The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) is the professional body responsible for the specialties of clinical oncology and clinical radiology throughout the United Kingdom. Its role is to advance the science and practice of radiology and oncology. The College sets and monitors the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession, and administers the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists exams (FRCR).
FRCR exams are held for the candidates during their specialty training for clinical radiology in the UK. It was a huge quantum leap when the RCR opened the exams for non-trainee radiologists. Another one occurred when the college made FRCR exams available for the first time in Egypt and the Middle East, really it was a miracle.
The RCR vision of the clinical radiology field, their approaches, methodologies, and curriculum are very prestigious and their clinical application greatly benefits not only the patients but the entire medical system.
FRCR exam consists of 3 stages:
1- First FRCR examination:
It expects candidates to have gained a knowledge of the physical principles that underpin diagnostic medical imaging and of the anatomy needed to perform and interpret radiological studies. It comprises two modules: Physics and Anatomy.
The anatomy module is a 90-minute exam comprising 100 images, where each image has several annotations, each of which in turn has a single related question. The physics module is a 120-minute multiple-choice question paper comprising 40 questions, each with five true or false answers.
The exam is held 3 times per year in March, June, and September.
2- Final FRCR part A examination:
It comprises single best answers, split into two separate papers for the purposes of delivery. Each paper contains 120 questions and examines candidates on all aspects of clinical radiology and the basic sciences of physics, anatomy, and techniques.
The main areas examined are:
1. Cardiothoracic and Vascular.
2. Musculoskeletal and Trauma.
3. Gastro-intestinal.
4. Genito-urinary, Adrenal, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Breast.
5. Paediatric.
6. Central Nervous and Head & Neck.
The exam is held 2 times per year in April and November.
3- Final FRCR part B examination:
It consists of a 2 days exam. The first day has 2 components a reporting session for 75 minutes and a rapid reporting session for 35 minutes. The second day is the oral examination. It is a little bit stressful exam contains 4 viva sessions, 15 minutes each.
The exam is held 4 times per year in January, March, June, and September.
The examination fees, venues, and timetables are variable from year to year. Each candidate should follow the RCR.ac.uk website to catch the updates. In order to book an exam, candidates are advised to have an account (my RCR account) on the RCR.ac.uk website registration section. With their RCR number (found in their account), candidates can log into the exam hub and start their booking according to the dates announced before. Now the RCR gives priority to the members for early registration, so candidates are advised to apply for membership as early as possible. It’s the responsibility of candidates to check their internet connection and methods of payment ahead. For further inquiries, please contact exams@rcr.ac.uk.