FRCR 2A Exam Format and Curriculum

The RCR formally calls it the Final FRCR Part A examination. It is the final written knowledge examination in general clinical radiology and assesses the broad clinical experience expected after two complete years of general radiology training.

It is not simply a test of naming abnormalities. Candidates need to interpret clinical and radiological information, distinguish between plausible alternatives, select appropriate imaging and understand the management implications of their findings.

The RCR treats the 240 questions as one overall assessment: there is no separate pass or fail outcome for the individual papers. At three hours for 120 questions, the average time is about 90 seconds per question, although some items will be faster than others.

Each correct answer scores one mark. Incorrect answers score zero, with no negative marking, so candidates should answer every item even when uncertain between options.

The RCR conducts expert and statistical review after each sitting. Questions may be removed where error or material ambiguity is identified, with the pass mark adjusted so candidates are not disadvantaged.

No. The standard is initially set using a modified Angoff process, in which subject matter experts consider the expected performance of a just-passing candidate. The final pass mark uses a Hofstee compromise that considers both the standard-setting judgement and candidate performance, so the pass mark and pass rate can vary between sittings.

This is why a percentage in a commercial question bank should not be treated as a guaranteed pass or fail prediction. Scores are more useful for identifying repeated knowledge gaps, weak curriculum areas and difficulty working under time pressure.

The papers contain a mixture of questions across the curriculum. The RCR does not publish a fixed quota for each area in its candidate guidance, so it is safer to build broad coverage than to try to predict an exact paper composition.

The scope includes normal anatomy and variants, pathological imaging appearances, congenital abnormalities, imaging technique, differential diagnosis, management and imaging pathways, interventions, contrast and drug safety, relevant applied physics, molecular biology, medical statistics and interpretation of clinical trials.

The intended standard is broad and applied rather than a collection of obscure syndromes. Candidates must still discriminate between plausible answers using the clinically important details in the stem.

An SBA question contains a stem or clinical vignette, a lead-in and five options. The options may all seem plausible, but one is the best answer in the specific context given. Read the lead-in before committing to a diagnosis: the task may be to choose an investigation, protocol, management step or characteristic imaging feature instead.

1. Identify the exact task.
2. Form a provisional answer before looking at the options.
3. Review all five options.
4. Remove answers that conflict with the clinical context or imaging findings.
5. Compare the remaining options against the decisive details in the stem.

Image-rich learning remains essential, but written SBA preparation also matters. Good practice involves extracting decisive information, comparing plausible alternatives, recognising the exact task, rejecting distractors for a reason and making decisions under time pressure.

Use question practice alongside clinical attachments, MDT experience, textbooks, review articles, current guidelines and R-ITI. The RCR also advises candidates not to rely on recalled examination questions or treat question banks as their only source of learning.

The 2A Bank is designed around the published SBA structure and the intended broad standard of the examination. Questions are original, text-led, distributed across the six curriculum areas and supported by editorial explanations. Candidates can report ambiguity, stronger competing answers or new evidence so the bank can improve through continued review.

Once you understand the examination structure, organise preparation around broad curriculum coverage, regular question practice and timed mocks. In the final weeks, practical arrangements matter too: a calm journey and a clear plan for each paper remove avoidable pressure.

• RCR guidance notes for candidates
• RCR guidance on the SBA format
• RCR purpose of assessment statement

Dates, venues, fees, booking arrangements and regulations can change. Check the RCR directly before every sitting.