FRCPath Part 1 – an in-depth guide for overseas histopathologists  | IMG Connect Ltd - International Medical Recruitment Specialists (2024)

The first exam in theFRCPathHistopathology series...

International histopathologists (or cellular or anatomical pathologists as commonlyknown) lookingto secure a job in the NHS via the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists. This can also be commonly referred to as FRCPath Histopathology.

The completion of Part 1 and Part 2 of the Royal College of Pathology qualification for Histopathology results in eligibility for GMC registration (with the addition of the English language component). The FRCPath qualification is recommended foroverseaspathologists looking to securing senior jobs in the NHS.

The exams can be taken by IMGs from all over the world, provided certain eligibility criteria have been met. Here we’ll take a closer look into these and other important questions through the following topics:

• An overview ofFRCPathHistopathology
• What isFRCPathPart1and how is it structured?
• Changes toFRCPathPart 1 delivery
• Am I eligible to sit this exam?
• How much will the exam costand how do I apply?
• What is the best way to prepare for the exam?
• #IMG Tips
• I’vepassed theFRCPathPart 1exam,what’snext?

Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.

An overview of FRCPath Histopathology

TheFRCPathHistopathology exams are administered by the Royal College ofPathologists totest a doctor's knowledge and ability to apply this in the practice of histopathology within the scope of theSpecialty Training Curriculum forHistopathology.

The exams are as follows:

• FRCPathPart 1
• FRCPathPart 2

To read more about the full FRCPath examination suite via our IMG resources, please clickhere.

Please note that only full FRCPath satisfies the requirements for GMC registration for overseas doctors taking the postgraduate route.

Alternative routes to GMC registration includePLABand other licensing exams such asUSMLE. You can find out more about alternative routeshere.

For doctors who are interested in more senior roles in the NHS that are reflective of their current practice, we advise thatFRCPathis the best route to take to GMC registration. Histopathology in the UK is consultant-led specialism; and many NHS job postings will haveFRCPathas a requirement for doctors who are not on the Specialist Register.

FRCPathPart 1breakdown

FRCPathPart 1 is the first exam in the Royal College of Pathologists qualification.It is broken down into three sections as follows:

Thethree-hourexamis designed toassess candidates’overall knowledge and understanding of histopathology or cytopathology, including the full range of autopsy practices undertaken in a district general hospital in the UK and the basic scienceunderpinning pathology, including molecular biology.

FRCPath Part 1 delivery

In response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Pathologists has migrated theFRCPathPart 1 exam online.

This means FRCPath Part 1 may be taken from the comfort of your own home. This development allows the College to continue to offer the FRCPath Part 1 exam to both UK trainees and overseas pathologists.

For full details about the onlineFRCPathPart 1 exam, please see our bloghere.

Eligibility

Candidates forFRCPathPart 1 will generally require experience of Histopathology specialty trainingto reach the standard required to pass the exam. The Royal College advise that candidatestakethis exam after oneyear of specialty training.

Exam dates,applications and cost

The cost of the exam is£673and theexam are usually held twice a year, in spring and in autumn/winter.

Applications for each sitting open a few months prior and close after around 6 weeks. While waiting forexamdates tobefinalisedthe Collegeadvisethat candidates should apply earlyand will be able to withdraw their application for a full refund should the date be unsuitable.

For up-to-date information on exam and application dates, keep an eye on the College websitehere.

Preparation

There aremanyresources available to help you prepare for yourFRCPathPart 1exam. As always, we recommend that the best starting point for your study is the Royal College website, particularly theCurriculum for Specialty Training in Histopathology. Your exam is based on this curriculum sofamiliarisingyourself with it as soon as possible will give you the best chanceofsuccess.

Other helpful resources for your study include:

Regulations and guidelines– before applying for FRCPath exams, the College recommends you read both the general and specialty-specific regulations and guidelines, found below:

• General Regulations and Guidelines
• Histopathology Regulations and Guidelines

Social media study groups– there are multiple study groups available across different platforms such as Telegram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. IMG Connect hosts study groups for FRCPath Part1– these forums bring togetheroverseashistopathologistsin one communicative, constructive, and moderated space for learning, sharing, and support.

If you are interested in joining the IMG Connect FRCPath Part1study group, please emailinfo@imgconnect.co.ukto speak to request your admission.

Online courses,videosand other resources- there are some great online courses and resources available to prepare for the FRCPath Part1exam. These include everything from full mock exams toflashcardsand YouTube videos.We’vecompiledallthese which you can accesshere, through our IMG Resources library.

FAQs- There is also a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document which the Royal Collegehascompiled to help applicants who have questions about online examinations. You can read thishere.

#IMG Tips

1. Prepare early– getting your revision going as soon as possible will help you avoid those last-minute cramming sessions and increase your chances of passingfirsttime.
2. Speak to your colleagues and peers– there are so many study materials to choose from - who betterto askfor recommendations than histopathologists who have been through the process or are going through it with you?
3. Familiariseyourself with the online format–there’sno biggerheadachethan a bad connection – go through your IT checks well in advance to avoid (most) hiccups on the day
4. Join the online histopathology community– connect with like-minded histopathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters in theIMG Histopathologists Facebook group.

I’vepassed the FRCPath Part 1 exam,what’snext?

Congratulations – this is a massive achievement! After awell-deservedbreak,it’stime to look forward to FRCPath Part 2. For more information on the final exam in the examination suite,take a lookat ourblogwhere we exploreFRCPath Part 2and everything you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results,feesand preparation.

For more useful blogs & articles on theFRCPathexams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS -take a lookat ourIMG library.

Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below: