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The Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) is a postgraduate qualification that recognizes the competence and proficiency of medical practitioners who specialize in radiology. The certification is awarded by the Royal College of Radiologists in the United Kingdom. Are you a medical aspirant preparing for the FRCR exam? Here, we will delve into the eligibility criteria you need to qualify to apply for FRCR exams.

What is FRCR?

The FRCR exam is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates the candidate’s knowledge and skills in a range of radiological specialties, including diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology, and nuclear medicine. The exam consists of three components: FRCR Part 1, Part 2A, and Part 2B.

FRCR Part 1 Exam

The First FRCR exam – FRCR Part 1 is the initial assessment that tests the candidate’s basic knowledge and understanding of radiology. The exam consists of two papers, both of which are three hours long. The first paper consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and tests the candidate’s knowledge of anatomy, physics, and image interpretation. The second paper consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and focuses on clinical radiology, including imaging techniques, imaging interpretation, and patient management.

To apply for FRCR Part 1, the Royal College of Radiologists does not require you to submit any proof of training. Ensure to keep your passport and photo handy at the time of application. If you are doing your radiology training in the United Kingdom, then you have to get the approval letter of the Training Programme Director before applying for the exam.

FRCR Part 2A Exam:

The Final FRCR Part A exam is a more advanced assessment that tests the candidate’s clinical knowledge and problem-solving skills in radiology. The exam consists of two papers, each of which is three hours long. The first paper consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and focuses on musculoskeletal imaging, gastrointestinal imaging, and neuroradiology.
The second paper consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and focuses on chest imaging, cardiovascular imaging, and genitourinary imaging.

Once you have passed both FRCR Part 1 Anatomy and Physics, you can apply for FRCR 2A. However, you need to complete at least 24 months of radiology training to be eligible.

Final FRCR Part 2B Exam

The Final FRCR Part 2B exam is the most advanced assessment and tests the candidate’s practical skills and clinical judgment in radiology. For sitting the FRCR 2B exam, you should pass the final FRCR Part A exam. You need to further complete 34 months in a formal clinical radiology training post.

The FRCR exam is a standard of excellence in radiology and is recognized globally as a benchmark for radiological expertise. Preparing for the exam can be challenging, but with the right resources and study methods, candidates can increase their chances of success and achieve their goals in the field of radiology.