As there is no hard and fast rule for what position you will have after gaining a UK qualification, it is important for IMGs to understand the posts that are available to you after completing FRCR (Oncology).  FRCR (Oncology) is a highly beneficial qualification to achieve, but it does not guarantee you a consultant position in the NHS.  This can be a confusing area for overseas clinical and radiation oncologists, but this blog aims to de-mystify the subject. This article will explain the following topics:  What is FRCR (Oncology) and how does it fit into the UK training programme? What grade will IMGs, new to the NHS, be offered with FRCR (Oncology)? Can I take a permanent consultant post if I have FRCR (Oncology)? CESR opportunities for clinical oncologists in the NHS Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  FRCR (Oncology) within the UK Oncology Training Programme Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (Oncology) or FRCR (Oncology) is the postgraduate qualification awarded by the Royal College of Radiologists, the body responsible for the specialties of clinical oncology and clinical radiology throughout the UK.   FRCR (Oncology) is a three-part exam which is a necessary part of the training programme of clinical oncologists in the UK.   For trainees who have chosen to pursue clinical oncology, FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 or CO1 must be passed by the end of ST4.  Clinical oncology trainees will then sit Final FRCR (Oncology), also known as Part 2A and 2B or CO2A and CO2B, usually from ST6 to ST7.   These final exams are important in that they assess a trainee’s knowledge and skills related to the investigation of malignant disease and the care and management of patients with cancer.  Any UK-trained clinical oncologist applying for a CCT in order to work as a substantive consultant must have completed full FRCR (Oncology).  As shown above, UK trainees will also have completed MRCP (UK), although this is not required for overseas clinical oncologists.  Positions for Doctors new to the NHS with FRCR (Oncology) As an IMG with full FRCR (Oncology), you will be eligible for consultant grade positions in the UK.   You are not guaranteed a consultant position, particularly if you do not have previous consultant position in your home country, but you will certainly be able to attain more senior positions in the NHS, such as a specialty doctor (SAS) or specialist grade.  Consultant positions are the most senior in the UK, and thus the highest paid position for doctors within the NHS pay system.  For further information on how NHS pay scales work for consultants, please see our detailed article here.  Of course, this is assuming that you have also completed the other necessary components to make you eligible for GMC registration.  Alongside your postgraduate qualification, you will need to have passed an English Language Test (either IELTS or OET).   Additionally, you must obtain a Certificate of Good Standing, and submit this to the GMC. Upon the receipt of these three components, you will receive full GMC registration.  Permanent Consultant Posts with FRCR (Oncology) To take up a permanent consultant position in the NHS, you would need to have Specialist Registration. Specialist Registration (more specifically CESR for most overseas doctors) allows you to take up permanent or substantive consultant roles in the NHS.  The type of consultant position you would be eligible for with FRCR (Oncology) is a locum consultant post.  Firstly, we should clarify the meaning of the term ‘locum consultant’ in the UK. The NHS has two types of locums - Trust locums and Agency locums.   If you are an IMG with full registration, but you are not on the Specialist Register, you are only able to take on consultant positions as a trust locum, but no permanent positions.  Trust locums are hired on a fixed-term contract and are able to better acclimatize themselves to the NHS system, whilst receiving the support and guidance to work towards consultant positions and CESR.  Please note, you can only work as an agency locum if you have a British passport.  CESR Opportunities in the NHS  CESR or the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration is a route of entry to the Specialist Register for those doctors who have not followed a GMC-approved training programme.  You can read more about CESR in Clinical Oncology through our IMG Resources library here.  IMG Connect are able to help you to secure senior roles such as specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or locum consultant in Trusts that offer CESR support.  In these roles, you will have better pay and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a trainee. These Trusts have a lot of experience in supporting overseas doctors to progress their careers through CESR.  You can collect evidence of your competences, particularly those specific to the UK Clinical Oncology curriculum and those you may not be able to achieve outside the UK.  These positions also facilitate a faster route to the UK than applying directly through the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  Get in touch with us to find out more about senior positions in the NHS with CESR support.  Getting started  We hope this blog has been helpful in clarifying your questions about securing senior posts in the NHS with FRCR (Oncology). If you have any further questions regarding the postgraduate exams, CESR or Oncology in the NHS - feel free to contact us directly.  Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded clinical and radiation oncologists and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored support for oncology IMGs, including access to our NHS and CESR webinars, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. 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.               

GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With a few options available for clinical oncologists to provide evidence of their skills and knowledge, it can be difficult for IMGs to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.   For international doctors considering their route to the UK, there are essentially two main pathways to consider: PLAB and the postgraduate route - FRCR (Oncology). Whilst these are the most common routes to GMC registration, this is not an exhaustive list. There are other options such as Royal College sponsorship and GMC-approved qualifications or licensing exams, and you can read more about these here. Here we provide a summary of both pathways and briefly consider their benefits.  PLAB for GMC Registration FRCR (Oncology) for GMC Registration Which is better for me as an overseas pathologist, PLAB or FRCR (Oncology)? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)  The first and most common route which is often a popular choice among junior doctors is PLAB.  PLAB is a two-part exam with one written and one practical element, that assesses whether candidates are at least as capable as doctors starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training, and can therefore work safely as an SHO in the NHS.  The GMC has a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.  FRCR (Oncology) - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Clinical or Radiation Oncologists  The UK’s postgraduate qualifications are a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience. Within clinical or radiation oncology, this can be done by attaining Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists. The Royal College of Radiologists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of clinical oncology in the UK.  Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR Oncology) is the full qualification attained through these postgraduate exams for clinical or radiation oncology. The exams assess a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding against the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology. FRCR (Oncology) has three components, with two written and one clinical and oral element.  For complete guides on FRCR (Oncology), take a look at our IMG Resources library.  It is important to note that the FRCR (Oncology) exams are for clinical or radiation oncologists only. Overseas clinical oncologists are not required to also sit the MRCP (UK) exams.  PLAB vs FRCR (Oncology)  FRCR (Oncology) is a legitimate route that demonstrates skills and knowledge and will allow oncologists to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each exam, as well as how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK.  Seniority of Positions in the NHS  It may be difficult for an overseas clinical oncologist to obtain a more senior post within the NHS without FRCR (Oncology), GMC-approved training, or extensive experience from a similar, English-speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.  Time   PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.  FRCR (Oncology) has three stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 36 months of postgraduate experience in clinical or radiation oncology.  These exams can take anywhere from between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.  Cost   The FRCR (Oncology) exams cost just over £1,600, but all the exams are sat in person and there are only a few overseas exam centres.  PLAB costs £1,189, and both exams are sat in person. PLAB 1 can be taken in the UK or several overseas centres, which you can find here. PLAB 2 must be taken within the UK.  SO, for PLAB 2, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.     It’s important to note that the total cost of each exam can rise if re-sits are necessary.  Summary  PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as a Senior House Officer (SHO), does not assess ability in oncology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine, I.e., oncology. PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK.  FRCR (Oncology) involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas oncologists, attaining FRCR (Oncology) will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you will not need PLAB or Core Training.  The Royal College of Radiologists’ exams will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK oncology than PLAB.  #IMG Tips  Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.  Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.  Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam.   Join the community - 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. Getting started  Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time for a deep dive into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB, FRCR (Oncology), GMC registration and finding your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.   If you have any further questions on PLAB or postgraduate qualifications, please get in touch with our oncology specialists here. We’d be more than happy to help you.  For advice, guidance and news and updates about all things oncology for IMGs, join the conversation through the links below             

Are you an oncology IMG looking to sit your FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 (CO1) exam?  International doctors often wonder about the best ways to prepare for the first FRCR (Oncology) exam. There are many resources available online, but with so much geared towards UK applicants and trainees, it can be difficult to decide what is best suited to you as an overseas candidate.  Here we have compiled some of the best resources and guidance for overseas FRCR CO1 applicants preparing for the exam. We will also touch on some of the recent changes to the format, delivery, and availability of the exam in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.   