Overview of FRCR Part 2A

The FRCR Part 2A examination is the second stage of the FRCR assessment and is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of clinical radiology. Unlike Part 1, which focuses on anatomy and physics, Part 2A assesses the breadth of radiological knowledge across different subspecialties and imaging modalities.

The exam consists of two papers, each with 120 single-best-answer (SBA) questions. Both papers are sat on the same day, with a short break between them. Each paper lasts 3 hours, giving candidates approximately 90 seconds per question.

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Exam Format

• Type of questions: Single-best-answer (SBA).
  • A clinical stem is provided, often including history, examination findings, and/or imaging.
  • Five options are given, of which one is the best answer.
  • All questions are positively marked (no negative marking).
• Scope: Questions are based on day-to-day clinical radiology practice, covering both diagnosis and management. They integrate knowledge of pathology, imaging findings, and appropriate imaging pathways.

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Curriculum Coverage

The exam is designed to reflect the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) curriculum. Questions are drawn from the following subspecialty areas, with roughly equal distribution across the two papers:

• Cardiothoracic & Vascular
• Gastrointestinal
• Genitourinary, Adrenal, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Breast
• Musculoskeletal & Trauma
• Head, Neck & CNS
• Paediatrics

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Key Points for FRCR 2A Preparation

• Normal and pathological imaging are tested. Unlike Part 1 Anatomy, candidates are expected to recognise pathology, understand disease processes, and apply clinical reasoning.
• Modalities: All common imaging modalities may be included—plain radiographs, CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, fluoroscopy, and interventional radiology.
• Clinical emphasis: Questions often assess not only recognition of abnormalities but also:
  • Most likely diagnosis
  • Differential diagnoses
  • Next best imaging test
  • Appropriate management/referral pathways
• Paediatric radiology is included and carries equal weight—ensure good understanding of normal paediatric anatomy, pathology, and imaging differences compared to adults.
• Exam technique:
  • Read the clinical stem carefully—important clues are often included in the history or patient context.
  • Avoid overthinking—identify the most appropriate answer rather than trying to argue for multiple options.
  • Manage time—90 seconds per question can feel fast; pace yourself steadily.
• Marking: Only the single best answer scores the mark. Partially correct answers do not gain credit.

FRCR 2A Marking and Pass Mark

Each question in FRCR Part 2A is marked as 1 mark for the single best answer. There are 240 questions in total (120 questions per paper × 2 papers), giving a maximum of 240 marks available.

The pass mark is not fixed. It is determined by standard-setting methods (such as Angoff or similar approaches) and may vary slightly between sittings, depending on the overall difficulty of the papers and candidate performance. In practice, the pass mark usually falls in the range of approximately 55–65%.

Exam Dates and Venues

Exam Dates

There are 3 sittings for the FRCR Part 1 exam in 2025/2026 – November 2025, April 2026 and November 2026:

November 2025:

• Paper 1 – Tuesday 4 November 2025
• Paper 2 – Wednesday 5 November 2025

April 2026:

• Paper 1 – Tuesday 14 April 2026
• Paper 2 – Wednesday 15 April 2026

November 2026:

• Paper 1 – Tuesday 3 November 2026
• Paper 2 – Wednesday 4 November 2026

Exam Venues

In the UK, the exam will be held in the following locations: Belfast, Bridgend Wales, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, and Plymouth.

Internationally, the exam will be held in the following locations: Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, and Singapore.

Please note the above dates and venues are subject to change and you should check the RCR website for the most up to date information.

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