The FRCR exam is divided into three parts:
FRCR Part 1: The First FRCR examination is the first step towards achieving the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) qualification awarded by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR), UK. It assesses the knowledge of the sciences that underpin clinical radiology and is intended for trainees in formal radiology training.
The examination consists of two separate modules: First FRCR Anatomy and First FRCR Physics. Candidates may sit the two modules independently and are required to pass both to complete the First FRCR examination. The Anatomy examination assesses the ability to recognise and identify anatomical structures on radiological images, while the Physics examination evaluates understanding of the physical principles underlying diagnostic imaging and radiation safety.
Successful completion of FRCR Part 1 demonstrates that a candidate has acquired the core scientific knowledge expected of a radiology trainee and provides the foundation required to progress to FRCR Part 2A and FRCR Part 2B. As the entry point to the FRCR exam pathway, First FRCR plays a vital role in preparing trainees for advanced radiology training and clinical practice.
FRCR Part 2A: The FRCR Part 2A exam is the second stage of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) qualification awarded by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR), UK. Designed to assess advanced clinical radiology knowledge, the FRCR Part 2A examination evaluates a candidate’s understanding of the core subspecialties of radiology and their ability to apply radiological knowledge in clinical practice.
According to the Royal College of Radiologists, the FRCR Part 2A exam is delivered electronically and consists of two papers conducted over two consecutive days. Each paper contains 120 Single Best Answer (SBA) questions and has a duration of three hours. The examination assesses knowledge across a wide range of areas within clinical radiology, requiring candidates to demonstrate a strong understanding of imaging principles, disease processes, diagnosis, and radiological decision-making.
As a key component of the FRCR exam pathway, the FRCR Part 2A examination bridges the gap between the scientific foundations tested in FRCR Part 1 and the practical reporting and communication skills assessed in FRCR Part 2B. Success in the FRCR Part 2A exam confirms that a candidate possesses the level of radiology knowledge expected during specialist training and is prepared to progress towards the final stage of the FRCR qualification.
FRCR Part 2B: The FRCR Part 2B exam is the final stage of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) qualification awarded by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR), UK. The examination is designed to assess whether candidates can apply their radiological knowledge effectively in clinical practice and demonstrate the skills expected of a radiologist nearing completion of specialist training.
The FRCR Part 2B examination consists of three components: reporting, rapid reporting, and oral examination. These sections assess a candidate’s ability to interpret imaging studies accurately, identify significant abnormalities, prioritise findings, communicate effectively, and apply clinical judgement in radiological decision-making. The examination is delivered digitally using the RCR’s designated examination platform.
The reporting component evaluates a candidate’s ability to analyse imaging cases and produce structured radiology reports, while the rapid reporting component focuses on the identification of important abnormalities across a series of imaging studies within a limited timeframe. The oral examination assesses image interpretation, clinical reasoning, communication skills, and the ability to justify diagnostic and management decisions in discussion with examiners.
As the final assessment in the FRCR exam pathway, the FRCR Part 2B exam confirms a candidate’s readiness for independent radiological practice and represents the last step towards achieving the internationally recognised FRCR qualification.
