Final FRCR (Part 2A & 2B) – guidance and resources for IMGs
- April 13, 2023
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.
An Overview of FRCR CR2A and CR2B
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:
- Rapid reporting - 30 plain radiographs in 35 minutes
- Reporting (long cases) - 6 cases in 75 minutes
- Oral (viva) - 2 x 30-minute vivas
In total, the exam lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes.
For a full overview of the FRCR exam series, see our blog here.
Preparation & Revision Resources
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.
Royal College Resources
- Instructional video: 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.
- Guidance notes for Part 2A: a guidance document on key elements of the exam, found here.
- Guidance notes for Part 2B: important information on the three sections of the exam, available here.
- Sample questions: sample SBA and oral questions for the exams have been provided with answers on the RCR website, here for Part A and here for Part B.
- Candidate reference sheet: a reference list of abbreviations and normal ranges for use during Part 2A, found here.
- Examiners’ reports for Part 2B: 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.
- Understand the SBA format and how to approach questions: this document also provides questions that have been used previously in the Final FRCR (Part A) Examination. You can find this here.
- TNM Staging guidance - this document explains the knowledge required to answer questions related to this topic, available 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.
- Scoring system for Part 2B: key information on how each part of the exam is marked, found here.
Courses
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.
- Duration - 3 days
- Cost - £350
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.
- Duration - 2 days
- Cost - £500
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.
- Duration - 1 day
- Cost - £165
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.
- Duration - 2 days
- Cost - £350
Books
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
#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!
- Invest in the right resources and courses – many resources from books to courses come at a cost – think about your own preferred style of learning and choose the resources that best suit you! Have any colleagues going through the exams or already passed? See if you can borrow or split the cost of resources.
- Practise, practise, practise – this is of course a given...practise makes perfect and getting used to the format and being able to go through many sample questions will set you up well for the exam!
Sources
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
Getting started
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!
Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal College, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS.
Relevant Jobs
An excelklent Health Board is seeking a dedicated Locum Consultant General Radiologist with expertise in head and neck radiology. The Health Board serves a diverse population and is committed to providing safe and improving healthcare services. The Health Board emphasizes education and research, with a Clinical Research Facility actively involved in various initiatives, including BioBanking and telemonitoring. Their commitment to advancing healthcare makes it an exciting place for clinicians.
This role is ideal for overseas Consultants looking to establish themselves in the NHS or experienced IMGs working toward CESR.
The Radiology Department is well-equipped and staffed by experienced consultants and junior doctors. They handle a significant caseload and play a vital role in training multidisciplinary teams and delivering community-based care. The successful candidate is expected to support and train multidisciplinary teams, delivering care in the community alongside primary healthcare and social care teams.
The hospital sits within a vibrant town in South Wales, offers a balanced lifestyle with both urban and rural settings, stunning scenery, quality schools, and excellent transportation links. It\'s an appealing location for doctors seeking a fulfilling personal and professional life.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- Board Certified Specialist in Radiology
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- FRCR
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Radiology
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
An outstanding opportunity for experienced Consultant Radiologist to join an NHS Trust that is committed to providing the best CESR support to IMGs and consultant development. This Trust is one of the largest employers in the region and their members and staff are dedicated professionals whose work is varied, challenging and makes a real difference to people’s health and well-being.
The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.
WHAT IS THE NHS TRUST LIKE?
The Trust is one of the largest organisations in the country and they employ over 6,000 dedicated staff with an annual turnover of £380 million who provides service to 525,000 people that live within the area. Their services are mainly provided from two district general hospitals, both have Emergency Departments and provide care 24 hours a day. They offer a comprehensive range of surgical, medical and maternity services supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.
The role of the NHS Trust is to provide the best possible healthcare service to patients, who come first in everything the organisation does. Safe patient care is the Trust's highest priority. They will provide high quality clinical services that achieve and demonstrate optimum clinical outcomes and provide an excellent care experience for patients. The employees will be valued and respected. They will be involved in decisions about the services they provide and offered the training and development that they need to fulfill their roles.
They will operate efficiently and effectively, diagnosing and treating patients in timely fashion and expediting their return to health. They will use their resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of their patients and their care to ensure our services are clinically, operationally, and financially sustainable.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE REGION?
The region has a natural beauty. Sussex has some fantastic natural features such as the Seven Sisters National Park, and many areas of outstanding natural beauty that include the medieval heathland and forests of the High Weald. It also has beaches and harbours where people can go to during their dayoffs.
Besides its natural beauty, there's a rich array of accommodation options, ranging from the five star Grand Hotel on Eastbourne seafront to quaint B&Bs set amid beautiful Sussex countryside. East Sussex offers a rich array of culture, with art galleries such as the Jerwood Gallery in Hastings and the Towner Gallery in Eastbourne and an array of theatre and entertainment venues such as the De La Warr Pavillion in Bexhill, Congress and Devonshire Park Theatres in Eastbourne and the White Rock Theatre in Hastings.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?
CESR is a particular strength of this trust. The combination of clinical practice and first-class academic connections means that medical professionals have a wide range of opportunities to develop their careers and achieve their aspirations. You will have access to leadership, teaching, educational and research opportunities for Continued Professional Develop (CPD).
If you are a new consultant you will receive mentoring and support from medical leads as well as access to a large peer group of enthusiastic and high-caliber Consultants.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- European Specialist Qualifications in Radiology
Non-EEA Candidates:
- FRCR Diagnostic Radiology
- Experience of working in Radiology
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Radiology
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Consultant in Radiology to join a Health Board in North Wales that promotes equality and diversity. If you love a challenge, have a passion to help others or simple fancy a fresh start, then this Health Board has all the ingredients. The post if suitable for overseas consultants, including candidates who are pursuing CESR. Specialists in Radiology holding a specialist certification would be suitable for this post, based on experience entering at either Specialty Doctor or Consultant grade.
