FRCR Examination Guide for Clinical Oncologists

jakubdebski7
Apr 17
2 min read

The FRCR (Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists) in Clinical Oncology is a vital qualification for doctors training or practising in cancer treatment and radiotherapy, especially for those pursuing a consultant role in the NHS or aiming for GMC Specialist Registration in the UK.

Whether you’re a UK trainee or an international medical graduate (IMG), this blog will guide you through the FRCR exam process—from structure and costs to preparation tips and timelines.

🩺 What Is the FRCR (Clinical Oncology)?

The FRCR in Clinical Oncology is awarded by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR). It assesses a doctor’s knowledge and practical competence in oncology, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and general cancer management.

It consists of three parts:

First FRCR Examination (Basic Sciences)
FRCR Part 2A (Clinical Knowledge)
FRCR Part 2B (Final Clinical Assessment

🛤️ Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the FRCR (Clinical Oncology)

Step 1: First FRCR Examination

When:

Typically taken in ST3 or early specialty training

Content:

Two modules:
1. Cancer Biology and Radiobiology
2. Clinical Pharmacology (Chemotherapy)

Format:

Two written papers (2.5 hours each)
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with single best answers

Topics Covered:

Tumour biology, radiation physics, DNA damage/repair
Chemotherapy agents, mechanisms, toxicity, pharmacokinetics

Step 2: FRCR Part 2A – Clinical Oncology

When:

Usually during ST4–ST5 training

Format:

Two written papers, each with 120 single best answer (SBA) questions
Questions cover both site-specific oncology and cross-cutting themes

Topics Covered:

Breast, lung, GI, urological, CNS, gynaecological, and skin cancers
Radiotherapy planning, imaging, systemic therapy, palliative care
Medical ethics, evidence-based medicine, and patient safety

Step 3: FRCR Part 2B – Final Exam

When:

Toward the end of training (ST6 or later)

Format:

Oral Assessment (Viva): 4 structured oral stations assessing clinical judgement and decision-making
Clinical Examination:
- Case-based scenarios
- Treatment planning and radiotherapy decision-making

Skills Assessed:

Patient management and communication
Interpretation of imaging and investigations
Clinical reasoning and multidisciplinary decision-making

⏳ How Long Does It Take to Complete the FRCR?

UK Trainees: Usually complete the FRCR over 5 years of Clinical Oncology training (ST3–ST7)
International Doctors: Often complete the exam over 2–4 years, depending on preparation time, clinical exposure, and pass rates