What is FRCPath?
FRCPath stands for: Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists
The Royal College of Pathologists are the professional body who conduct the FRCPath exams and, furthermore, are responsible for the postgraduate training of pathologists in the UK.
The Royal College of Pathologists award the FRCPath postgraduate qualification to doctors who have successfully passed the FRCPath exams.
FRCPath in Haematology
The FRCPath exams in Haematology test a trainee’s overall knowledge, skills and behaviour in the fields detailed in the Haematology Training Curriculum.
The exam is split into two parts:
- FRCPath Part 1
- FRCPath Part 2
Both parts of the examination will cover topics on general haematology, malignant haematology, diagnostic haematology, coagulation and transfusion.
MRCP
The MRCP(UK) examination provides valid, reliable evidence of attainment of overall knowledge, clinical skills and behaviour in acute internal medicine.
The Royal College of Pathologists expect that UK trainees in Haematology will have completed the examinations for MRCP(UK) (or equivalent), before attempting the FRCPath examinations in Haematology.
FRCPath Part 1 (Haematology)
Entry Requirements
Candidates wanting to sit the FRCPath Part 1 exam in Haematology should have completed two years’ specialty training in Haematology, as well as the MRCP(UK) examinations.
Prior to submitting an application, we would recommend that candidates contact the Royal College of Pathologists to check and confirm that their training programme is recognised.
Exam Structure
Part 1 of the FRCPath exam is made up of two written papers, with candidates being given a total of 6 hours to complete these (3 hours each).
Paper 1
This is an essay paper that consists of four essay questions addressing an important area of either laboratory or clinical practice. This will be in one of the following four areas:
- blood transfusion
- general haematology (including laboratory management)
- haematological oncology
- haemostasis & thrombosis.
Paper 2
This paper contains 125 questions in a multiple-choice format and will examine a candidate’s knowledge of:
- blood transfusion
- general haematology (including laboratory management)
- haematological oncology
- haemostasis & thrombosis
Dates, Locations and Cost
The Part 1 examination is currently held in several locations – Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Kuwait, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sudan and the UK.
It’s offered twice a year in Spring and Autumn. To view the updated dates and costs for the Part 1 exam, click here. This page will also detail any changes to the timing, content or structure of an exam.
Royal College Resources
FRCPath Part 2 (Haematology)
Entry Requirements
Candidates wanting to sit the FRCPath Part 2 exam must have passed the FRCPath part 1 exam. Most trainees will complete the Part 2 exam once they have completed 3 years of specialty training in Haematology/ST6 level.
Exam Structure
Held over a three-day period, the FRCPath Part 2 Haematology exam comprises of three written and practical components (Morphology, Coagulation and Transfusion Medicine) and also includes an oral exam.
The Morphology component consists of two papers:
- Short Answer Questions: This paper will last for 1.5 hours and there are up to twelve questions. Each question will require the candidate to examine one or two microscope slides and/or flow cytometry plots or additional laboratory data or Quality Assurance.
- Long Cases: This paper will last for 1.5 hours and consists of three clinical cases. Candidates will need to give more detailed answers of the clinical material provided. They will also need to provide a report, make a diagnosis and/or recommend clinical investigations and interventions.
The Coagulation component of the exam will last for two hours and consists of eight to ten questions. Each question provides a case history or laboratory results which will require the candidate to interpret data, make a diagnosis and recommend further investigations and/or treatment.
The Transfusion Medicine component will also last for two hours and consists of eight to ten questions. The questions require interpretation of transfusion medicine data.
The Oral part of the exam is made up of two examinations which cover 8 topics in total. Each of the exams last for 30 minutes and is held with a pair of examiners.
- One oral examination will cover 2 topics in coagulation and 2 topics in transfusion Medicine
- The other oral examination covers 2 topics in General & Laboratory Haematology and 2 topics in Haematological Oncology
Dates, Locations and Cost
All Diploma practical, Part 1 practical and Part 2 examinations can only be taken in the UK. Currently, the FRCPath Part 2 in Haematology is offered twice a year, once during Spring and once in the Autumn.
For more information about the dates, costs and venues, please click here. This page also details any changes to the timing, content or structure of an exam.
Royal College Resources
- FRCPath Part 2 Haematology – Sample questions
- Higher Specialist Scientific Training (HSST) Curriculum
If you’re interested in working in the UK and would like to discuss the positions available in your specialty, and how we can assist you, please contact our team.
