FRCS(Urol) Exam
Details of the exam can be found at the Intercollegiate Speciality Board website at
http://www.intercollegiate.org.uk/
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I sit the exam?
Most trainees sit the exam during ST5 or ST6. The advantage of taking the exam
early to allow you to focus on other aspects of your training must be balanced against
the advantage of doing the exam later such that you have gained the relevant clinical
experience required to pass the exam.
Am I eligible to apply? How do I apply?
The application process is detailed in the following link
http://www.intercollegiate.org.uk/Content/content.aspx?ID=22
What is the format of the exam?
Section 1
 Multiple Choice Questions in the format of a 2 hour Single Best Answer paper
and a 2 ½ hour Extended Matching Items paper.
 Since January 2011 Section 1 has been invigilated at local ‘Driving Test
Centres’.
Section 2
 The viva section comprises eight 20 minutes vivas examining the breadth of
the urology syllabus generally based on common urological clinical scenarios.
 The topics are oncology 1 (kidney and bladder), oncology 2 (prostate, penis,
testis), paediatric, emergency, female/neurourology, BPH/andrology,
stones/UTI, and technology/imaging.
How should I prepare?
Most people allow themselves 3-4 months to prepare for Section 1. Following the
announcement of the results to Section 1 there will typically be a further 3-4 months
to prepare for the Section 2.
Everybody has different revision techniques and favoured texts to prepare for Section
1 but most find it helpful to go through as many practice MCQs as possible. It is
essential to spend time with your family/friends and ensure that you divide your free
time appropriately.
Viva practice is essential when preparing for Section 2. By now you will have most of
the knowledge you need to pass the exam but should spend time on improving the
delivery of your answers. Many people find it helpful to work as part of a study group.
Video conferencing using Skype allows you to practice vivas and discuss areas of
uncertainty if you do not live close to others sitting the exam. Ask consultants and
trainees who have recently passed the exam to give you mock vivas and consider
spending some time with radiologists, oncologists, nephrologists, histopathologists,
etc. to refine your knowledge of some perhaps weaker topics.
Which texts should I use?
 Campbell’s Urology - Some consider reading all four volumes of Campbell’s a
right of passage. By all means read it (bold text only) but do not try to learn it and
it may be better used as a reference book.
 Campbell’s Urology MCQs - A little out of date and often the standard is set
above that of the real exam.
 Scientific Basis of Urology - Useful for Section 1
 Comprehensive Urology - No longer in print
 Essential Paediatric Urology - You do not need any other paediatric text – Also
attend the BAPU course – see below
 Viva Practice for the FRCS(Urol) Examination – A must have for Section 2
 Oxford Handbook - A fantastic scaffold on which to hang the rest of your
knowledge
 EAU Guidelines - http://www.uroweb.org/?id=217&tyid=1
 NICE Quick Reference Guides
Which courses should I attend?
BAUS FRCS (Urol) course
http://www.baus.org.uk/Calendar/events/2011/september/frcsurol-revision-course
Contact Hannah Doyle: hdoyle@baus.org.uk
European Urology Residents Education Programme
http://eurep.uroweb.org/
Rapid Revision Course for the FRCS(Urol) Examination
http://www.shergillurology.com/FRCS-Urol-Rapid-Revision-2011-Course-Flyer.pdf
BAPU – If you have not already attended this excellent residential course it would be
an excellent aid to revision for this part of the exam.
http://www.rcsed.ac.uk/fellows/meflett/Calendar/Docs/Programme%202011.pdf
What happens if I fail the exam?
Do not worry if you fail the exam. Nobody will think any the less of you as a clinician
or a person. It is merely an inconvenience.
According to the 2012 regulations the following will apply:
st
Section 1: Candidates will have a two year period from their 1
attempt with a maximum of 4 attempts with no re-entry. Candidates
who have achieved the required standard in Section 1 and have been
granted eligibility to proceed to Section 2 the following will apply:
Section 2: Candidates will have a maximum of 3 attempts with no re-entry
Please also see http://www.intercollegiate.org.uk/Content/content.aspx?ID=21
Useful Documents
Syllabus - https://www.iscp.ac.uk/documents/syllabus_U_2010.pdf
Useful Resources
http://www.urologyuk.net/ - A useful resource for practice questions with answers.
http://www.webpathology.com/ - It is worthwhile looking at some histopathology
images.
Astra Zeneca MCQs – A little dated now.
FRCS (Urol) Kit – An Excel spreadsheet with some useful facts and practice
questions.