Final FRCR Part A examination

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The Final FRCR Part A examination (colloquially known as Part 2A exam) is part of the standard set of examinations taken by radiology registrars in their 3 year of training who have completed the First FRCR examination. The exam format was updated in 2017, returning to a single examination rather than six modular assessments. Completion of the Final Part A examination is a prerequisite for applying for the Final Part B exam (Part 2B exam).

Exam format

In February 2016 the Royal College of Radiologists announced they had gained approval from the General Medical Council (GMC) in changing the current six-module exam format to a synoptic two paper exam to be sat in the third year of training.

The examination consists of two papers, sat on the same day. Both papers consist of 120 single best answer (SBA) style questions, with three hours provided for each paper. The examination covers a range of general and specialty topics, mixed together. There is no negative marking.

Further information is available on the Royal College of Radiologists' website including application details and exam dates.

Previous format

Previously there were six papers, each covering a body system(s)-based module, sat throughout the second and third year of training:

  • cardiothoracic and vascular
  • musculoskeletal and trauma
  • gastrointestinal and hepatopancreaticobiliary
  • genitourinary, adrenal, obstetric & gynecology and breast
  • pediatrics
  • central nervous system and head & neck

Each paper consisted of 75 single best answer (SBA) questions and each exam was two hours long.

Transitional arrangements

Candidates that fail to pass at least three modules by the autumn 2017 sitting will not be allowed to take any more modular exams and will have to clear the new synoptic Final Part A.

Those that have passed at least three modules by autumn 2017 will be allowed to attempt a further two sittings to pass their remaining three modules for a period of one year, into 2018.

Radiology training