FRCS Ophthalmology – Parts 1, 2 and 3

Frequently Asked Questions

We realise that as the format of the examination has recently changed, you may
have some questions. We have anticipated some questions and hope that the
answers below and the documents on our website provide you with all the
information you require at present.

1. Why has the FRCS been changed?

2. Has the standard of the qualification changed?
3. What is the format of the examination?
4. How often will the examinations take place?
5. Where will the examinations be held?
6. What is the examination fee?
7. What are the eligibility requirements for the examination?
8. Are there any exemptions available?
9. Can I apply to sit Part 1 and Part 2 at the same time?
10. I am applying for Part 2, can I apply to sit Part 3 before I have my Part 2 results?
11. I have already sat the Part A or B examinations, which part of the examination
should I sit now?
12. If I have already sat the Part B examination, will I have to sit Part 1?
13. If I have already sat the Part B examination, will I have to sit the Part 2
examination?
14. Where will I find the syllabus?
1. Why was the FRCS changed?

The examination had not been updated for some time. As changes in assessment
methodologies are made, the College is committed to ensuring that all of its
examinations comply as far as possible with these changes.

The College is committed to ensuring that the methods used in assessing candidates
remain robust and continue to correspond to current standards for postgraduate
examinations in the UK: the new format has been devised using these principles for
assessment.

2. Has the standard of the qualification changed?

No, the examination is of the same standard. Candidates still have to sit the written,
oral and clinical components. Candidates will still have to attain the same standard
of performance to be awarded the Fellowship. The entry requirements for the
examination remain the same: see the Regulations on our website for eligibility
information.

3. What is the format of the examination?

There are three parts to the FRCS examination – Parts 1, 2 and 3. Please see the
Regulations for more information on the format.

4. How often will the examinations take place?

It is anticipated that the Part 1 and 2 examinations will be held two-three times each
year and that the Part 3 examination will be held five times each year.

Please refer to the Dates, Fees and Centres document on our website for further
information. As future dates and centres are confirmed they will appear on our
website.

5. Where will the examinations be held?

The examinations will be to be held in our established centres and in addition to

these we will be holding the Part 1 and 2 examinations in a range of other locations.
You will find a full list of locations in the Dates, Fees and Centres document on our
website.

6. What is the examination fee?

Please refer to the Dates, Fees and Centres document on our website.
7. What are the eligibility requirements for the examination?

The education and training requirements for entry remain unchanged, except that in
order to enter Part 3, you must first pass the Part 2 examination. Details of these
requirements can be found in the eligibility section of the Regulations document on
our website.

8. Are there any exemptions available?

Exemptions continue to apply for the Part 1 and the Part 2 MCQ - the list of
exempting qualifications can be found in the Regulations document on our website.

9. Can I apply to sit Part 1 and Part 2 at the same time?

No, however you can apply to sit a Part 2 examination before your results for the Part
1 are known. Your application will not be processed until a pass has been gained in
the Part 1 and only then if there are places available on the examination at the time
the results are announced.

10. I am applying for Part 2, can I apply to sit Part 3 before I have my Part 2
results?

Yes. You can apply to sit a Part 3 examination before your results for the Part 2 are
known. Your application will not be processed until a pass has been gained in the
Part 2 and only then if there are places available on the examination at the time the
results are announced.

11. I have already sat the Part A or B examinations, which part of the
examination should I sit now?

Part A – If you passed the Part A examination then you will proceed to the Part 2
examination when you are eligible. If you sat the Part A examination and failed you
will now need to apply for the Part 1 examination (see guidance notes attached to the
application form for details of what should be sent with your application).

Part B – If you have been entered onto the Part B examination then you should apply
for the Part 2 examination (see guidance notes attached to the application form for
details of what should be sent with your application).

12. If I have already sat the Part B examination, will I have to sit Part 1?

No. If you have sat the Part B examination then you will not have to sit Part 1. If you
have already passed Part A (or have had exemption from Part A) then you will not
have to sit the Part 1 examination.
13. If I have already sat the Part B examination, will I have to sit the Part 2
examination?

Yes. To proceed to the Part 3 examination you must have a pass in the Part 2
examination. Please read the section on eligibility in the Regulations.

14. Where will I find the syllabus?

This information is available in the Regulations on our website.

Any other questions?

We hope we have answered your questions in this and other documents on our
website. However if you are still in doubt please contact us:

FRCS@rcpsg.ac.uk

Examinations Unit
January 2010