FRCS Neurosurgery Exam Explained in 2 Minutes

Candidates must have been qualified for at least 6 years to sit the FRCS neurosurgery examination.

Candidates must be at the standard of their CCT or CCST to be eligible for the FRCS neurosurgery examination.

Candidates need 3 structured references from senior colleagues who know their practice.

Candidates have up to 7 years to complete both sections of the FRCS neurosurgery examination.

The FRCS neurosurgery examination has 2 sections: Section 1 is written and Section 2 is clinical.

Candidates must pass Section 1 before they can proceed to Section 2.

Section 1 consists of two single best answer papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), each containing 120 questions.

Each Section 1 paper is 2 hours and 15 minutes in duration.

Section 1 is computer-based and delivered at Pearson VUE centers.

Candidates have a 2-year window from their first Section 1 attempt.

Candidates have a maximum of 4 attempts at Section 1.

Section 2 includes 2 intermediate cases with real patient volunteers conducted over 40 minutes.

Section 2 includes 4 short cases consisting of structured clinical scenarios conducted over 40 minutes.

Section 2 includes 3 oral examinations, each 30 minutes in duration.

The Section 2 oral examinations cover operative surgery and surgical anatomy, investigation of the neurosurgical patient including neuroradiology, and non-operative clinical practice of neurosurgery.

The FRCS neurosurgery examination assesses information gathering, professionalism, structured and logical approach, and clinical judgment throughout Section 2.

Candidates have a maximum of 4 attempts at Section 2.

Passing the FRCS neurosurgery examination results in promotion to fellowship of the candidate's college and the right to use FRCS post-nominals.

Each year the highest mark at the first attempt of the FRCS neurosurgery examination earns the Norman Dot Medal.

The FRCS neurosurgery examination is set at the standard of a consultant.