FRCR Part 1 Anatomy
First FRCR Anatomy exam: format, marking and how to prepare
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In short: The First FRCR Anatomy module is a 90 minute image viewing exam of 100 questions, one image and usually one arrow per question, answered by typing the name of the structure. Each answer scores 0, 1 or 2, so the paper is marked out of 200 with no negative marking. Precision wins marks: "segment VII of the liver" scores, "liver" does not.
First FRCR Anatomy: the facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | 100 image based questions, free text answer typed into a box |
| Duration | 90 minutes (about 54 seconds per image) |
| Marking | 2 marks fully correct, 1 mark correct but imprecise (for example a missing side), 0 incorrect or vague. Marked out of 200. No negative marking |
| Delivery | Workstation image viewer (Assess platform). Automated matching against examiner agreed answers; examiners review all responses before results |
| Content | Normal anatomy only; pathology and imaging technique are not tested. Fetal imaging and neonatal cranial ultrasound are not on the syllabus |
| Pass mark | Set per sitting: modified Angoff, finalised by the Hofstee compromise method |
| Entry | Hold, or have held, a formal clinical radiology training post. No minimum training time |
| Sittings | Three a year, normally March, June and September, on a different day from physics |
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.
How the anatomy exam is marked
A panel of UK consultant radiologists agrees the acceptable answers for each image. The platform matches your typed answer against that list. Anything it cannot match goes to an examiner. That has three practical consequences.
- Write the side when both sides are on the image. "Left renal vein", not "renal vein". If the question stem already states the side, or the structure is midline, do not add one.
- No abbreviations. SMA, CBD, ACL and L or R for side will not match.
- Answer the question that was asked. Most questions ask you to name the arrowed structure, but some ask, for example, for the artery supplying it or one muscle attaching to it. Two answers where one was asked for loses marks, even if both are correct.
- Use segmental names for vessels. "M1 segment of the left middle cerebral artery", not "left middle cerebral artery". "Cavernous (C4) segment of the right internal carotid artery", not "right internal carotid artery".
- Tendon or muscle. "Tendon of the left infraspinatus" and "left infraspinatus muscle" are different answers. Name the part the arrow points to.
- Put the side on the right word. "Head of the left epididymis", not "left head of the epididymis". "Splenic artery", not "left splenic artery". "Left side of the trachea", not "left trachea".
- Paediatric bones. Use "epiphysis" or "apophysis" for secondary ossification centres of long bones ("internal epicondyle apophysis"). Carpal and tarsal bones have a single ossification centre ("ossification centre for the capitate").
- English, not Latin. The RCR accepts Terminologia Anatomica terms in English. Minor typos are overlooked, but confusable names such as ileum and ilium are penalised.
What is examined: the RCR blueprint
The RCR publishes the blueprint each paper is built to. Plain radiographs, not CT, are the largest single modality.
| Dimension | Category | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Body area | Abdomen and pelvis | 25% |
| Head, neck and spine | 25% | |
| Musculoskeletal | 25% | |
| Thoracic and cardiovascular | 25% | |
| Modality | Plain radiograph | 28% |
| CT | 22% | |
| MRI | 22% | |
| Ultrasound | 18% | |
| Contrast studies | 10% | |
| Patient age | Adult | 95% |
| Paediatric | 5% | |
| Variant | Standard anatomy | 95% |
| Normal variant | 5% |
Normal variants are chosen because they are common or clinically significant, for example because they can mimic pathology. Arrows always point at anatomy, never at artefacts, catheters or contrast itself.
How to prepare
- One atlas, read cover to cover. Weir and Abrahams' Imaging Atlas of Human Anatomy is the standard.
- Daily image practice. Twenty to thirty images a day from the first month of ST1 is enough. Mix modality and region.
- Type your answers. The exam is free text. Multiple choice anatomy practice hides the precision errors that cost marks.
- Learn the normal variants list and the paediatric ossification centres.
- Sit full timed mocks of 100 images in 90 minutes before the exam.
Common questions
How many images are in the FRCR anatomy exam?
One hundred images, one question each, in 90 minutes.
How is FRCR anatomy marked?
Each question scores 0, 1 or 2. Full marks need a precise anatomical name with the side where both sides are visible. The paper is out of 200 and there is no negative marking.
Do I need to write left or right in FRCR anatomy?
Yes when both sides of a paired structure are shown. No when the stem states the side, but if you add one it must be correct or you lose marks. Do not lateralise unpaired structures: "splenic artery", not "left splenic artery".
Which modality is most common in FRCR anatomy?
Plain radiographs, at 28% of the paper, followed by CT and MRI at 22% each, ultrasound at 18% and contrast studies at 10%. The four body areas carry 25% each.
Does FRCR anatomy test pathology?
No. Images show normal anatomy. Minor age related change may appear but is not tested, and questions do not ask how an image was acquired.
Which atlas is best for FRCR Part 1 anatomy?
Weir and Abrahams' Imaging Atlas of Human Anatomy is the one most candidates use. Add a free text question bank so you practise typing precise answers.
Can I sit anatomy and physics separately?
Yes. The two modules are on different days and can be attempted and passed in any order and at different sittings.
What is the pass rate for FRCR anatomy?
RCR data for 2025: 71.6% of all candidates passed in March, 76.2% in June and 78.3% in September. UK first attempt candidates passed at 81.3% in March 2025.
Practise the format
The Radiology Academy anatomy bank contains 2,000+ published practice questions across CT, MRI and plain radiographs, with timed mock exams, flashcards, search, bookmarks, notes and performance insights. Ten questions are free without a card.
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