at an EEA institution, then your postgraduate qualification will automatically satisfy the GMC skills and knowledge criteria and don’t need to sit PLAB.
PLAB Structure
There are two parts to the PLAB test.
PLAB 1 is a written exam made up of 180 multiple choice questions which you must answer within three hours. Each starts with a short scenario followed by a question. You need to choose the right answer out of the five possible answers given. You can sit part 1 in a number of countries, as well as in the UK.
Take a closer look at PLAB 1 here.
PLAB 2 is a practical objective structured clinical exam, known as an OSCE. It's made up of 18 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes and aims to reflect real life settings including a mock consultation or an acute ward. Part 2 tests run throughout the year at the GMC’s own clinical assessment centre in the UK, only.
Take a closer look at PLAB 2 here.
You need to pass both parts of the test before you can apply for registration with a license to practice medicine in the UK.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the PLAB test you must meet the following criteria:
Your Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) must be awarded by an institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Before starting the process, we recommend that you check that your Primary Medical Qualification is accepted in the UK.
You must also have taken and passed the English Language Test (IELTS or OET) with the relevant scores. For IELTS you must have attained a score of at least 7.5 overall and a minimum of 7.0 for all the four language skills. For OET you must have scored at least grade B in each testing area.
At least 12 months’ postgraduate clinical experience in a teaching hospital, or another hospital approved by the medical registration authorities in the appropriate country (the test can be taken without this experience, but the candidate will only be granted limited registration at the grade of House Officer – the grade occupied by new medical graduates).
At what stage should I take the exam?
For IMGs we recommend that you apply for the PLAB exams after the completion of an internship or house job, as that makes you eligible for full GMC registration.
However, you can sit the PLAB at any time in your career, so long as you have a recognised Primary Medical Qualification. IMGs in our community advise the earlier the better!
Before you can sit the tests, you need to set up a GMC online account and show the GMC that your medical qualification and level of English are acceptable. Once you have done that you can sit Part 1 of the PLAB test.
For further information visit the General Medical Council website.
Test Centres
Part 1 is run four times a year, both in the UK and in a number of overseas centres. A full list of dates, locations and contact details can be found here.
Part 2 can be taken in the UK only. When you book your PLAB 2 test place online, you will be able to see which venue is available for you. Currently, the main test venues are in Manchester. You can find more details here.
Cost
The fee for Part 1 of the PLAB test is currently £255
The fee for Part 2 of the PLAB test is currently £934
Booking the PLAB Test
You can book online using your GMC Online account. You will be able to view available dates and venues and book under the My Tests section.
Remember, before you book, you must have an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification and the necessary knowledge of English.
Preparation
PLAB 1 can be taken under your own preparation, but for PLAB 2 most IMGs advise that they have benefited from attending specific courses geared at this test. It is also advisable to plan ahead for PLAB 2, so that you can ensure that you can complete everything within one Visitor Visa time period (6 months).
We have explored the UK Visitor Visa for PLAB 2 in more detail here, but let’s look briefly at booking PLAB 2 in some detail as you will have to arrange a UK Visitor Visa in order to sit the test.
Take some time to consider when you want to sit the PLAB 2 exam, it takes time to study for the test itself, but you also need to start the process of your Visa application. To apply for your UK Visitor Visa, you must complete an online UK visa application for PLAB. This takes two steps, online application, and submission of supporting documents in a Visa application centre.
Remember to plan ahead! Once you have applied for your UK Visitor Visa, you must complete PLAB 2 within 6 months.
Do I need to bring anything to the test?
You will need to bring Identification, your booking confirmation and stationary.
For identification, the venue will accept any one of the following.
Passport
UK Immigration and Nationality Department identification document
Home Office travel document
Booking confirmation
Bring the booking confirmation that includes your GMC booking reference number
For stationery
You should bring HB pencils, an eraser and a pencil sharpener.
PLAB Attempts
For PLAB 1, you can take the test 4 times. If you have not passed after 4 attempts, to be eligible to take the test again you must have completed a further 12 months experience of clinical practice or post graduate qualification.
You can only apply for PLAB 2 after the results for PLAB 1 are issued. You must pass PLAB 2 within 2 years of the date you passed PLAB 1.
Results
PLAB 1 results are available around 6 weeks after you have taken the exam.
When PLAB 2 results are available the GMC will email you to provide access to the results in the ‘My Tests’ section of the GMC online account.
Passed? What next?
Once you have passed both parts of your PLAB examinations, you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Your application must be approved within 2 years of passing part 2 of the test. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
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In this article we look in more detail at an alternative route for overseas Anaesthetists looking to work in the UK – the European Diploma of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC).
