FRCR Part 2B (Radiology) exam reform

The RCR has agreed on the changes it will make to the CR2B exam from June 2025 onwards. The changes will be introduced as part of quality assurance measures to ensure that the exam reflects current practice and meets the standards for assessment set by the General Medical Council. Full details of the changes to the exam can be found in the link at the bottom of this page.

These changes aim to ensure the exam remains a fair and robust way to assess the knowledge and skills required across the curriculum at the expected level of competence. It is important to note that the level of knowledge required to pass the exam will remain unchanged.

The current three-component structure of CR2B will continue with an oral component (delivered across two sessions) and two reporting components, but for all components, the pass mark will be generated using updated standard-setting methodology. The oral exam will be delivered using the online exam platform (risr/assess) at designated test centres to improve user experience.

The changes to the exam will be implemented from June 2025 onwards. However, for candidates sitting the exam in January 2025 or March 2025, it will be delivered in the current format.

Success in the final FRCR (CR) Part B exam is essential for residents to progress to subspecialist training and certification of completion of training (CCT). 

Dr Priya Suresh, Medical Director, Education and Training, Clinical Radiology, said: “The reform board (examiners, exam team and JRF Chair) have worked incredibly hard to develop the reformed exam, which is robust, evidence-based and fit for purpose. The exam meets the GMC standards for assessment and tests the candidates’ competency across the core radiology curriculum.”

Support will be available to all candidates in the coming weeks. This will include sample questions and model answers to written questions, as well as instructional videos on how to use the risr/assess software and how to perform well in the oral exam. In addition, a webinar and Q&A sessions for trainees and their trainers will also be held in the first half of 2025.