The topics we’ll be discussing include the following – skip ahead to one of these sections if you know what you’re looking for:  What is FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 (CO1)? How do I get started with my preparation? What resources are available online? How has COVID-19 affected the exam? #IMG Tips I’ve passed FRCR (Oncology) Part 1, what’s next? FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 As a reminder, FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 or CO1 is the first exam in the FRCR (Oncology) examination suite. The full set of exams, Part 1, and Part 2A and 2B, or CO1, CO2A and CO2B are the exams required by international doctors to satisfy the requirements for GMC registration through the postgraduate route.   The assessment expects that candidates have a broad knowledge of subjects that relate to the investigation and management of patients with cancer.  The exam consists of five modules which are taken through four exam papers over two days. On each day, candidates may attempt any number of modules. Altogether the FRCR CO1 exam has 180 SBA (single best answer or multiple choice) questions.  The exam structure is as follows:  For an in-depth breakdown of each of the FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 modules, see our detailed blog, FRCR (Oncology) Part 1, through the IMG resources library, where you can also read an overview of the full FRCR (Oncology) examination suite.  Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the GMC’s postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.  Preparation We have discussed with IMGs the best way to prepare for the first FRCR (Oncology) exam and most recommended beginning with the Royal College website and resources, which they have compiled to aid in your preparation.  Curriculum: The FRCR (Oncology) exam is based on the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology, and 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 include:  Learning hub: the learning hub is available to members and contains many useful learning resources. This can be found here.  Purpose of assessment: this will help candidates understand the examination's purpose, the required level of candidate training and the application of results, available 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 notes – a document with detailed guidance on exam structure, content, requirements and marking which you can find here.  Sample questions: sample SBA questions with answers which can be 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.  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.  Other helpful resources There are several other resources available online, from flashcard-style revision materials to tips and advice from former candidates who have passed the exam: The Clinical Oncology Registrar This former candidate has compiled tips, guidance, and notes (including revision notes) on the First FRCR exam. These include revision advice, downloadable materials on key topics and links to good books and core materials to use. You can find the full blog here.  FRCR Oncology A compilation of recommended books and notes shared by a former FRCR oncology candidate. There are general tips, as well as more detailed notes on the exam modules. These can be accessed here.  British Medical Journal The BMJ has created an app-based physics revision resource with core questions on elements of the physics module, in the same multiple-choice format as will be seen in the exam. They are available at several price points depending on the duration of access, which ranges from £24.99 for one month to £139.99 for one year. This can be accessed here.  Brainscape A set of flashcards with over 1300 questions across all modules. This free resource can be used as either revision or practice material and is located here.  FRCR Exam Prep This website is home to exam tips, an online revision course for the physics module (including timed mock exams), sample cases and articles. The price of the physics course ranges from £25 for one month to £115 for one year. This can be found here.  How the exam has been affected by COVID-19 First FRCR (Oncology) is still taking place in person, but the number of exam centres has been reduced. For now, these are Belfast, Birmingham, Bridgend Wales, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, and London. Overseas centres for now are in Hong Kong, India, and Malta.  For advice on preparation before applying for the exams, see the Royal College website here.  #IMG Tips  Start preparing early, but not too early – you want to avoid the misery of last-minute cramming, but not to burn out. Former candidates recommend starting about 6 months beforehand.  Get familiar with the curriculum – this is the home of the exam’s content – get to know this as well as possible to jumpstart your preparation for the exam. Go through as many exam questions as possible – we know these are scattered all over the internet, but from those we’ve compiled in this handy guide you should have enough to keep you busy!  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. 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 clinical or radiation oncologists wanting to secure a role in the UK via the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR Oncology) in order to register with the GMC. FRCR Oncology is the UK Royal College qualification and the recommended route for oncologists looking to work in the UK as a specialist or consultant. IMGs from any country in the world can sit the FRCR (Oncology) examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for: What is FRCR (Oncology)? Am I eligible? What is the content and structure? Where and when can I sit the exams and how much will it cost me? How do I apply? How can I prepare for the exams? Passed? What next? What is FRCR Oncology?  Clincal oncologists become full members of the Royal College of Radiologists and achieve the designation, FRCR, once they have passed the three separate postgraduate medical exams that make up the FRCR (Oncology) examination suite. The FRCR (Oncology) examinations aim to test a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding against the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the exams are a pre-requisite for anyone looking to go into a specialty training post as an oncologist in the UK. For more senior candidates, absence of FRCR (Oncology) will make it very difficult to attain locum-consultant posts unless you have a recognised equivalent or specialist registration in clinical oncology.  