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the EDAIC examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:
What is EDAIC?
Content and structure
Am I eligible?
Dates, Fees and Venues for the EDAIC examinations
How should I prepare and what resources are available?
Passed? What next?
What is EDAIC?
EDAIC is a multilingual, end-of-training, two-part examination covering the relevant basic sciences and clinical subjects appropriate for a specialist in anaesthesiology.
Doctors with full EDAIC will simply require a pass in IELTS or OET for full GMC registration with a license to practice in the UK.
The questions are set against the Syllabus for Anaesthetic and Intensive Care training, set by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS).
The exams aim to assess your knowledge of the following:
Basic sciences relevant to anaesthesiology & intensive care
Clinical Anaesthesiology inc. obstetrics, anaesthesia & analgesia
Resuscitation & emergency medicine
Intensive care
Management of chronic pain
To find out what grade a successful completion of full EDAIC will allow you to work as in the UK contact your IMG consultant for more information.
Content and structure of EDAIC:
EDAIC comprises two mandatory components:
Part 1 – two multiple choice question papers
Part 2 – oral examination
In addition, there are two optional components:
On-line Assessment (OLA) – computer based online test
In-training Assessment (ITA) – multiple choice question paper
Part 1 Examination:
Pat 1 of EDAIC consists of two multiple-choice papers, each with sixty questions. Each paper is two hours in duration.
Paper A concentrates on the basic sciences of Anaesthesia.
Paper B concentrates on internal and emergency medicine, general, regional & special anaesthesia including pain and intensive care medicine.
Part 2 Examination:
Part 2 is held over one day and consists of four 25-minute oral examinations that each embrace the same range of basic sciences and clinical subjects covered in Part 1.
The oral examinations consist of ‘Guided Questions’ -where candidates are given a brief written presentation 10 minutes before meeting the examiners.
Two of the examinations will concentrate on basic sciences whilst the other two on clinical topics.
X-rays, CT Scans, MRI and Ultrasound images are also used during the oral examinations.
Am I eligible?
Eligibility for EDAIC Part 1 simply requires a medical degree.
Eligibility for Part 2 requires:
a pass in EDAIC Part 1
AND
certification in anaesthesia in any country
OR
Applicants to be in the final year of training in anaesthesiology, in one of the European member states of the World Health Organisation
Please note the following exceptions:
If you graduated as a specialist in Pakistan, you must have the FCPS or equivalent to be eligible for EDAIC Part 2.
Diplomas in anaesthesiology issued in Pakistan and with a curriculum of a shorter duration than FCPS (such as MCPS) can be accepted for EDAIC Part 1, not Part 2.
Holders of FCPS (or equivalent) are not exempt from EDAIC Part 1.
Holders of the FRCA or FCAI / FCARCSI are exempt from Part 1 examination.
Dates, Fees and Venues for the EDAIC examinations:
Examination
Fees
Exam Dates & Venues
EDAIC Part 1
€340 (inc. 1-year ESA membership)
*Part 1 reduced fee €150 (inc. 1-year ESA membership)
EDAIC Part 1 – full list of dates, venues can be found here
EDAIC Part 2
€550 first attempt
€340 following attempts
(€650 for Part 2 Brazil – Sao Paulo)
EDAIC Part 1 – full list of dates, venues can be found here
On-line Assessment
€50
EDAIC OLA – full list of dates, venues can be found here
In-training Assessment
€100
EDAIC ITA – full list of dates, venues can be found here
Authentication of EDAIC by external institution
€50
n/a
Total (at first attempt)
€1090
€900 reduced fee*
Part 1 registration fee will include a free 1-year ESA membership which starts on 1st January of the year following registration for Part 1 Exam.
Please note, those applying for Part 1 examination in a country where the exam is mandatory or has official recognition (Argentina, Austria, Egypt, Finland, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, Netherlands and Turkey) AND who are registered on the national medical register of said country, are entitled to a reduced Part 1 fee.
This also includes 1-year free ESA membership.
How should I prepare for the examinations and what resources are available?
We have discussed this at length with IMGs who have recently passed the exam. With so much material available for free on the European Society of Anaesthesiology website we suggest the following as a great foundation for your preparations.
ESA offers several supporting tools to help candidates prepare for the European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC) Part I and Part II Examinations, including:
Syllabus
EDAIC aims at covering the Syllabus to Postgraduate Training Programme of the European Board of Anaesthesiology.
We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.
Diploma Guide
The EDAIC diploma guide includes information on regulations, structure and various sample examination papers and example report forms.