Overseas applications from experienced Specialty Doctors and Consultants are welcomed.
WHAT IS HEALTH BOARD LIKE?
The Health Board is largest health organisation in Wales, that are developing an integrated health service which provides excellent care delivered in partnership with the public and other statutory and third sector organisations.
The Health Board have a budget of £1.3 billion and a workforce of over 17,000 staff. Providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of around 700,000 across of North Wales. They continuously develop their workforce so that it has the right skills and operates in a research-rich learning culture.
Besides their three main hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other NHS services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. They plan to improve the health of the population, with particular focus upon the most vulnerable in our society.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The Department is a group of people who are truly hard-working, highly motivated and committed. They focus on the quality care that they provide for their patients. The Department is responsible for the CT scanning, DXA scanning, Interventional Radiology, MRI, Nuclear Medicine & PET/CT scanning, Ultrasound, Vascular Laboratory and X-ray. The Department cares for their patient in such a way that during the pandemic, they trialled a clear mask to support better communication for people with conditions such as hearing loss, or dementia.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN NORTH WALES?
North Wales has a vast national park, purpose built mountain biking trails, a breath taking coastal path, soaring zip wire, food festivals and world class sport and adventure around every corner. The North Wales is equipped with sport and leisure centres that provide opportunities for a wide variety of sporting, fitness and recreational activities. Not only does it have lots of activities for you, it also has a wide selection of private housing is available, both traditional and modern in towns, villages and rural settings.
For doctors with family, the educational standards are consistently high in both the primary and secondary sectors. There are several well established independent schools within North Wales and the surrounding area that cater for both day pupils and boarders. The regional University with its excellent scholastic reputation has a thriving student community.
You can say goodbye to heavy inner city commuter traffic, and enjoy a breath-taking commute across North Wales.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AT THIS HEALTH BOARD?
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD.
Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- European Specialist Qualification in Radiology
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Radiology
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Consultant in Radiology to join a Health Board in Wales that promotes equality and diversity. If you love a challenge, have a passion to help others or simple fancy a fresh start, then this Health Board has all the ingredients. The post if suitable for overseas consultants, including candidates who are pursuing CESR. Specialists in Radiology holding a specialist certification would be suitable for this post, based on experience entering at either Specialty Doctor or Consultant grade. Overseas applications from experienced Specialty Doctors and Consultants are welcomed.
Radiologists with interest in cross sectional imaging, head and neck, oncology and urology will be best suited to this posts.
WHAT IS HEALTH BOARD LIKE?
The Health Board is largest health organisation in Wales, that are developing an integrated health service which provides excellent care delivered in partnership with the public and other statutory and third sector organisations.
The Health Board have a budget of £1.3 billion and a workforce of over 17,000 staff. Providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of around 700,000 across of North Wales. They continuously develop their workforce so that it has the right skills and operates in a research-rich learning culture. Besides their three main hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other NHS services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. They plan to improve the health of the population, with particular focus upon the most vulnerable in our society.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The Department is a group of people who are truly hard-working, highly motivated and committed. They focus on the quality care that they provide for their patients. The Department is responsible for the CT scanning, DXA scanning, Interventional Radiology, MRI, Nuclear Medicine & PET/CT scanning, Ultrasound, Vascular Laboratory and X-ray. The Department cares for their patient in such a way that during the pandemic, they trialled a clear mask to support better communication for people with conditions such as hearing loss, or dementia.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN NORTH WALES?
North Wales has a vast national park, purpose built mountain biking trails, a breath taking coastal path, soaring zip wire, food festivals and world class sport and adventure around every corner. The North Wales is equipped with sport and leisure centres that provide opportunities for a wide variety of sporting, fitness and recreational activities. Not only does it have lots of activities for you, it also has a wide selection of private housing is available, both traditional and modern in towns, villages and rural settings.
For doctors with family, the educational standards are consistently high in both the primary and secondary sectors. There are several well established independent schools within North Wales and the surrounding area that cater for both day pupils and boarders. The regional University with its excellent scholastic reputation has a thriving student community.
You can say goodbye to heavy inner city commuter traffic, and enjoy a breath-taking commute across North Wales.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AT THIS HEALTH BOARD?
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD.
Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- European Specialist Qualification in Radiology
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- FRCR
UK based applicants:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
An exciting opportunity for an experienced Stroke Consultant to join one of the top performing trusts in the UK. Rated as "outstanding" by the CQC, this university hospital is seeking to appoint a Consultant Physician in Stroke Medicine.
Department and Trust overview:
This is a fixed term post joining an established and growing team. The post will involve responsibility for stroke prevention, hyper-acute and acute stroke care, including proactive in-reach, stroke rehabilitation and a commitment to the General Medicine on call rota.
The Stroke Team are part of the Medicine for the Elderly Department, but suitably qualified applicants from any parent speciality are encouraged to apply.
The department provides a full range of services to a population of approx 400,000.
The stroke service admits approximately 500 patients per year, and sees about 800 patients per year in the fast track TIA clinic. Hyper-acute and acute stroke is managed in the Bristol Royal Infirmary on the current 26 bedded acute stroke unit (ASU) which includes 10 hyper-acute beds. Patients requiring longer inpatient rehabilitation are cared for in the 16 bedded dedicated stroke rehabilitation unit.
Requirements for the role:
UK candidates:
- Consultant experience in Stroke Medicine
- Within 6 months of CCT or CESR
- Specialisation in Stroke Medicine
- MRCP
- Consultant experience in Stroke Medicine