The First FRCR Examination expects candidates to have acquired a broad knowledge of those subjects that relate to the investigation and management of patients with cancer. Candidates are examined against the Clinical Oncology curriculum. A new curriculum is being implemented from summer 2021, with all trainees expected to transfer to the new curriculum by August 2022 at the latest. Further details are available on the curriculum webpages. If you are unsure what curriculum you should be using for your studies in 2021 then please refer to the Royal College website page discussing the FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 exam here.  When registering via the postgraduate route, only full FRCR satisfies the GMC postgraduate requirements for registration as an overseas doctor. There are three parts to the FRCR examinations: FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 (CO1) > comprises four papers of single best answer (SBA) questions. The written papers for the four subjects are held twice a year over two consecutive days. FRCR (Oncology) Part 2A (CO2A) (both must be passed in one sitting in order to attain a pass) two separate single best answer papers FRCR (Oncology) Part 2B (CO2B)  a reporting session a rapid reporting session an oral examination The FRCR (Oncology) examinations form an essential component of training for clinical or radiation oncologists in the UK. For overseas doctors relocating to the UK, FRCR is one of two options to support full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route). For doctors who wish to secure a senior clinical oncology job in the NHS reflective of their current practice, we advise that FRCR would be the best route to choose. FRCR is often an essential requirement for many job postings in the UK when a candidate does not already have Specialist Registration in Clinical Oncology or a recognised equivalent postgraduate qualification. Eligibility for FRCR (Oncology):  First FRCR: To be eligible you must: hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. have completed courses covering the syllabus in the subjects listed below. Cancer Biology and Radiobiology Clinical Pharmacology
 Medical Statistics Physics There is no requirement to have held a clinical oncology training post in order to attempt the First FRCR Examination. Final FRCR Part A: To be eligible you must:  have passed the First FRCR examination must have passed the First FRCR examination and have completed three years of supervised clinical oncology training covering the examination syllabus. In exceptional circumstances, with support from the Training Programme Director and at the discretion of the Medical Director (Education and Training), this minimum training period may be reduced to two years and six months. Final FRCR Part B: To be eligible you must:  have passed the Final FRCR Part A, First FRCR and have completed three years of supervised clinical oncology training  Content and structure for FRCR (Oncology) First FRCR Examination: It is delivered through a digital platform and as such is now also available at a larger number of test centres than before. The First FRCR Examination comprises four papers of single best answer (SBA) questions. The written papers for the four subjects are held twice a year over two consecutive days. Further general information on the examination shows in the guidance notes for candidates here, however it can be summarised as below: Day One Format Cancer Biology & Radiobiology 50 questions over 2.5 hours Clinical Pharmacology 40 questions over 2 hours Day Two Format Physics 50 questions over 2.5 hours Medical Statistics 40 questions over 2 hours Each SBA question comprises a stem (a question or statement) and five items (answers) [labelled (a) to (e)]. Candidates are asked to decide which one of the five items represents the best answer to the question given in the stem. The four modules break down as below: Cancer Biology and Radiobiology: the processes of cancer cell transformation and tumour development and how these processes may be demonstrated, and the response to ionising radiation of cells both individually and grouped as tissues. Clinical Pharmacology: the structure, action, use and evaluation of drugs used in the treatment of a patient with cancer. Medical Statistics: with special reference to clinical trials and assessment of results, and the epidemiology of cancer. Physics: the application of physical principles and methods in clinical radiotherapy, physical basis of the therapeutic uses of radioactive isotopes, radiation hazards and protection. A knowledge of SI units is expected. Final FRCR (Part A): The examination expects candidates to have a wide knowledge of malignant disease and the management of patients with cancer. The main emphasis is on radiotherapy and drug therapy, but a good knowledge of general medicine, surgery and gynaecology is expected. You will be examined against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus. The Final FRCR (Part A) Examination comprises two papers of 120 single best answer (SBA) questions. It is held twice a year, normally in February and August/September and you are given three hours to answer each of the papers. Read the college's Purpose of Assessment to see this information in detail - however below we summarise the content and structure for FRCR Part A. Paper 1 Tumour Type No. of Questions Respiratory  24 Urology  24 Head & Neck  24 Skin  12 CNS 12 Gynaecology 24   Paper 2 Tumour Type No. of Questions Breast  24 Lower Gastrointestinal 24 Upper Gastrointestinal 12 Haematology 12 Miscellaneous* 38 Image-based 10 *The miscellaneous section contains questions on thyroid cancer, sarcoma, unknown primary, regulations, palliative care and a small set of questions that do not specifically fit into a defined site specific category. FRCR Part 2B (Oncology) (CO2B): The exam requires you to have a wide understanding of malignant disease and management of patients with cancer. The biggest emphasis here is radiotherapy and drug therapy, though a strong knowledge of general medicine, surgery and gynaecology is expected also. You will be examined against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus. The exam has both a clinical and oral component. Read the Royal College's Final FRCR Purpose of Assessment to understand the format and content in more detail, however a brief summary of both part is below: Clinical Examination: This is the practical element and will involve you rotating round five strictly timed clinical assessment 'stations' where your skills are assessed by a pair of examiners. This part is to test the skills and competencies that are essential for safe and effective clinical practice as a clinical oncologist in the NHS. Patients with real clinical signs are used throughout this examination, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and judgment in as a realistic a scenario possible.  