The Basic Sciences Anaesthetic Course (BSAC):
This is a 3-day course, aimed at improving your understanding of different areas of basic science. Register here.
ESA E-Learning Platform:
This includes helpful E-Learning modules to help you prepare for examinations, go to the ESA Academy to start your learning.
EDAIC Webinars:
The ESA have created a series of webinars to support your learning, these can be accessed on the eLearning platform.
On-line Assessment (OLA) and In-training Assessment (ITA):
You can use these helpful tools (On-Line Assessment (OLA) and In-Training Assessment (ITA)) to test your knowledge and identify which subjects require further study.
Sample questions:
The ESA have created sample questions in different languages to help you prepare for all sections of the EDAIC exams:
Part 1
Part 2
Please note, the links above provide these sample questions in English. All other languages can be found here.
Part 2 explainer video:
This is a useful sample exam video, helping you understand what to expect on the day so you can focus on the task at hand.
The ESA have also produced a guide to preparing for your exam and a recommended reading list to support the curriculum.
Passed? What next?
First of all, congratulations! Once you have passed both parts of your EDAIC examination you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
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In this blog we will explore PLAB 2 and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.
We will take a broad look at the following topics:
What is PLAB 2?
What topics does the exam cover?
What is the exam structure?
Where and when can I book a place?
What does it cost?
How do I register?
How do I prepare for PLAB 2?
What resources are available?
When will I receive my results?
How many times can I sit the test?
Passed? What next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
A Recap of PLAB 2
PLAB 2 is an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE), you should already be familiar with this format from your own medical training. It will consist of 18 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes and will reflect real life settings including a mock consultation or an acute ward.
For a general overview of the PLAB examinations, click here.
Exam Content
The exam syllabus covers everything a UK trained doctor might expect to see on the first day of Foundation Year 2 (FY2 / F2) and tests your ability to apply knowledge to the care of patients.
Marking of the scenarios relates to current best practice in the UK. You should approach them in relation to published evidence and not according to your local arrangements.
Names of drugs referred to in the exam are those contained in the most recent edition of the British National Formulary (BNF).
Exam Structure
The PLAB 2 exam will take approximately three hours and 10 minutes. You'll have one and a half minutes between test scenarios in order to read the instructions and patient information. There will be at least two rest stations, allowing you to take breaks.
You will be marked against three key areas for each scenario:
Data gathering, technical and assessment skills
i.e. History taking, physical examination, practical procedures, investigations leading to a diagnosis
Clinical management skills
i.e. Formulating a diagnosis, explaining something to the patient, formulating a management plan
Interpersonal skills
i.e. How you approach the station: whether you establish a rapport with the patient, how you use open and closed questioning, involving the patient and demonstrating your professionalism and understanding of ethical principles
When marking against the domains the examiner will assess your competency across a number of skill areas, these are:
Clinical Examination
The examiner will assess you on your ability to conduct a physical examination of a simulated patient. This will usually be an actor who is trained to display signs when required, an anatomical model may also be used for certain examinations.
Practical Skills
The examiner will assess you on your ability to perform common practical procedures. Again, they may ask you to deal with a simulated patient or an anatomical model.
These may include:
checking blood pressure
performing venepuncture
inserting a cannula into a peripheral vein
calculating drug dosage
giving intravenous injections
mixing and injecting drugs into an intravenous bag
giving intramuscular and subcutaneous injections
basic cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (adult and child)
suturing
interpreting an electrocardiogram (ECG), X-rays or results of other investigations
interpreting basic respiratory function tests
performing urinary catheterisation
taking a cervical smear
safe disposal of sharps.
Interpersonal Skills
The GMC test these skills by observing the interaction between you and another person, usually a simulated patient or occasionally the examiner. The examiner will assess your approach to the patient throughout the examination.
This may include:
explaining diagnosis, investigation and treatment
involving the patient in the decision-making
communicating with relatives
communicating with health care professionals
breaking bad news
seeking informed consent/clarification for an invasive procedure or obtaining consent for a post-mortem
dealing with anxious patients or relatives
giving instructions on discharge from hospital
giving advice on lifestyle, health promotion or risk factors.
Booking an Exam Space
Part 2 can be taken in the UK only. When you book your PLAB 2 test place online, you will be able to see which venue is available for you. Currently, the main test venues are in Manchester. You can find more details here.
You can book online using your GMC Online Account. You will be able to view available dates and venues and book under the ‘My Tests’ section.
Exam Cost
The fee for Part 2 of the PAB test is currently £934.
Preparation
For PLAB 2, most IMGs advise that they have benefited from attending specific courses geared towards this test. It is also advisable to plan ahead for PLAB 2, so that you can ensure that you can complete everything within one Visitor Visa time period (6 months).
We have explored the UK Visitor Visa for PLAB 2 in more detail here, but let’s look briefly at booking PLAB 2 in more detail as you will have to arrange a UK Visitor Visa in order to sit the test.
Take some time to consider when you want to sit the PLAB 2 exam, it takes time to study for the test itself, but you also need to start the process of your Visa application. To apply for your UK Visitor Visa, you must complete an online UK Visa application for PLAB. This takes two steps, online application, and submission of supporting documents in a Visa application centre.
Remember to plan ahead! Once you have applied for your UK Visitor Visa, you must complete PLAB 2 within 6 months.
Do I need to bring anything to the test?
You will need to bring identification and your booking confirmation
For identification, the venue will accept any one of the following.
Passport
the booking confirmation that includes your GMC booking reference number
Don’t forget to dress as you would on the ward at work.
Revision Resources
We have discussed this question at length with IMGs and the GMC, and whilst there are many resources to choose from online, we recommend the following GMC guides to help you start your preparations:
The PLAB Blueprint: this is a helpful guide to what will be included in the exam. Our IMGs advise this is the best place to start with your preparations. The Blueprint sets out clearly the required knowledge, skills and behaviours you are expected to demonstrate in the exam.
The Foundation Programme curriculum: The topics and skills covered in the PLAB Blueprint are identical to those undertaken by doctors starting their second year of Foundation Programme Training (FY2).
You can find the Foundation Programme curriculum here
Guidance and interactive tools: The GMC ‘Good Medical Practice’ document explains the core advice to doctors on the standards expected of them. During PLAB 2 you will be expected to demonstrate the professional values and behaviours set out in ‘Good Medical Practice’ when you take the exam and when you practise as a doctor in the UK.
Test your knowledge of Good Medical Practice using:
Explanatory guidance
Good Medical Practice in action interactive online tool
Welcome to UK practice interactive online tool.
You can also find several excellent videos online which provide you with helpful example scenarios.
Courses: For PLAB 2, IMGs usually advise that they have benefited from further study and attending PLAB 2 specific courses. We couldn’t agree more!
Remember that you will have done most of the clinical tasks before, and with real patients.
For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & GMC materials and courses, take a look at our blogs on Exam Tips and Revision
When will I receive my results?
When PLAB 2 results are available the GMC will email you to provide access to the results in the ‘My Tests’ section of the GMC online account.
Exam Attempts
For PLAB 2, you can take the test 4 times. To be eligible to take the test for an additional attempt if you have not passed after 4 attempts, you must have completed a further 12 months experience of clinical practice or post graduate qualification.
Passed? What's next?
Once you have passed both parts (PLAB 1 and 2) you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Your application must be approved within 2 years of passing part 2 of the test. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
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If you have already read our overview on PLAB you will know that the second part of the test is held in the UK and you will need a UK Visitor Visa to sit the PLAB 2 examination.
Here we put together the main information you will need as well as useful links to get you started and we will look at the following:
How do I apply?
Online application for UK Visa
What supporting documents do I need to prepare and provide?
What costs can I expect in the UK?
What happens if my visa application is refused?
The first thing to suggest, is that as soon as you receive your PLAB 1 results, start planning the date that you want to sit PLAB 2. This will not only help you prepare for the test itself, but also will ensure that when you apply for the Visitor Visa, you will be prepared for your Visa application and appointment, and able to visit the UK within the 6-month visa period.
No matter the guidance and instructions, visa applications can prove different for everyone, so start working on the application early.
If you are not sure if you need a Visa – you can check here.
You can apply for a ‘Standard Visitor Visa’ if you are a doctor and are coming to the UK to take the Professional Linguistic and Assessment Board (PLAB) test 2. The option you require is a “Work, Academic visit or Business” visa and the duration is less than six months.
How do I apply?
The UK Visa Application for PLAB 2 can be described in two parts:
Online application for the required type of visa.
Submission of supporting documents and providing biometric data (photo, fingerprints) at a visa application centre.
Let’s take a look at each part in more detail.
Online Application for UK Visa
As part of the online application, you will be required to book an appointment at a visa application centre, you can check the locations available here.
You can complete the application in stages; however we advise you prepare all the required documentation first, and the complete the online form and upload everything you need in one go.
A standard UK visa currently costs £100.
Supporting Documents
It is important to note that the required documents will vary from person to person, however two documents are necessary for every applicant:
Your valid Passport
The email confirmation of your PLAB 2
You will then typically require the following:
Cover Letter
If your trip is self-funded you will need:
Salary certificate
Bank Statements
Letter of Support from your financial guarantor (if applicable)
This is only required if your trip is financed by another person (i.e. family member).
