About FRCS (General Surgery)

What is FRCS?
FRCS stands for Fellowship of Royal College of Surgeons.
Is it a mandatory exam for surgeons?
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.
How many Royal colleges are there?
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.
FRCS is an intercollegiate exam?
Yes. Although there are 4 Royal colleges, the exam is common, which is why it is called an intercollegiate exam
Can I give Section 1 in one college and Section 2 in another?
Yes. You can give Section 1 in one of the Royal Colleges, and give Section 2 in a different Royal College.
Which college will provide the fellowship?
Whichever Royal College in which you applied Section 2 exam will offer the fellowship at the end.
Do I pay to pay a retention fee after clearing FRCS?

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

How do UK surgical trainees become a consultant?
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 CCTV (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.
What are the types of FRCS exams?
There are 2 types of exams offered by JCIE and JSCFE
What is JCIE?

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

What is JSCFE?
International FRCS, which is called JSCFE is entirely general surgery and it’s not a speciality-based exam. Note that it is not recognised by GMC if at all you are planning to obtain CCT and work in the UK.
Who is JCIE for?

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

What are some main differences between JCIE and JSCFE exams?

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.

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