To work as a Radiologist in the UK, you will need full FRCR and a pass in IELTS or OET – obtaining these qualifications will provide you with GMC Registration.
Full FRCR includes passing: First FRCR, FRCR 2A, FRCR 2B.
In today’s post, we focus on First FRCR. We cover the exam cost, structure, modules tested, exam test centres and useful revision resources.
The First FRCR exam expects doctors to have gained an appropriate level of knowledge of the physical principles that underpin diagnostic medical imaging and of the anatomy needed to perform and interpret radiological studies.
Physics |
£253 |
Anatomy |
£253 |
Total |
£506 |
The exam consists of two modules:
Both of the exams are held over a two-day period three times a year: typically, in March, June and September. The two exams will be held on different days.
Click here to find out upcoming exam dates.
You will be deemed to pass the First FRCR once both exam modules have been passed.
Please note, you cannot attempt First FRCR more than six times.
The Royal College of Radiologists requires applicants to hold a formal clinical radiology training post in which they are actively receiving clinical radiology training to enter the First FRCR exam. However, no minimum period is required to enter.
UK locations: Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, London and Manchester.
International locations: Hong Kong and Singapore.
You will be presented with 100 images with one question per image. Most of the questions will be structured as “what structure does the arrow point to?” however, you may also be asked “what anatomical variant is demonstrated?” or “at what age does the structure arrowed normally fuse during skeletal development”?
The exam format will be as follows:
You will be tested within the following modules: head, neck and spine, chest and cardiovascular, abdomen and pelvis and musculoskeletal. There will also be a few questions Paediatric images and normal variants.
You will have 90 minutes to view the images and record your answers. You will receive two marks for a correct answer and one mark for an answer which is correct but not completely accurate and zero marks for an incorrect answer.
During the exam, keystrokes and screen activity are monitored and recorded centrally.
Passing FRCR Part 1: Cracking Anatomy
FRCR Part 1 Anatomy Mock Examinations
Radiological Anatomy for FRCR Part 1
This exam consists of 200 true or false questions and you will be presented with 40 stems (question or statement) and then five statements for each stem which will need to be marked true or false.
You will have two hours to answer the questions.
During this exam, you will be tested in the following areas: basic science, x-ray imaging, CT imaging, ultrasound imaging, MR imaging, nuclear imaging, radiation dosimetry and protection and legislation.
Please note, the exam is not negatively marked and therefore you are encouraged to answer all questions.
Get Through First FRCR: Multiple-Choice-Questions for the Physics Module
A Radiologist’s on Physics for the FRCR Exam
Radiology Multiple-Choice-Questions
Please click here to gain access to the Royal College’s Guidance Notes for Applicants.
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If you have made steps towards obtaining your GMC Registration – email your CV to [email protected] and we would love to support you through the process.
Clarke, C. (2019). First FRCR exam. ] Radiology Cafe. Available at: https://www.radiologycafe.com/radiology-trainees/first-frcr-exam#physics_books [Accessed 4 Feb. 2019].
Rcr.ac.uk. (2019). First FRCR Examination | The Royal College of Radiologists. ] Available at: https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/first-frcr-examination [Accessed 4 Feb. 2019].
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