Affidavit affirming the declaration of the financial sponsorship
This is done before a notary public. This will have to be translated into English.
Letter of recommendation
Any letter of recommendations will need to come from senior colleagues at your current workplace.
Bank Statements
Typically 6 months (yours / your sponsors).
Monthly payslip
A clear copy is needed with all information visible.
Income/Salary Certificate (Yours/Sponsors)
Evidence of Home Address
Deeds or Nationality Certificate or Home electricity bill where the address is written. This will need to be translated and notarised.
A ‘No Objection Letter’ issued by your employer
A ‘No Objection Letter’ for visa is a legal certificate issued by your employer agreeing for you to take off the days for you visit to the UK. In addition, the letter states that you have contractual obligations to return to your country of residence at your workplace.
Confirmation of your accommodation in the UK
Or, invitation letter from friend or family of whom you will be staying with. You may also require a Council tax and utility bill of the accommodation address. If it’s a family that you’re staying with, you don’t need to worry about proving Sponsorship. If they are just providing accommodation (and your father or mother is your financial guarantor), a simple invitation letter stating your name, your passport number, duration and purpose of your stay is sufficient along with their contact details. The council tax and utility bill is just to prove that the address exists by their name.
Evidence of family members in your home country whilst you travel
These would include Passport copies or National ID copies of your family members.
Online Application Required Entries
Your name.
Passport details.
Your National ID number, if you have one.
Your email.
Travel information/plan: The date you will arrive in UK and the date you will leave from UK. The arrival date is more important. The itinerary in your cover letter should explain this in more detail.
Choose business, including sports and entertainment as the main reason for your visit.
After answering No’s to organised group, travelling with partner, visiting a company or getting paid for business activities—Choose Take the PLAB or OSCE.
In Give details, write down your full itinerary, taken from your cover letter in full sentences.
Personal information: Your home address.
Parent details: Father’s and mother’s name, dates of birth.
Employment details.
If you are employed and sponsoring yourself, then IMG recommend you arrange for two papers from your employer from the above list a) Salary Certificate b) No Objection Certificate.
Your own bank account details with bank statements (for the last six months).
How much money are you planning to spend on your visit.
Details of who is covering the costs, if you don’t.
UK accommodation details.
Travel histories in UK or other countries.
Any details of visa refusals
Other histories regarding whether you have any criminal convictions.
Any other relevant information you wish to provide, you can leave this blank.
Finally comes the declaration page which asks you to choose an appointment (date and time) with a visa application centre. Please note that you don’t have to choose immediately, especially if you don’t have all the supporting documents ready. Just save it there and a link will be sent to your email. But as above, at IMG Connect we recommend that you have all the supporting documents prepared before starting your UK Visitor Visa for PLAB 2 application.
UK Costs
Whilst the exam is taken in one day, we advise for candidate to allow themselves a few days for acclimatisation and revision prior to the exam. When budgeting, make sure that you book flights, hotels and UK transport to and from the airport in advance to save money.
Once in the UK, a typical low-cost budget for a comfortable stay will include approximately:
£40 - £60 per night for accommodation depending on your test venue
£15 - £30 for food per day
£20 for transport per day
£60 for Airport transfers (return journey)
*remember to consider flights & travel insurance costs in your total budget
Always remember to use price comparison websites or Airbnb to find the best value for money and close to transport & test venues.
Visa Application Refusal
You will receive a letter from the Home Office detailing the reasons for rejecting the application. Don’t worry, you can apply again.
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MRCP Part 2 is the second of three exams to attain full MRCP UK.
This article is written for overseas doctors taking the MRCP route to GMC registration, written to help you prepare fir & sit the Part 2 examination. We consider the following topics:
What is MRCP Part 2?
Am I eligible to sit MRCP Part 2?
What is the exam content & format?
Where I can take the exam?
When is the exam sat and when can I apply?
How much does it cost?
How can I prepare for the exam?
Passed? What next?
What is MRCP Part 2?
Building on the knowledge assessed in Part 1, the exam tests your acquisition of a representative sample of medical knowledge, skills and behavior as specified in the UK Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training.
It is designed to test your application of clinical understanding and capacity to make clinical judgments, including:
prioritisation of diagnostic or problem lists
investigation planning
selection of a plan for immediate management
selection a plan for long-term management
assessment prognosis
Am I eligible to sit MRCP Part 2?
You are eligible if you have passed the MRCP(UK) Part 1 examination. A reminder that to be eligible for Part 1, you require 12 months experience and a recognised Primary Medical Qualification.
