Overseas radiologists often ask us how to best prepare for the Final FRCR Part 2A and 2B exams. With so much online content geared towards UK 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 radiologists 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 for IMGs.
The topics we’ll cover are as follows:
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
As a quick reminder, Final FRCR refers to the final two exams in the Royal College of Radiologists examination suite for clinical and diagnostic radiologists. The full series - Part 1, Part 2A and 2B – is required by overseas radiologists when applying for GMC registration through the postgraduate route.
FRCR CR2A assesses knowledge of the pathology, imaging techniques, congenital abnormalities and radiological findings that underpin clinical radiology practice.
The FRCR 2A exam consists of 2 papers sat on the same day; each paper containing 120 single-best-answer questions (240 questions in total). Each paper lasts 3 hours.
CR2B is not an exit exam but is a key step in a trainee's progress towards independent reporting. The exam assesses several aspects of the candidate's radiological skills, all of which are considered necessary for safe and effective radiological practise.
Part 2B has 3 separate sections as below:
In total, the exam lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes.
For a full overview of the FRCR exam series, see our blog here.
After discussing with IMGs the best way to approach preparing for the Final FRCR exams, most recommended beginning with the Royal College website and resources, which they have put together to aid in your preparation.
Curriculum: The FRCR exams are based on the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology. 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.
There are several online courses which provide preparation for the exams, 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.
Please note these courses are subject to change and candidates are advised to book early (up to one year in advance in some cases), as spaces are often limited. Places may become available at the last minute, so make sure you add your name to a waiting list if possible.
Midlands FRCR 2A Review Course
This is an in-person revision course for the FRCR Part 2A exam held in Leicester. The course provides a refresher course covering a range of important topics, an interactive lecture-based course delivered in a ‘single best answer format’ and tips and tricks from trainees with recent experience of the exam.
London Heathrow FRCR 2B Preparation Course
This is a two-day course aimed at clinical trainees who are preparing for their FRCR CR2B. The course offers a minimum of 4 viva sets, 4 long case sets along with 4 rapid reporting packets. A further 2 lectures would also be included during the 2 days.
The course is delivered live virtually.
These are in-person revision courses for Part 2B which cover rapid reporting as well as focused days on chest x-rays. The courses are live online via an interactive video and are led by FRCR qualified UK-based radiologists.
This is an online two-day course that runs twice a year and concentrates on Aunt Minnie cases that you may encounter in your FRCR 2B exam. The course is split into mini tests, workshops and exam tips to ensure candidates remain refreshed and stimulated.
FRCR CR2A
Grainger & Allison’s Diagnostic Radiology
Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology - Brant & Helms
Primer of Diagnostic Imaging - Weissleder
Radiology Review Manual - Wolfgang Dahnert
Crack the Core Exam – Prometheus Lionhart
Fundamentals of Skeletal Radiology – Clyde A. Helms
Get Through Final FRCR 2A: SBAs - Teck Yew Chin, Susan Cheng Shelmerdine
RSBAs for the FRCR Part 2A - Richard Lindsay
FRCR CR2B
Rapid Review of Radiology - Shahid Hussain, Sherif Latif, Adrian Hall
Top 3 Differentials in Radiology - William O'Brien
Long Cases for the Final FRCR 2B - Rebecca Hanlon
Aunt Minnie's Atlas and Imaging-specific Diagnosis - Thomas Pope
Final FRCR Part B Viva: 100 Cases - Richard White, Robin Proctor, Ian Zealley
Chapman & Nakielny's Aids to Radiological Differential Diagnosis – Stephen Davies
https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/frcr-part-2a-radiology-cr2a
https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/frcr-part-2b-radiology-cr2b
https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/clinical_radiology_curriculum_2020.pdf
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!
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A large NHS Trust in the Midlands is looking for a Consultant Interventional Radiologist with an interest in complex vascular and non-vascular procedures. The Radiology department comprises a team of experienced consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Interventional Radiology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or FRCR qualifications are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
FRCR or equivalent and extensive experience in interventional radiology are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in complex vascular and non-vascular procedures should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 to £139,882 dependent on experience.
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HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
An NHS general hospital in the East of England is looking for a Consultant General Radiologist with an interest in Gynaecology Imaging. The Radiology department comprises a team of 27 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Radiology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with NHS experience are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
FRCR (or equivalent), and completion of general radiology training and anyone with Gynaecology Imaging experience should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
Provide a consultant-led service in General Radiology and subspecialty Gynaecology imaging.
Participate in the general radiology on-call rota (currently 1:15–1:16) and support acute inpatient and A&E CT, MRI, and ultrasound reporting.
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A private diagnostic imaging clinic in a major Canadian city is looking for a Radiologist with an interest in specialized imaging services. The radiology team comprises a motivated group of professionals, including radiologists, Ultrasound Technologists, and Medical Radiation Technologists. This radiology job is open to both international applications and Canada-based doctors, though those with CCT from the UK, Ireland, or qualifications recognised by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) are most encouraged to apply.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
A fellowship level qualification in Diagnostic Radiology from the Australasia region, South Africa, Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ireland, UK, and the USA is required for this role, and anyone with an interest in specialized imaging services such as Breast Imaging, MSK Ultrasound, or Image-Guided Pain Management should apply. Earning potential of between $600,000 and $800,000 is available, dependent on experience.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
LIFE IN THIS REGION
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HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role, including: