FRCPath part 1 and part 2 exam preparation

The FRCPath, or ‘Fellowship Examination of the Royal College of Pathologists’, is a recognised postgraduate qualification in the field of pathology (including haematology) consisting of two parts. If you are a student undertaking the FRCPath haematology examinations you have already successfully completed a Medicine or Healthcare Sciences degree and are likely looking to take further strives forward along a haematological career by completing a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). FRCPath examinations are vigorously challenging both academically and clinically, ensuring those students who achieve a Fellowship are equipped for a career in an unsupervised, consultancy post. As such extensive revision and preparation are essential for students attempting the exams.

Part one of the FRCPath takes the form of two 3-hour long (more academically focussed) exams taken on the same day. As a student undertaking the exams you’ll not only want to be prepared for the entire curriculum but also the structure of the exam questions. The first is an essay exam comprising of four questions each on the four modules of blood transfusion, general haematology (including laboratory management), haematological oncology and haemostasis & thrombosis. The second is a multiple choice question (MCQ) exam containing 50 questions offering five different answers and 75 questions under an ‘extended matching’ (EMQ) format. The MCQ/EMQs test your knowledge on haematological disease, therapeutic modals and laboratory & clinical practices.

The final stage of the FRCPath process is the oral examination on the final day of the part two. Structured as two back to back 30 minute examinations with two pairs of examiners. One covering Coagulation and Transfusion Medicine, the other General & Laboratory Haematology and Haematological Oncology. This last stage is predominately focussed on assessing your communication, ability to troubleshoot problems and provide good clinical judgements.