The Part 2 written examination moved to a single day format at the beginning of 2018. The new examination consists of two, three-hour papers each with 100 questions.
What is the examination format and content?
A good understanding of the examination format is a great foundation for your exam preparation, so below we have summarised the Royal College’s guidance on the Part 2 examination format and content.
Format:
The exam consists of two-papers, sat over the course of one day in an examination hall. Each paper is 3 hours in duration and contains 100 multiple choice questions in ‘best of five’ format (200 questions in total).
Composition of the papers are as follows:
Specialty
Number of questions *
Cardiology
19
Dermatology
9
Endocrinology and metabolic medicine
19
Gastroenterology
19
Geriatric Medicine
9
Hematology
9
Infectious diseases and GUM
19
Neurology
17
Nephrology
19
Oncology and palliative medicine
9
Ophthalmology
3
Psychiatry
3
Respiratory Medicine
19
Rheumatology
9
Therapeutics and toxicology
18
Total
200
*This should be taken as an indication of the likely number of questions – the actual number may vary by up to 2%. A proportion of the questions will be on adolescent medicine.
Question Content:
Questions are centred on the diagnosis, investigation, management and prognosis of a patient.
They usually have a clinical scenario and may include results of investigations and images such as:
clinical photographs
pathology slides
inheritance trees
ECGs, X-rays, CT and MR scans and echocardiograms.
In addition to testing core knowledge & comprehension, the exam assesses your ability to interpret information and solve clinical problems.
Best of Five question format and marking:
There will be five options: one correct answer and four alternatives to the correct answer.
The four distracters will be closely related to the preferred option but less correct, therefore acting as plausible alternatives.
Each correct answer is awarded one mark and there is no negative marking.
A more detailed explanation of the marking system used can be found here on the exam pass mark page of the Royal College website in MRCP(UK) Regulations.
Where can I take the exam?
MRCP(UK) Part 2 can be taken in the UK and overseas, see below:
*Please note these differ slightly from MRCP(UK) Part 1 examination centers
** UK test centres dependent on availability
Exam
UK Test Centres
Overseas Test Centres
MRCP(UK) Part 2
Edinburgh
Manchester
Newcastle
Glasgow
Belfast
Birmingham
Cardiff
London
Bahrain (Manama)
Bangladesh (Dhaka)
Egypt (Cairo)
Hong Kong
Iceland (Reykjavik)
India (Chennai, Kerela, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi)
Iraq (Baghdad, Erbil)
Jordan (Amman)
Kenya (Nairobi)
Kuwait (Kuwait City)
Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
Malta
Myanmar (Yangon)
Oman (Muscat)
Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore)
Qatar (Doha)
Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Riyadh)
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Sudan (Khartoum)
United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai)
United States of America (New Jersey)
West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad)
When is the exam sat and when can I apply?
Exam dates and their application periods can be found here.
It is important to note that you must apply for each MRCP exam during the specified application period. Application made outside the designated period will not be accepted.
How much does the exam cost?
UK applications cost £419
International applications cost £594*
Please note, the application process and fees applicable for Hong Kong and Singapore centres differ. Applications should be made directly to the administration team for this centre.
How can I prepare for the exam?
With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for 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:
Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core-Medical Training.
We recommend getting to know this as early as possible, using it as a road map for your study plan.
MRCP(UK) mock exams: We suggest registering for the MRCP mock exams here. These will provide you with the most accurate and relevant mock questions to prepare you for the real thing.
Sample questions: Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, found herePart 2 sample questions
For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses - take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation.
Passed? What next?
Now you have passed your MRCP Part 2 you can apply to take PACES - the practical and final examination within the MRCP set of examinations.
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Earlier in our Postgraduate Qualifications blog series, we took a general look at PLAB examinations and all its various parts as a whole. Now we’ll take a closer look at the first stage of your PLAB journey – PLAB 1.
Here we consider everything that you need to know about the exam including syllabus, dates, fees and preparation by covering at the following topics:
What is PLAB 1?
What's the format of PLAB 1?
Where can I sit PLAB 1?
How do I book?
How much does it cost?
How do I prepare and what resources are available?
What can I expect on the day of the exam?
When will I receive my results?
Passed? What next?
Overview of PLAB 1
PLAB 1 tests your ability to apply your knowledge for the care of patients at the house level, or Foundation year 2 in the UK (12 months of medical practice). Questions relate to current best practice in the UK, and equipment routinely used in UK hospitals. You’ll need to answer the questions in relation to published evidence and not according to your local arrangements. Remember, this is an exam for entry into the UK Healthcare system.
