FRCPath Examination Guide for Microbiologists

The FRCPath (Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists) in Medical Microbiology is the gold-standard qualification for microbiologists aiming for senior or consultant-level positions in the UK. Whether you're a UK trainee or an international doctor pursuing GMC Specialist Registration, passing the FRCPath demonstrates your competence in laboratory diagnostics, infection prevention, and general microbiology practice.

In this blog, we break down the structure, preparation process, duration, and costs of the FRCPath exams for aspiring medical microbiologists.

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What is the FRCPath?

The FRCPath in Medical Microbiology is awarded by the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath). It consists of two parts and is designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of medical microbiology, virology, infection control, and laboratory management.

Upon successful completion, candidates are awarded the FRCPath designation and are eligible to apply for consultant posts or use the qualification for CESR to join the GMC Specialist Register.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the FRCPath (Medical Microbiology)

Step 1: Ensure Eligibility

To sit Part 1, you typically need:

• A recognised medical degree

• Some experience in microbiology or infection services

To sit Part 2, you must:

• Have passed Part 1

• Have at least 3 years of relevant postgraduate experience in medical microbiology or infectious diseases

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Exam Structure: What’s Involved?

FRCPath Part 1 – Theoretical Knowledge

Format:

• Two written papers, each 3 hours long

• Paper 1: Essay-style questions (4 questions from a choice of 5)

• Paper 2: Short-answer questions

  
  

Topics Covered:

• Basic microbiology and immunology

• Clinical microbiology (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic infections)

• Infection prevention and control

• Antimicrobial resistance and stewardship

• Laboratory techniques and governance

• Molecular diagnostics and epidemiology

  
  

When Offered: Twice a year (Spring and Autumn sessions)

FRCPath Part 2 – Practical Competency

Format:

Held over multiple days (usually 3–4 days) in-person, typically at the RCPath headquarters in London.

Assessment Components:

1. Written Exercises

   • Interpretation of laboratory data

   • Clinical scenarios requiring decision-making

2. Practical Tasks

   • Antimicrobial susceptibility interpretation

   • Lab reporting exercises

3. Structured Oral Examination (Viva)

   • Case-based discussion with examiners

   • Management of complex infections, outbreak control, and multidisciplinary communication

Focus:

Demonstrates readiness for independent clinical practice, lab management, and patient-facing microbiology duties.

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Duration of the Exam Process

• UK Trainees: Usually complete both parts within 5 years (ST1–ST5 training programme)

• International Candidates: Varies depending on experience and preparation; average completion time is 2–4 years

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Best Revision Resources

For FRCPath Part 1:

• Books & Guides:

  • Medical Microbiology by Murray, Rosenthal & Pfaller

  • Jawetz, Melnick, & Adelberg’s Medical Microbiology

  • Infections and Their Control (Cambridge Clinical Guides)

• Online Resources:

  • Microbiology Book from Oxford Clinical Microbiology

  • FRCPath Part 1 Facebook groups, study cohorts, and flashcards

  • Online MCQ banks (e.g. Microbiology Bites, QBase)

    
    

For FRCPath Part 2:

• Key Practice Topics:

  • Blood culture interpretation

  • Antibiogram and resistance mechanism interpretation

  • Infection control reports

  • Preparing reports for clinicians and MDTs

• Books:

  • Topley & Wilson’s Microbiology & Microbial Infections

  • Infectious Diseases, Pathology, and Management by Cohen & Powderly

• Mock viva practice with senior colleagues or FRCPath coaches

• UKHSA & NICE guidelines for current national practices

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Exam Preparation Tips

For Part 1:

• Allow 4–6 months of structured study

• Create a topic list and rotate through systems and pathogens

• Join an online study group or partner for accountability

• Focus on understanding clinical relevance, not just lab data

For Part 2:

• Start preparing at least 6–8 months in advance

• Practice writing lab reports and clinical notes under timed conditions

• Set up mock viva sessions

• Review real case studies from your own practice

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For the approximate cost of completing the examination, please click here.