FRCR vs MRCP(UK)
Exam Comparison
Overview
FRCR and MRCP serve completely different specialty tracks. FRCR is the radiology fellowship exam, while MRCP is for medical specialties. Some doctors consider both early in training when deciding between a career in radiology versus medicine. Radiology is increasingly competitive in the UK, and FRCR is known for its challenging image-based examinations.
Exam Profiles
FRCR
Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists
Full Name
Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists
Country
United Kingdom (recognised internationally)
Eligibility
Doctors in radiology training (typically ST1+ in clinical radiology); Part 1 usually taken in ST1-2
Format
Part 1: Physics (75 MCQs, 2.5 hours) + Anatomy (20 radiological cases, 75 min). Part 2A: 6 written papers (SBAs) over 3 days. Part 2B: Rapid Reporting (30 plain films in 35 min) + Long Cases (6 cases, 3 hours)
Pass Mark
Variable standard-setting per diet; must pass each component
Cost
Part 1: ~GBP 480; Part 2A: ~GBP 1,500; Part 2B: ~GBP 990. Total: ~GBP 2,970
Frequency
Part 1: twice/year; Part 2A: twice/year; Part 2B: twice/year
Career Path
Required for CCT in Clinical Radiology; path to consultant radiologist
MRCP(UK)
Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom
Full Name
Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom
Country
United Kingdom
Eligibility
Doctors with 12+ months post-registration clinical experience
Format
Part 1: 200 best-of-five MCQs. Part 2 written: 270 MCQs. PACES: 5 clinical stations with real patients
Pass Mark
Variable standard-setting per diet for all parts
Cost
~GBP 2,300 total
Frequency
3 diets/year for written; PACES continuous
Career Path
Essential for medical specialty training (ST3+ entry for all physician specialties)
Key Differences
| Category | FRCR | MRCP(UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty track | Clinical radiology | Medical specialties (cardiology, respiratory, etc.) |
| Unique components | Physics, radiological anatomy, rapid reporting of images | PACES — bedside clinical examination with real patients |
| Duration of exams | 3 parts spanning ~4 years of training | 3 parts spanning ~3 years of training |
| Total cost | ~GBP 2,970 | ~GBP 2,300 |
| Patient contact in exam | No direct patient contact — image-based | Extensive patient contact in PACES |
| Career lifestyle | Less on-call, imaging-focused, increasingly AI-augmented | More on-call, ward-based, direct patient care |
Specialty track
Clinical radiology
Medical specialties (cardiology, respiratory, etc.)
Unique components
Physics, radiological anatomy, rapid reporting of images
PACES — bedside clinical examination with real patients
Duration of exams
3 parts spanning ~4 years of training
3 parts spanning ~3 years of training
Total cost
~GBP 2,970
~GBP 2,300
Patient contact in exam
No direct patient contact — image-based
Extensive patient contact in PACES
Career lifestyle
Less on-call, imaging-focused, increasingly AI-augmented
More on-call, ward-based, direct patient care
Our Verdict
Choose FRCR if you are pursuing clinical radiology — it tests physics, anatomy, and image interpretation skills that are unique to the specialty. Choose MRCP if you are pursuing any physician specialty. These are different career paths, not competing exams.
Disclaimer: Exam details, costs, and formats are based on the most recent publicly available information and may change. Always verify directly with the examining body (GMC, NBME, NBE, Royal Colleges) before making decisions.
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