FRCR Part 1 Guide
First FRCR (Part 1) guide: anatomy and physics format, marking, resources and plan
On this page
In short: The First FRCR (CR1) has two modules, anatomy and physics, sat on separate days, three times a year in March, June and September. Anatomy is 100 images in 90 minutes, marked out of 200. Physics is 40 questions of five true or false statements in two hours. Neither has negative marking. You may attempt and pass them in any order. This guide covers format, syllabus, resources and a study plan.
Exam format at a glance
| Anatomy | Physics | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 100 images, free text answer | 40 stems x 5 true or false statements (200 items) |
| Time | 90 minutes | 2 hours |
| Marks | 0, 1 or 2 per question, out of 200 | 1 per correct statement, out of 200 |
| Negative marking | No | No |
| Platform | Assess (image viewer) | Speedwell |
| Pass mark | Set per sitting: modified Angoff, finalised by the Hofstee compromise method | |
| Content split | Four body areas at 25% each; radiographs 28%, CT 22%, MRI 22%, ultrasound 18%, contrast 10%; paediatric 5%; normal variants 5% | Six questions each on radiography and fluoroscopy, radionuclide imaging, radiation safety, CT, MRI and ultrasound; three on matter and radiation; one other |
Exam facts on this page were checked against the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) candidate guidance, exam dates pages and clinical radiology exam regulations on 23 September 2026. The RCR sets and runs the FRCR examinations. Confirm dates, fees and format on rcr.ac.uk before you book.
Upcoming sittings
| Sitting | Physics | Anatomy | Member and resident doctor booking opens | Booking closes | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2027 | 11 March 2027 | 12 March 2027 | 6 October 2026 | 8 January 2027 | 1 April 2027 |
| June 2027 | 10 June 2027 | 11 June 2027 | 15 December 2026 | 9 April 2027 | 1 July 2027 |
| September 2027 | 9 September 2027 | 10 September 2027 | 6 April 2027 | 9 July 2027 | 30 September 2027 |
UK fees for 2027 sittings: £419 to £498 per module for RCR members, £663 per module for non members. Results for the September 2026 sitting are published on 1 October 2026. Source: RCR CR1 dates, fees and venues, checked 23 September 2026.
Anatomy module
Radiological anatomy across all modalities and body regions, with paediatric images and normal variants. Marks are for precision. Name the structure exactly, give the side when both sides are visible, avoid abbreviations, and answer the question in the stem rather than reflexively naming the arrowed structure.
High yield areas
- Plain radiographs, the largest single modality at 28% of the paper
- Cross sectional CT of the abdomen, pelvis and neck, including segmental vascular anatomy
- MRI of the brain, spine and large joints
- Angiographic anatomy, including cerebral and visceral arteries
- Ultrasound of the abdomen, neck and paediatric hip
- Paediatric ossification centres, named as epiphysis or apophysis, and common normal variants (5% each of the paper)
Detail: First FRCR Anatomy format, marking and preparation
Physics module
Imaging physics, radiation protection and legislation, across matter and radiation, radiography and fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, ultrasound and radionuclide imaging. Statements test whether you can predict what changes when a parameter changes. Rote learning fails here; mechanism holds.
Core texts
- Farr's Physics for Medical Imaging: the reference text
- FRCR Physics Notes: concise and syllabus mapped
- RCR specimen physics questions, published on the CR1 page
Detail: First FRCR Physics format, syllabus and preparation
A six month plan
| Months before exam | Focus |
|---|---|
| 6 or more | Read the atlas and one physics text. Understand mechanisms. Twenty images a day. |
| 3 to 6 | Start statement and image practice by topic. Keep a written list of weak areas. |
| 1 to 3 | High volume practice. Weekly timed mocks in both modules. |
| Final month | Weak areas only. Two full mocks under exam timing. Rest before the day. |
Common mistakes
- Starting question practice without a first read of the material
- Practising anatomy with multiple choice, which hides precision errors
- Treating physics as memorisation of numbers
- Never sitting a timed 100 image or 200 statement mock
- Leaving statements blank in physics when there is no penalty for a wrong answer
Exam day
- Watch the RCR instructional videos for the Assess and Speedwell platforms in advance. Familiarity with the viewer is worth marks.
- Read each stem fully. Some anatomy stems ask for something other than the arrowed structure.
- Flag and move on. Return at the end.
Common questions
What is the FRCR Part 1 exam?
The First FRCR is the entry examination of the Royal College of Radiologists for clinical radiology, with two modules: anatomy (100 images, 90 minutes) and physics (40 questions of five true or false statements, two hours).
When is FRCR Part 1 held?
Three times a year, normally March, June and September. The next sittings are 11 and 12 March 2027, 10 and 11 June 2027 and 9 and 10 September 2027.
How much does FRCR Part 1 cost?
For 2027 UK sittings, £419 to £498 per module for RCR members and £663 per module for non members. Overseas venues cost more.
Who can sit FRCR Part 1?
Anyone who holds, or has held, a formal clinical radiology training post. There is no minimum time in post. UK residents need Training Programme Director approval.
Do I need to pass both FRCR Part 1 modules at the same sitting?
No. The modules are separate. You can pass them in any order at different sittings.
Is there negative marking in FRCR Part 1?
No, in either module.
How many attempts do I get at FRCR exams?
Six at any FRCR examination. A seventh attempt requires evidence of additional educational experience.
What is the FRCR Part 1 pass rate?
The RCR publishes pass rates by sitting. In March 2025, UK first attempt candidates passed anatomy at 81.3% and physics at 89.1%. Rates for all candidates were 71.6% and 71.1%. September sittings, which are mostly international candidates, run lower.
Practise both modules
The Radiology Academy runs a First FRCR anatomy bank (2,000+ practice questions with timed mocks) and a physics bank (3,400+ true or false statements with worked explanations). Ten questions are free without a card.