The exam covers the common, important and acute conditions (those common in emergency departments) seen by trainees entering the second year of the Foundation Programme (FY2), and the management of long-term conditions seen in primary care.
Still unsure on PLAB as a whole? Take a look at a more general overview of the PLAB examinations.
PLAB 1 Format
PLAB 1 is a written exam made up of 180 multiple choice questions, with the test lasting three hours in total. Each question starts with a short scenario followed by a question and five possible answers, from which you must choose the correct answer.
The GMC has created a helpful guide setting out what the PLAB test covers, which you can download here.
PLAB 1 Centres
You can sit the exam in both the UK and several overseas locations. PLAB 1 is run four times a year in the UK and overseas venues hosted by the British Council.
Overseas venues are listed here with contact details.
At IMG Connect we advise that you check the closing date for applications for the closest venue. Also, be sure to submit your application in advance as applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
Booking PLAB 1
You can book your PLAB 1 examination using your GMC Online account where you can view available dates and book under the My Tests section.
Before you book a PLAB exam you must have:
an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification.
a GMC Online account to book or cancel the exam.
evidence of English competency – before you can book a test you will need to provide your English language test scores. If you've taken the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test or the Occupational English Test (OET), you can complete this in the 'My Tests' section at GMC Online.
Due to a backlog in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be difficult to secure a place for the PLAB exams.
On Saturday 10 December 2022 at 10 am (GMT) the GMC will release PLAB 1 places for the following dates across all locations:
10 August 2023
2 November 2023
You’ll need to access GMC Online by 10 am (GMT) using this link (rather than the usual link on the GMC Online web page).
PLAB 1 Cost
The PLAB 1 test costs £255.
Preparation & Resources
We have discussed this question at length with IMGs and the GMC, and whilst there are many resources to choose from online, we recommend the following GMC guides to help you start your preparations.
The PLAB Blueprint:
This is a helpful guide to what will be included in the exam. Our IMGs advise this is the best place to start with your preparations. The Blueprint sets out clearly all the topics and skills needed to pass the exam.
Download the PLAB Blueprint here.
The Foundation Programme curriculum: The topics and skills covered in the PLAB Blueprint are identical to those undertaken by doctors starting their second year of Foundation Programme Training (FY2).
You can find the Foundation Programme curriculum here
Guidance and interactive tools:
The GMC ‘Good Medical Practice’ document explains the core advice to doctors on the standards expected of them. During PLAB 1 you will be expected to demonstrate the professional values and behaviours set out in ‘Good Medical Practice’ when you take the exam and when you practise as a doctor in the UK.
You can test your knowledge of Good Medical Practice using the following online tools:
Explanatory guidance
Good Medical Practice in action interactive online tool
Welcome to UK practice interactive online tool
Sample questions:
30 sample questions along with their answers can be found on the GMC website here.
Courses:
You do not need to attend a study or coaching course to pass, but many candidates choose to do so. PLAB 1 can be passed under your own preparation, however PLAB 2 usually requires further study and courses.
There are many courses and materials out there. If you are unsure of how to approach your study preparations, don’t hesitate to ask an IMG Consultant for some recommendations or guidance on which course or resource to use.
Remember, we speak to IMGs who've passed these exams on a daily basis and are more than happy to pass on their wisdom!
What can I expect on the day of the exam?
First of all, once booked, the GMC will advise you on what time to arrive. You will likely be there for approximately four hours in total.
Do I need to bring anything to the test?
You will need to bring Identification, your booking confirmation and stationery:
For identification, the venue will accept any one of the following:
Passport
UK Immigration and Nationality Department identification document
Home Office travel document
If by accident you don't have one of the above you can take the exam but you'll need to provide your identification document later in the process.
Booking confirmation:
Bring the booking confirmation that includes your GMC booking reference number
Stationery:
You should bring HB pencils, an eraser and a pencil sharpener.
Maximum Attempts for PLAB 1
For PLAB 1, you can take the test 4 times. If you have not passed after 4 attempts, to be eligible to take the test again you must have completed a further 12 months experience of clinical practice or post graduate qualification.
Passed? What's next?
Once you have passed PLAB 1, you can take the PLAB 2 examination in the UK. Read our blog for more information on how to sit PLAB 2, which includes everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.
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In this article we will explore the MRCP Part 1 exam in more detail, including advice on eligibility, dates, centres, preparation and fees.
Designed to help you prepare and sit the exams, we consider the following MRCP topics:
What is MRCP Part 1?
Am I eligible to sit MRCP Part 1?
What is the examination content & format?
