A simple step-by-step guide for candidates starting the FRCR pathway

The FRCR exam is run by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR), the professional body for clinical radiology in the UK. The RCR sets the curriculum, exam format, and expected standards for safe radiology practice.

Important: Older online articles may show outdated counts/format details. Candidates should always use current RCR guidance for the latest structure

Before Part 1: Essential Early Steps

This is where candidates often lose time! Do this early.

1. Set up your RCR Exam Hub Account

Ensure you set up your account early for booking, managing bookings, and viewing results. Avoid duplicate accounts by following RCR guidance.

• Link to Exam Hub

• Set up RCR Login

2. Membership & Booking Windows

RCR uses booking windows, and your membership status can affect your booking access timing.. If membership applies to your route, do this in advance so you are ready when booking opens.

3. Documents to Keep Ready

Prepare these before bookings open:

• Correct legal name/details matching your ID

• Primary medical qualification details

• Clinical radiology training details/dates

• Required declarations for eligibility at your exam stage (for later parts, this can include head-of-department or supervisor confirmation per RCR guidance)

• Payment method and booking details ready

Always check the latest guidance notes for your specific exam part, as requirements and processes may change.

Where to Sit the Exam?

To sit the FRCR exams, candidates must ensure that they are registered with the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and select an accredited test centre. Specific locations and availability depend on your current location and exam stage. Candidates can find specific test centres listed on the RCR website and will need to select their preferred location during the registration process.

What is tested in each FRCR part?

Part 1 (CR1): Anatomy + Physics

• Anatomy: 90 minutes, 100 questions focusing on radiological image-based anatomical recognition, including a variety of imaging modalities (radiographs, CT, ultrasound, MRI, fluoroscopic studies). Only normal anatomy is tested, not pathology. Key areas include:

  • Head & Neck: Brain, skull, face & neck

  • Thorax: Cardiovascular, bronchopulmonary, chest wall & diaphragm, breast & axilla

  • Abdomen & Pelvis: Bowel, upper abdominal viscera, abdominal wall, spaces & planes, genitourinary tract, gynaecology, vascular supply, lymph node groups

  • Musculoskeletal system: Spine, upper limb, lower limb

  Physics: 2 hours, 40 questions with T/F questions, testing core imaging science principles, radiation concepts, safety, and modality fundamentals. Topics include:

  • Matter and radiation

  • Common themes for multiple imaging modalities

  • Radiography & Fluoroscopy

  • Radionuclide imaging

  • Radiation Safety

  • Computed tomography, Magnetic resonance & Ultrasound

Part 2A (CR2A): Written SBA exam

Format: Two written Single Best Answer (SBA) papers.

What it Tests: Broad clinical radiology knowledge across key domains:

• Cardiothoracic and vascular

• Musculoskeletal and trauma

• Gastro-intestinal

• Genito-urinary, adrenal, obstetrics and gynaecology, and breast

• Paediatric

• Central nervous system, head and neck

Note: This is a breadth and application exam, not just a memorisation test.

Part 2B (CR2B): Reporting + Oral Performance

Part 2B includes three components in one sitting:

1. Short Case Reporting

2. Long Case Reporting

3. Oral Examination

What Each Component Tests:

• Short Case Reporting:

  • Rapid abnormality recognition

  • Safe reporting under time pressure

• Long Case Reporting:

  • Structured interpretation

  • Differential quality

  • Management-focused reasoning

• Oral:

  • Clinical judgement

  • Clear communication

  • Ability to justify decisions under questioning

Where to Find Mock Exams, Sample Questions, or Past Questions?

It’s highly beneficial to practice with mock exams and sample questions before sitting the FRCR. Platforms like Radiology Café and IMAIOS e-Anatomy offer free and paid mock exams that closely resemble the actual FRCR exams. Radiology Café, for example, provides mock anatomy exams, while IMAIOS e-Anatomy offers an online platform for anatomical learning through interactive resources. You can also refer to textbooks and online platforms for past exam questions.

Where to Find Relevant Courses?

Relevant courses can be found through the RCR website, other medical education platforms, or directly from universities offering clinical radiology programs. Be sure to check if the courses are accredited by the RCR for exam preparation.

How to Find the Right Resources?

Look for resources that cover the FRCR exam curriculum thoroughly. The best resources will include textbooks, online courses, and practice papers that match the exam format. Ask fellow candidates or faculty members for recommendations on which resources helped them the most.

How Much Time Should I Be Spending on Revision Daily?

The ideal daily revision time varies depending on your personal schedule and prior experience. Most candidates suggest dedicating 3-4 hours per day for consistent and effective preparation. However, it's important to emphasize that consistency and the quality of your study sessions are more important than the number of hours spent. Break down your study sessions into manageable blocks focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects of radiology.

What Is the Best and Quickest Way to Pass the Exam?

There’s no shortcut to passing the FRCR exams, but the following strategies can improve your chances of success:

• Regular revision using high-quality materials

• Consistent practice with past exam papers

• Attending focused preparation courses

• Building a study routine and practicing under exam conditions to get comfortable with time constraints

How to Get in Touch with Others Sitting the FRCR Exam?

Joining online forums or social media groups dedicated to FRCR candidates can help you connect with others. There are also RCR-linked networking events, webinars, and study groups that can provide support and guidance during your preparation.

How Long Will It Take to Complete the FRCR Exams?

The length of time it takes to complete the FRCR exams depends on your personal preparation and the availability of exam dates. On average, candidates take about 2-4 years to complete all parts of the FRCR exam.

Exam Overview

The Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) is completed in stages during clinical radiology training. Most candidates move through three parts of the exam pathway. The standard exam sequence is:

1. First FRCR Part 1 (CR1): Anatomy + Physics

2. Final FRCR Part 2A (CR2A): Two written SBA papers

3. Final FRCR Part 2B (CR2B): Short case reporting, Long case reporting & Oral examinations (Vivas)

You must pass each stage to move on to the next.

Why the FRCR matters

The Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) is the postgraduate qualification required to practise as a consultant clinical radiologist in the UK. It is also pursued by many international candidates for career progression, stronger reporting skills, international recognition, and to keep UK career pathways open.

The FRCR is highly respected as it tests both knowledge and practical performance under exam conditions.

RCR also publishes CR2B scoring information, examiners reports, exam regulations and recent format-change pages, so candidates should check the latest version before their sitting.