What is FRCR?
FRCR – Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists is the title conferred on a doctor who holds the FRCR degree of the Royal College of Radiologists, and is recognised as a specialist in radiology by the General Medical Council. The degree was first introduced in 1922 with the formation of the College, and was awarded by the University of Durham until 1991; since then it has been awarded by Newcastle University.
Purpose of FRCR Examination
To be a consultant radiologist in the United Kingdom, it is necessary to obtain the qualification of FRCR. The scope of practice permitted to doctors with this qualification can vary from one trust or region to another. In general, the FRCR examinations test candidates on their knowledge of anatomy essential for diagnostic radiology and imaging procedures required for interventional radiology as well as laboratory medicine (serology, microbiology, haematology) or Nuclear Medicine / PET). Medical ethics are also covered within all parts of the examination.
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FRCR Exam format:
The examination takes place over three days (Friday to Sunday) at the end of April each year. The examination is split into three sections: Diagnostic Radiology; Therapeutic Radiology and Non-Radiology (which covers material not included in either of the first two subjects, including Cardiac Imaging, Abdominal Imaging, and Musculoskeletal Imaging). Sections differ slightly in length from year to year but are roughly 8 hours each. The examination consists of a number of objective structured clinical assessments (OSCAs) and written case reports which must be completed in given time.
Who can apply for the FRCR Exam?
All overseas doctors whose degree is from an accredited institution or who have been granted a certificate by the General Medical Council (GMC) can apply for their FRCR examination which takes place in England and Wales. Each year on October 1st, all overseas doctors wishing to take the examination must register as an applicant with the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR). The FRCR examination is held each year in early May/early June and all applications received by the RCR must be accompanied by proof of graduation. A candidate can apply for up to two examinations; however, a doctor who has taken the exam within the previous three years will not normally be granted entry into another until three years afterward, or if successful on appeal to the RCR Board of Examiners.
How to apply for the FRCR Exam?
To apply for the FRCR exam, you must first contact the RCR and request an application form which is available online. You will need to submit three references as well. The references should preferably be recent (from within the past two years), but if they are from more than two years ago it is still possible to submit them, just explain why your references are older. It is the candidate’s responsibility to check with their referees that their information is correct and up-to-date, including email addresses. Applicants must also email a copy of their certificate of graduation from an accredited university or college together with details of any degree exemptions obtained to the RCR to apply@frcr.org.uk at least six weeks before the relevant application deadline.
Once the RCR has received all necessary documents they will issue an acknowledgment letter within seven working days which confirms receipt of your application along with further examination details such as course dates and timetable etc…
Examination Fees
The total cost for sitting the examination for overseas doctors in 2016 was £2,376 (application fee £192, examination fee £2,184).
The cost of the application fee will be returned to unsuccessful candidates. Application fees are payable in US dollars by credit card for overseas doctors that have already passed their first OSCA and wish to sit the remaining two exams on the same day. In addition to this, an administration charge is made when your sponsorship has been approved by the Royal College for Radiologists (this applies even if you subsequently drop out of the exam).