First FRCR examination

The fellowship examinations start at the beginning of the Specialty Training Year 1 (ST1). The First FRCR examination 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.[5][6] The First FRCR examination comprises two modules: Physics and Anatomy. The anatomy modules is a 90-minute exam comprising 100 images, where each image has several annotations, each of which in turn has a single related question.[7] The physics module is a 120-minute multiple choice question paper comprising 40 questions, each with five true or false answers.[7]

Final FRCR Part A examination

The Final FRCR Part A examination comprises single best answers, split into two separate papers for the purposes of delivery. Each paper contains 120 questions and examining candidates on all aspects of clinical radiology and the basic sciences of physics, anatomy and techniques.[8]

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

Final FRCR Part B examination

During the ST4 training, the specialty trainees are expected to complete the Final FRCR Part B. The Final FRCR (Part B) examination consists of a reporting session, a rapid reporting session and an oral examination.[9]

The extensive examination provided by the RCR ensures a high quality and standard of radiology consultants. It has been deemed as one of the hardest examinations in the medical profession, along with the FRCA and FRCPath.