Sitting the FRCR 2B exam for the first time can feel like stepping into the unknown — long cases, short cases, vivas, new formats, and high stakes. But if you’re early in your prep or about to face your first attempt, here’s what past candidates wish they’d known before their exam day.

This guide blends insights from real candidates, examiners, Reddit forums, and faculty advice to give you a head start.

🧭 1. The Format Has Changed — Know Exactly What to Expect

As of June 2025, the FRCR Part 2B exam has the following structure:

🔹 Written Component

• Long Cases:

  • 6 cases in 75 minutes

  • Each case includes multiple modalities including CT, ultrasound, radionuclide and MR scans. Cross-sectional imaging may comprise more than one sequence, which can be scrolled through.

  • Candidates type their answers into an online platform

• Short Cases (New Format):

  • 25 cases in 120 minutes

  • Candidates will have to include a short report and recommended next steps in management in the answer field

  • The image can be viewed using PACS functions.

  • Questions can be flagged to come back to them later

📌 Important: The *short case paper replaces the rapid reporting component.

🔹 Oral (Viva) Component

• Two viva exams, each 30 minutes

• Conducted by two examiners per station (total 4 examiners)

• You will be shown up to 8 cases per viva

• Cases are projected; you’ll be expected to describe findings, offer a diagnosis, and answer follow-up questions

🎤 Tip from the RCR: Examiners expect a structured, concise presentation. They may interrupt — this isn’t a bad sign.

✅ Tips from the RCR (and What Past Candidates Wish They Knew)

1. Read the clinical information carefully before diving into the image

2. In long cases, give focused answers using the structured question format. No marks are given for general commentary or irrelevant information

3. In short cases, you won’t be able to scroll or adjust images — train with static image sets

4. For the viva, be aware that:

   • Examiners might use a variety of modalities (plain film, CT, MRI, ultrasound, etc.)

   • You’re being assessed not just on diagnosis, but your ability to reason, explain, and communicate clearlyunder pressure

   • Structured and logical presentation is key. Rambling loses marks. Silence is OK if you need a moment to think

⏱ 2. Time Management Isn’t Optional — It’s a Skill

The FRCR 2B exam is tight on time — and managing that time well can make the difference between passing and falling just short.

🖥️ Long Cases (75 minutes)

You’ll face 6 cases, each with structured questions.
That’s just over 12 minutes per case, and each one will likely have 3–5 questions.

• Spend no more than 2 minutes reading the case and planning your answer

• Allocate 2–3 minutes per question, and move on

• If a question is vague, answer to the best of your ability — don’t dwell too long

🎯 Tip: Practise typing structured answers under timed conditions — this isn’t about writing essays, it’s about clarity and efficiency.

📷 Short Cases (120 minutes)

You’ll be shown 25 cases, and will have to include a short report and recommended next steps in management.
That gives you just under 5 minutes per case.

• Read the clinical history carefully

• View the images before typing in an the short report and recommended management

• Trust your training — overthinking can cost time and marks

• Flag uncertain cases and return later only if time allows

🧠 Tip: Speed matters, but don’t sacrifice accuracy — aim for calm, consistent pace rather than rushing.

🎤 Viva (2 x 30-minute sessions)

Two 30-minute viva exams with two examiners each. You’ll be shown up to 8 cases per session.

• Examiners will guide you through each case

• Focus on brief but structured presentations

• Don’t be thrown off by interruptions — it often means you’re on the right track

• Keep an eye on the clock — but trust the examiners to pace the session

💬 Tip: Practice mock vivas with strict timing. Learn to answer clearly in 1–2 minutes per case, anticipating follow-up questions.

🧠 3. Practice Delivery — Not Just Diagnosis

You can know the diagnosis but lose marks if you can’t communicate it clearly under pressure.

What helps:

• Use a structured format:
  ➤ Observation → Interpretation → Principal Diagnosis → Differentials → Management

• Practise with peers — simulate the viva environment

• Use exam-style software or mirror exam conditions when possible

“I wish someone had told me how important delivery was — not just what I saw but how I said it.”

🔍 4. Overcalling Normal Cases Is a Common Pitfall

Many candidates lose marks by reading too much into normal findings.
If you’ve reviewed an image properly and find nothing, trust that judgment.

🩻 Tip: Confidence in calling something normal is just as important as spotting the abnormal.

Practise distinguishing normal from abnormal under timed pressure — it builds confidence and efficiency.

🎓 5. It’s a Test of Technique, Not Just Knowledge

Successful candidates aren’t always those with the deepest radiology knowledge. They’re the ones who:

• Present clearly

• Handle pressure calmly

• Use time efficiently

• Stick to a structured approach

Make technique part of your prep:

• Record yourself doing mock vivas

• Use a timer for every case

• Get feedback on how you present, not just what you say

📚 6. Resources Matter — But Don’t Get Lost in Them

You don’t need 10 question banks. Instead:

• Choose one strong long case bank

• Use curated short case packs that mirror current format

• Watch recorded vivas to train your ear for delivery style

• Join live teaching sessions or study groups to practise in real time

Look for quality over quantity — and use resources that simulate the current exam format.

💬 7. Vivas Are Nerve-Wracking — But You Can Train for That

Every candidate is nervous. The key is to build fluency, not eliminate nerves.

Try:

• Practising with a friend or mentor who pushes you to verbalise under pressure

• Mock viva circuits, ideally with unfamiliar people

• Practising openers so you always have a confident start to each case

“I knew the answers, but I froze. After a few mocks, I learned how to get going even when I was unsure.”

🛠 8. Prepare Like It’s Game Day

During your final month:

• Simulate entire exam sittings with breaks and timing

• Wear what you’ll wear on the day

• Practise on a computer, not a phone or printout

• Review not just what went wrong, but what went well

It’s about training your body and mind for the rhythm of the real exam.

🧾 9. What First-Time Candidates Say They Regret

• “I didn’t realise how structured my viva answers needed to be.”

• “I spent too much time revising rare things instead of mastering core topics.”

• “I ignored timing in practice, and I paid the price.”

• “I underestimated how tiring it would be — pacing is everything.”

✅ Final Thoughts

Your first FRCR 2B sitting doesn’t have to be a shot in the dark.
By understanding the new format, preparing with structure, and simulating real conditions, you can go in with clarity and confidence.

You don’t need to be perfect — but you do need to be calm, structured, and time-aware.

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