Fellowship Examination of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath)

You will be required to complete your Fellowship Examination of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) during your HST programme in order to gain CCT.  The dates for the examinations are usually released in November for the following year. The exams are scheduled for two sittings each year in Spring and Autumn.

Please see the RCPath website for the most up to date information including fees, available dates and application forms.

Part 1 examination

This is a three hour examination and is designed to test both knowledge and understanding. The examination consists of 125 multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and extended matching format questions (EMQ).

It is recommended that you sit part one during your ST4 year, having completed a minimum of 12 months in programme.

Part 2 Written and practical examination

Part 2 examination is made up of both written and practical components that carry equal weighting. The examination takes place over three and a half days within a three week period. In order to pass the Part 2 examination you must pass both the written and practical components in the same three week examination period.

The written component will test knowledge and understanding across the curriculum as well as critical appraisal through a balance of: essays, short notes, scientific paper evaluation and short answer questions.

The practical examination will test competence in basic practical laboratory skills, interpretation of relevant clinical and laboratory data, management of infection, the ability to give appropriate clinical advice and in infection control practice.

You will need to have Part 1 in order to enter for part 2 and it is recommended that you take the exam during your ST6 year, having completed a minimum of three years in programme.