Frequently Asked Questions

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What is FRCS?

The Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) is often considered as a mark of excellence for surgeons across the globe. This qualification is awarded by the Royal Colleges of Surgeons in England, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Ireland.

How many specialties does the FRCS qualification cover?

The FRCS qualification is awarded in several specialties, including Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology, Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, Urology, and Ophthalmology.

What is the Joint Surgical Colleges’ Fellowship Examination (JSCFE)?

The JSCFE is an examination offered by the four royal surgical colleges in England, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Ireland to the international surgical community. Passing the JSCFE awards you the FRCS qualification.

How many stages are involved in the FRCS General Surgery examination?

The FRCS General Surgery examination consists of two parts: FRCS General Surgery-Section 1 and FRCS General Surgery- Section 2.

How long do candidates have to complete the entire examination process for the FRCS?

Candidates have a maximum of 7 years to complete the entire examination process.

What is the attempt limit for FRCS General Surgery- Section 1?

Candidates have a two-year period from their first attempt to complete Section 1, with a maximum of 4 attempts allowed and no re-entry.

What is the attempt limit for FRCS General Surgery- Section 2?

Candidates are allowed a maximum of 4 attempts for Section 2, with no re-entry permitted.

Are there any exemptions from the examination?

There are no exemptions from either Section 1 or 2 of the examination.

How much is the examination fee (JSCFE)?

Section 1 – £520

Section 2 – £1965 – applicable for all Section 2 examinations being held from 1 January 2024.

What is the format of the FRCS Ophthalmology examination?

There are three parts to the FRCS (Ophthal) examination: Parts 1, 2 and 3. Part 1 and Part 2 are written examinations and Part 3 consists of structured oral and clinical examinations.

How frequently are the FRCS Ophthalmology examinations held?

The FRCS Ophthalmology Part 1 and Part 2 examinations are generally held twice a year, while the Part 3 clinical exam takes place five times a year.

Where will the examinations be held?

The examinations are held in the UK and at a number of international centres.

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