It is a mandatory examination for all surgical trainees in the UK. However, it’s an optional exam for international candidates to boost their CVs.

There are 4: The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Yes. Although there are 4 Royal colleges, the exam is common, which is why it is called an intercollegiate exam

Yes. You can give Section 1 in one of the Royal Colleges, and give Section 2 in a different Royal College.

Whichever Royal College in which you applied Section 2 exam will offer the fellowship at the end.

Yes. Once the exam is cleared, an annual retention fee must be paid to continue your fellowship.

In the UK, FRCS is the only exit exam for surgical trainees. Before they complete surgical training, FRCS must be given. FRCS is the minimum requirement to obtain their CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training). Once they achieve it, they enter into the specialist register, which is the minimum mandatory requirement for any surgeon in the UK to become a Consultant.

There are 2 types of exams offered by JCIE and JSCFE

It is also called FRCS ( General Surgery). It is a speciality-based exam, meaning candidates need to choose their sub-speciality. Around 45-50% of your questions in the Section 2 exam will be from your subspecialty. 

General surgery (JCIE) – Colorectal, Upper GI and HPB, Transplant, Breast, Vascular, Endocrine

The International FRCS, conducted by JSCFE, is entirely general surgery and is not a specialty-based exam. Please note that it is not recognized by the GMC for obtaining a CCT. However, it is recognized by the GMC for obtaining registration and for working in the UK.

It is for UK surgical trainees or surgeons who work in the UK and candidates who want to enter the specialist register. Anyone who wants a career in the UK as a Consultant must give the JCIE exam.

JCIE – It is for UK trainees and non-trainees in the UK. It is recognised by GMC. The exam is speciality-based. Only exam where FRCS is used as the post-nominal 

JSCFE –It is for International surgeons. (General Surgery). Based on the new regulations, you cannot write FRCS, but rather Int. FRCS must be used.