The clinical examination will assess your ability to: identify important clinical signs using effective examination techniques give a rationale differential diagnosis order and interpret appropriate investigations identify the main treatment options select an appropriate, safe and sensible management plan recommend a safe radiotherapy technique, understanding and communicating the likely outcomes & side effects recommend a safe systemic treatment schedule, understanding and communicating their likely outcomes and side effects clearly discuss a likely prognosis in the case presented clearly demonstrate an ability to treat the patient sensitively, ensuring their comfort and dignity Oral Examination: The structured oral examination assesses in-depth issues surrounding radiotherapy planning, diagnostic imaging and clinical decision-making and case management. Communication and ethical scenarios are addressed during this examination. It will mirror day-to-day clinical discussions and MDT meetings, essential elements to a Clinical Oncologist's role in the UK. There are several slides per question, and your answers can lead to further questions on subsequent slides by the examiners. The questions build as the discussion develops, and this oral examination allows each step of the case to be assessed and discussed as it would be in a real-life clinical scenario.  The structured oral examinations allow for fair, valid and reliable assessments due to: uniformity of questions asked pairing of examiners (junior and senior) allowing for ongoing training and accurate data capture and marking four independent judgments of your performance the examination is blueprinted against both the curriculum and the range of RCR-designated skills required to be a competent oncologist in the NHS the use of an objective marking scheme which details the essential points required to pass each question As an overseas candidate, where & when can I sit the exams and how much will they cost me?  This link takes you to the examination updates section. Information on the dates, fees and venues for the FRCR examinations can found here.  How do I apply for the FRCR (Oncology) examinations? UK Trainees are given priority for examination places, whilst overseas candidates are offered the remaining places via a ballot system following the application closing date. If you've had your exam deferred due to cancellations over the last year, you will be prioritised.  The Royal College urges anyone applying to read the examinations guidance before doing so. Applications are made online via the Royal College website here. How should I prepare for the FRCR (Oncology) exams?  With lots of materials online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for resources and materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you prepare, see below:  Syllabus: The syllabus should always be your go-to for your studies. This is what you will be tested on, so it should be the foundation of your studies and preparation. As of May 2021 the new curriculum has been approved by the GMC but is pending full publication. You can find this on the Royal College website here. Clinical Oncology Curriculum implementation tools - a variety of tools are available to support the implementation of the new curricula. This page is very useful and has many different tools within the page. You can access it here. Remote proctoring guidance - this is a new system and as with anything techy, problems can arise! Use this section of the Royal College to familiarise yourself with the new system with the new normal. Access this page here. First FRCR examiners' reports - a guide for candidates and trainers preparing for future sittings. Access this here. Trainees share their experiences of the Final FRCR examination - a two-part audio series featuring trainees talking about their experiences of preparing for and taking the examination. Final FRCR examiner reports - a guide for candidates and trainers preparing for future sittings. Access the examiner reports archive here. Final FRCR Part B demonstration films - clinical and oral demonstration videos. Access the Part B demonstration films here. Sample oral questions - sample questions for the oral component of the Final FRCR Part B examination. You can access the sample questions here. Connect with the Royal College - connect with the Royal College on YouTube to see their numerous videos that can be used for training and information purposes. Their channel can be found here. IMG Oncologists Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. I passed the FRCR Oncology exams! What next? First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all three parts of your FRCR examinations, you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. This exam will form an integral part of any CESR application (if that is your route to specialist registration) and in most cases, if you have previous and relevant experience, will allow you to practice as a locum consultant clinical oncologist whilst you are not an accredited specialist on the specialist register.  For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

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!             

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:             

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.