What is JSCFE International FRCS?

The Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) is one of the most prestigious qualifications for surgeons globally.

There are two main routes to obtain the FRCS:

• JCIE FRCS Exams: Designed primarily for UK-based surgical trainees enrolled in a national training program, and also for candidates who have trained and worked within the UK and achieved eligibility criteria. These exams occur three times a year and are mandatory for CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training).
• JSCFE International FRCS Exams: Established to cater for international surgeons outside the UK training pathway. These exams typically occur once or twice a year, offering the opportunity to obtain the prestigious FRCS qualification without undergoing full UK surgical training or practicing in the UK.

The JSCFE route has long been a gateway for skilled surgeons worldwide to obtain the highly respected FRCS title.

Recent Changes You Must Know: Closure of the JSCFE Exam

According to the official communication from the JCIE Chair on 25th February 2025 (see Letter from JCIE Chair.pdf):

• The JSCFE examination will permanently close by December 2026.
• No new examination diets will be held after that date.
• All future Section 2 examinations (the clinical and viva component) until December 2026 will be held only in the United Kingdom and not in international locations.
• Candidates must now plan to travel to the UK to attend their Section 2 examinations.
• No exceptions will be made for candidates outside the UK.

This marks a major turning point, because:

• The JSCFE route of obtaining FRCS will be completely stopped after December 2026.
• The only examination center for JSCFE exams will now be in the United Kingdom and not in previous international centers such as Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, or Chennai.

Why Has This Change Been Implemented?

This decision stems from logistical and operational challenges faced by the examining bodies.

Centralizing the exam within the UK aims to ensure better standardization, consistency, and quality control across all sittings.

Please be aware:

• The format and content of the examinations remain unchanged.
• No additional exam dates are currently planned to accommodate international candidates.
• Visa and travel assistance is not provided, although a registration confirmation letter can be issued to support visa applications.

How Does This Affect You as a Candidate?

If you are planning to apply for the JSCFE International FRCS, you must:

• Complete both Section 1 and Section 2 examinations before December 2026. (Bear in mind that Section 2 examination is held only once a year.)
• The registration for the 2025 Section 2 exam is already closed, meaning that for most candidates:
• You will likely have only one opportunity to complete Section 2 before the closure in December 2026.
• There are no current plans to increase the frequency of exams before December 2026.

Thus, if you are planning to apply afresh for Section 1, it is going to be a very tight process to clear both Section 1 and Section 2 before the final closure date.

If you are a candidate who has already cleared Section 1:

• Make absolutely sure that you complete Section 2 before December 2026.
• Otherwise, you will not have any further opportunities to complete the exam after closure.

Understand that:

• Failure to complete both parts of the exam before 2026 means that your Part 1 pass will lapse.
• However, the College has introduced an option where candidates who have successfully completed Section 1 but could not complete Section 2 may be awarded a Certificate in [Specialty] Surgical Sciences, rather than the full FRCS.

PrepMedico’s Commitment to You

At PrepMedico, we are proud to be one of the leading structured mentorship providers for international FRCS candidates.

In view of the significant changes and the limited timeline, PrepMedico will continue to provide:

• Personalized application guidance for both Section 1 and Section 2
• Fast-tracked mentorship programs tailored for international FRCS candidates
• Mock clinical examinations, now fully modelled on UK-based exam settings
• Structured revision courses to maximize your chances of clearing the exam within the available time frame

Final Words

If you are an international surgeon aspiring to achieve the FRCS qualification, the time to act is now.

The window is rapidly closing, and the competition for limited seats will be intense.

At PrepMedico, we are ready to guide you with precision, urgency, and dedication to help you achieve your goals before December 2026.

Stay informed. Stay ahead. Stay prepared.

References:

• Letter from JCIE Chair.pdf
• JSCFE Regulations and Entry Criteria
• FAQs and Exam Calendar