Where can I take the exam?
When is the exam sat and when can I apply?
How much does the exam cost?
How do I apply?
How can I prepare for the exam?
Passed? What next?
What is MRCP (UK) Part 1 exam?
Part 1 is the entry-level examination accessible to doctors with a minimum of 12 months' postgraduate experience in medical employment. It covers a broad range of topics appropriate to physicians at the beginning of postgraduate training.
Part 1 is the first component of a sequence of assessments intended to match the progression of trainees undertaking the Core Medical Training programme in the UK, adding unique information and building on previous assessments
Am I eligible to sit MRCP (UK) Part 1 exam?
Trainees from any country in the world can sit the MRCP Part 1 Examination providing that they meet the eligibility requirements.
As an overseas candidate you are eligible to sit MRCP Part 1 if you have a GMC recognised Primary Medical Qualification and a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.
What is the examination content & format?
At IMG Connect we advise that understanding the examination format is a great foundation for exam preparation. We have summarised the Royal College’s guidance on the Part 1 Examination format below:
The exam consists of two papers, sat over the course of one day in an examination hall.
Each paper is 3 hours in duration and contains 100 multiple choice questions in ‘best of five’ format.
From the five options provided, one answer is correct. The other four are plausible however you will only score a point from the correct answer. There are no negative marks and questions do not include imagery.
MRCP (UK) Part 1 is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the clinical sciences relevant to medical practice and of common or important disorders to a level appropriate for entry to specialist training.
Candidates will be tested on a wide range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the JRCPTB Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training and the composition of the papers is as below:
Specialty
Number of questions *
Cardiology
15
Clinical haematology and oncology
15
Clinical Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology
16
Clinical sciences **
25
Dermatology
8
Endocrinology
15
Geriatric medicine
4
Gastroenterology
15
Infectious diseases and GUM
15
Neurology
15
Nephrology
15
Ophthalmology
4
Psychiatry
8
Respiratory Medicine
15
Rheumatology
15
Total
200
*This should be taken as an indication of the likely numbers of questions – the actual number may vary
** The clinical sciences components comprises the following:
Specialty
Number of questions *
Cell, molecular and membrane biology
2
Clinical anatomy
3
Clinical biochemistry and metabolism
4
Clinical physiology
4
Genetics
3
Immunology
4
Statistics, epidemiology and evidence-based medicine
5
A detailed explanation of the marking system adopted for the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination can be viewed in the MRCP(UK) Regulations.
Where can I take the MRCP Part 1 exam?
MRCP (UK) Part 1 can be taken in the UK and overseas as below:
Exam
UK Test Centres
Overseas Test Centres
MRCP Part 1
Edinburgh
Glasgow
London
Bahrain (Manama)
Bangladesh (Dhaka)
Egypt (Cairo)
Ghana (Accra)
Hong Kong
Iceland (Reykjavic)
India (Chennai, Kerala, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi)
Iraq (Baghdad)
Jordan (Amman)
Kenya (Nairobi)
Kuwait (Kuwait City)
Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
Malta
Myanmar
Nepal (Kathmandu)
Oman (Muscat)
Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore)
Qatar (Doha)
Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Riyadh)
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Sudan (Khartoum)
United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi)
United States of America (New Jersey)
West Indies (Jamaica, Trinidad)
Zimbabwe (Harare)
When is the exam sat and when can I apply?
It is important to note that you must apply for each MRCP exam during the specified application period. Applications made outside of the designated period will not be accepted.
Exam dates and their application periods can be found here.
How much does the exam cost?
UK applications cost £419
International applications cost £594*
Please note, the application process and fees applicable for Hong Kong and Singapore centres differ. Applications should be made directly to the administration team for this centre.
How do I apply?
Applications for all exams are made online via My MRCP(UK) account. You will simply need to create an account and submit evidence of your primary medical qualification, then make a payment online to confirm your application.
The application video from the Royal College can be found below:
Part 1 application video
The Royal College of Physicians recommends making the first attempt at Part 1 within 1-2 years of your graduation.
How can I prepare for the MRCP Part 1 exam?
With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for 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:
Curriculum:
Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training.
We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible, using it as a road map for your study plan.
MRCP (UK) mock exams:
We suggest registering for the MRCP mock exams here. These will provide you with the most accurate and relevant mock questions to prepare you for the real thing.
Sample questions: Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, see below:
Part 1 sample questions
For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses - take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation
Passed? What next?
If you are completing the papers in order, the next step will be to apply for Paper B. For more information take a look at our blog we will explore MRCP (UK) Paper B and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.
IMG Jobs
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IMG Resources
Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below: