FRCPath Part 1 Online - changes to the exam delivery
- April 06, 2023
FRCPath Part 1 Online
In response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Pathologists has decided to migrate all part 1 FRCPath exams online. This includes FRCPath 1 in Histopathology, Haematology, Microbiology.
This means FRCPath Part 1 may be taken from the comfort of your own home. This development allows the College to continue to offer the FRCPath Part 1 exam to both UK trainees and overseas pathologists.
Please note that the delivery of FRCPath Part 2 remains offline, with examinations being conducted in person, but socially distanced.
FRCPath Part 1 Delivery
The format of the Part 1 exam is unchanged – 125 SBA (or multiple choice) and EMQs (extended matching questions) which aim to assess the candidate's overall knowledge and understanding of histo/ cytopathology, basic science underpinning pathology (including microbiology) and full understanding of autopsy practices undertaken in an NHS District General Hospital.
Previously, FRCPath Part 1 was available in multiple overseas centres, and it is anticipated that the College will return to this set-up once COVID-19 has been better managed globally.
The online exam will be held delivered through a company called TestReach. The College delivered the first sitting on this online format in Autumn 2020.
Candidates will have the opportunity to trial the examination software before the exam to familiarise themselves with it ahead of time. The TestReach system is full-proctored, and candidates will need to complete both an IT systems and environment check before the exam. These checks will ensure that candidates devices are suitable for the exam and that they are in an environment which satisfy exam conditions I.e. where they do not have access to textbooks or other revision materials.
For more information on the online examination see the College website here, or read their FAQs here.
How to apply
The application window for the Spring 2022 sitting of the FRCPath Part 1 exam will open at the end of November/ early December and close in mid-January. Whilst the examination date has yet to be finalised – candidates are advised to apply early and may withdraw their place for a refund if the examination date is unsuitable.
The cost of the exam is £673. For up-to-date information on exam and application dates, keep an eye on the College website here.
For more information on FRCPath in Histopathology, take a look at our collection of articles and blogs here, where we explore the full examination suite, including a detailed look at the structure and format, fees and preparation and resources.
If you are looking for general information that any overseas doctors might need to know - then check out our IMG Resources library.
We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their FRCPath Part 1 exam and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!
Don’t forget to share your progress and successes with us using the hashtag #imgstories on social media, we love to hear from you.
Join the online histopathology community – connect with like-minded histopathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters in the IMG Histopathologists Facebook group.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things histopathology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
