An overview of the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) clinical radiology exams and how to approach each one. Last checked November 2026.
FRCR Part 1 (CR1)
Two modules, anatomy and physics, sat on consecutive days. Physics includes radiation protection and the legal framework for medical imaging, such as IRR and IR(ME)R.
FRCR Part 2A (CR2A)
Two papers on consecutive days, each with 120 single best answer questions, covering the whole clinical radiology curriculum. This replaced the old six-module format.
FRCR Part 2B (CR2B)
Since June 2025 the exam has three components, all delivered online:
- Short case reporting: 25 plain radiographs (chest, musculoskeletal and abdominal) in two hours, with short written reports. Normal films are no longer included, so every case has a finding to describe.
- Long case reporting: six cases in 75 minutes, which may include CT, MRI, ultrasound and nuclear medicine. Reports cover observations, interpretation, principal diagnosis, differentials, and further investigations or management.
- Oral: two 30-minute sessions of six cases each, with a different pair of examiners in each session.
Exam technique
- Short cases: 25 cases in two hours is just under five minutes each. Keep moving, name the finding clearly and commit to the most likely diagnosis.
- Long cases: the examiners want a complete, well-organised search. Describe the key findings, commit to a principal diagnosis, then give a short, relevant differential and a sensible next step.
- Oral: think aloud, describe what you see in an orderly way, and say what you would do next for the patient.
Ceremony
The FRCR admission ceremony is a memorable day, followed by an evening dinner.
Exam formats change, so always check the latest candidate guidance on the Royal College of Radiologists website before you sit.
