FRCR Preparation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the correct sequence of the FRCR examination pathway?
- Part 1 → Part 2A → Part 2B (Correct answer)
- Part 2A → Part 1 → Part 2B
- Part 2B → Part 2A → Part 1
- Part 1 → Part 2B → Part 2A
Correct answer: Part 1 → Part 2A → Part 2B
Candidates must pass Part 1 before attempting Part 2A, and Part 2A before Part 2B.
Question 2: During FRCR Part 2A preparation, which imaging modality chapter typically has the highest yield for the examination?
- Plain film and CT interpretation across multiple systems (Correct answer)
- PET-only imaging
- Ultrasound of the thyroid exclusively
- MRI brain sequences only
Correct answer: Plain film and CT interpretation across multiple systems
Plain film and CT interpretation across body systems constitute the largest portion of Part 2A questions.
Question 3: A candidate preparing for FRCR wants to assess their readiness. What is the most reliable self-assessment tool?
- Timed mock examinations under real exam conditions (Correct answer)
- Reading chapter summaries without testing
- Counting hours spent studying
- Reviewing only the topics they already feel confident in
Correct answer: Timed mock examinations under real exam conditions
Timed mock exams under realistic conditions accurately simulate exam performance and reveal gaps.
Question 4: How should candidates approach learning normal variants for the FRCR examination?
- Learn them as part of systematic organ-based study to avoid over-calling pathology (Correct answer)
- Ignore them as they are rarely tested
- Memorize all variants independently without anatomical context
- Study only the rarest variants for maximum marks
Correct answer: Learn them as part of systematic organ-based study to avoid over-calling pathology
Normal variants are clinically important and best learned in the context of each anatomical region.
Question 5: For FRCR Part 1, which topic within radiobiology most commonly appears in examination questions?
- Cell survival curves and radiation sensitivity of tissues (Correct answer)
- Hospital administration and radiation governance
- PET tracer pharmacology
- CT scanner manufacturing processes
Correct answer: Cell survival curves and radiation sensitivity of tissues
Cell survival curves, fractionation, and tissue radiosensitivity are core radiobiology examination topics.
Question 6: A candidate is two weeks from their FRCR sitting. Which revision strategy is most appropriate at this stage?
- Consolidating knowledge with targeted question practice and avoiding new topics (Correct answer)
- Starting to read an entirely new textbook
- Taking a full week off from studying
- Focusing only on the topics they have not yet covered
Correct answer: Consolidating knowledge with targeted question practice and avoiding new topics
In the final weeks, consolidation and question practice optimize retention without introducing anxiety from new material.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes the format of the FRCR Part 2A examination?
- Six written papers each consisting of 75 single best answer questions (Correct answer)
- A single oral examination lasting 30 minutes
- A portfolio submission reviewed by examiners
- A clinical attachment assessed by a consultant
Correct answer: Six written papers each consisting of 75 single best answer questions
Part 2A consists of six written papers (one per subspecialty), each with 75 SBA questions sat over two days.
FRCR Preparation 4
Which of the following is the correct sequence of the FRCR examination pathway?