UK Radiology Training Pathway
How UK clinical and interventional radiology training works, ST1 to CCT
On this page
In short: UK clinical radiology training is a five year run through programme, ST1 to ST5, leading to a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). Interventional radiology is a subspecialty of clinical radiology with an indicative six years of training, ST1 to ST6, leading to a CCT in clinical radiology with interventional radiology subspecialisation. Entry is by national recruitment after foundation training. The Royal College of Radiologists sets the curriculum and runs the FRCR examinations that punctuate training.
Structure of the programme
| Year | Typical focus | Examination |
|---|---|---|
| ST1 | Cross sectional anatomy, plain film and CT reporting under supervision, ultrasound basics | First FRCR (anatomy and physics), often attempted in March of ST1 |
| ST2 | Increasing independence, first on call, broader CT and MRI | First FRCR completion |
| ST3 | Complex cross sectional imaging, subspecialty exposure, on call | Final FRCR Part A (2A) |
| ST4 | Subspecialty rotations, near independent reporting | Final FRCR Part B (2B) |
| ST5 | Consultant level work, leadership, CCT preparation | Complete FRCR before CCT |
| ST6 (IR only) | Advanced interventional training |
Timings vary between schools and between people. The curriculum is capability based, so progression depends on evidence at ARCP, not only on years served.
The FRCR examinations
- First FRCR: anatomy (100 images, 90 minutes) and physics (40 questions of five true or false statements, two hours). Three sittings a year.
- Final FRCR Part A: two papers of 120 SBAs, three hours each. Two sittings a year. Entry after at least 22 months in post.
- Final FRCR Part B: short case reporting, long case reporting and an oral, on risr/Assess. Entry after passing 2A and at least 32 months in post.
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.
Guides: First FRCR · Final FRCR
Entry and competition
Recruitment is national and runs once a year through Oriel. In the 2025 round there were 4,011 applications for 356 clinical radiology ST1 posts, a ratio of about 11 to 1 (NHS England competition ratio data). In 2023 it was 3,068 applications for 350 posts. Shortlisting is by MSRA score; final ranking combines MSRA, verified portfolio evidence and interview scores. The Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026 introduces prioritisation of UK graduates and doctors with significant NHS experience from the autumn 2026 round for 2027 entry, so expect the published ratio to change.
How to apply for radiology training
After CCT
Most people take a substantive NHS consultant post. Post CCT fellowships in a subspecialty are common, particularly for interventional, neuroradiology and paediatrics. Academic and industry routes exist.
Finding a first consultant post
Common questions
How long is radiology training in the UK?
Five years for clinical radiology (ST1 to ST5). Interventional radiology subspecialty training takes an indicative six years (ST1 to ST6): three on the clinical radiology curriculum, then three on the interventional radiology curriculum.
When do you sit the FRCR exams during training?
First FRCR is usually attempted in ST1 to ST2. The RCR allows 2A after 22 months in post and 2B after 32 months with 2A passed, so most people sit 2A in ST2 to ST3 and 2B in ST3 to ST4.
Do you need to pass FRCR to become a consultant radiologist?
Yes. The full FRCR is required for CCT in clinical radiology in the UK.
Can international medical graduates enter UK radiology training?
Yes, through the same national recruitment process, subject to GMC registration and the eligibility criteria published for each round.