Q: We use automated marking - What is that?
A: The college moved to an automation system with word recognition forming the mainstay in detecting a correct answer. We have devised a similar system on this platform. If you feel that a similar name to ours could be added to our "correct list' please just drop us a message, comment on the feedback form or dispute the question. Our moderators promise to respond within 3 days.
Saying that, we are humans so.... if you see a mistake or something that you don't agree with just drop us a message and we will get back to you.
Q: How do you mark the answers?
A: We use the same method recommended by RCR. A correct answer will be given 2 points, a partially correct answer 1 point and an incorrect answer 0 points. There will be no negative marking. You can use anatomical terms as per the Terminologia Anatomica.
For more information just visit the official RCR link here.
Useful tips:
- We provide explanations on when to use "apophysis" and "epiphysis" in the actual quiz questions. The college will reward 1 mark for writing "ossification center".
- There is no need to write "muscle" when we point at a muscular structure.
Q: What if I don't pass the exam?
A: We strongly believe in our material. The reason we are here is because we were once in your shoes and we can totally understand how that could feel. For this reason, we commit to extending your full subscription up until you pass this exam.
Q: Do I have to mention right or left for every answer?
A: We marked the answers based on the assumption that you are a reporting clinical radiologist. If one side of the body is shown e.g. wrist joint and there is a R or L marker on the x-ray then we would expect everyone to pick up on that and include the side of the body as part of the answer. In some cases there is no marker, so we would not expect anyone to work out which side is asked.
Q: Can I use abbreviations?
A: Based on the recommendations of RCR, please try and refrain from using abbreviations as much as possible. We understand it's a lot easier saying IVC instead of Inferior Vena Cava (we have certainly done that when we were practicing for this exam) but it will help you immensely getting into the habit of writing the whole word. Building on a healthy habit as such will only feel like second nature during the real performance in the exam.
Q: What mark do I need to get in your mocks to definitely pass the exam?
A: 100%... jokes!
This is a very difficult question to answer. Official published materials indicate a great variation in the pass marks (link here). We believe in "better to be safe than sorry" therefore we have tried to present most questions in an 'exam' standard, avoiding repetition as much as possible, thus maximizing your chance of seeing the highest number of different images. This will be enough to prep your visual cortex for every possible 'angle' the RCR examiners will try to manipulate an image to challenge you.
Q: What if an image has some pathology on it?
A: We tried as much as possible to avoid showing any pathology on the images, as the ones you will receive in the exam will be all normal. Please ignore any age related degenerative changes that might appear on some of the images. If you do spot something that is definitely abnormal please contact us with what you think it is.
Q: Why do you charge a subscription fee?
A: Any website has considerable launching and maintenance costs. Our vision is to help colleagues like you pass the exam at one sitting and avoid wasting money on resits. Books and other resources unfortunately become outdated quickly and do not simulate the exam style. We feel utilizing technologies such as this is the most efficient way of learning to pass this exam. Our material will be updated as we go along and new questions including new mock exams will be added as time goes by.
Q: I have a suggestion can I contact you?
A: We would love to hear from you about anything: suggestions, criticisms and any kind of feedback is important to us. It will only help us improve the material and make it more relevant for you and future trainees.