25 plain radiographs in 2 hours
Passing this component requires a lot of practice and a systematic approach to radiograph interpretation. The format allows for more complex imaging to be used compared to the prior ‘rapid reporting’ examonation.
Cases are a mixture of chest (50-60%), MSK (40-50%) and abdominal (up to 4% – 1 question) radiographs. The split of adult cases to paediatric cases is approximately 75% to 25%. All of the cases are abnormal. There is 5 marks per image, so a maximum of 125 marks.
What is the scoring system?
There are 25 questions with up to 5 marks per question. The exam is marked out of 125. No half marks are allocated. Candidates are independently double marked and the final score is averaged from the two examiners. The marking framework permits a difference of up to 1 mark per question. Any question with a difference in score of 2 or more will be flagged for discussion.
Each question has specific guidance for marking to indicate key findings, diagnosis and recommended onward management.
Here is the mark scheme examiners will use alongside the question specific guidance:
| Marking descriptors | Score |
|---|---|
| Detects all major findings and most minor observations. Makes correct diagnosis or differential diagnoses using clinical information provided. Makes safe further management plans with clear recommendations (including MDT or specialist referral if appropriate). Demonstrates a clear understanding of likely further management required by different MDTs. Report is clear, logical and concise. May demonstrate knowledge beyond the core curriculum. | 5 |
| Detects most major findings (including those marked essential) and most minor observations. Makes correct diagnosis or differential diagnoses using clinical information provided. Makes safe further management plans with clear recommendations (including MDT or specialist referral if appropriate). Report is clear, logical and concise. | 4 |
| Detects most major findings (including those marked essential) and some minor observations. May or may not reach the correct diagnosis but demonstrates sensible clinical reasoning. Safe differential diagnoses offered. May not know full management plan but demonstrates enough knowledge not to compromise patient safety. Report is clear although it may not be ideally structured. | 3 |
| Major/critical observations missed. Undue significance placed on irrelevant or minor findings. Limited understanding of pathology. Fails to make correct diagnosis or provide reasonable differential diagnoses. Failure to refer to appropriate MDT/clinical team or inappropriate over-investigation e.g. MRI and orthopaedic referral for benign bone lesions. Unstructured, scattergun report. | 2 |
| Major/critical observations missed. Undue significance placed on minor or incidental findings. Demonstrates no understanding of pathology. Inappropriate patient management (including over-investigation). Incoherent, rambling report. | 1 |
| No answer provided or answer is entirely incorrect or inappropriate/unsafe patient management. | 0 |
A standardised setting process will be used to set the pass marlk for each sitting. This will be based on the content/cases used.
(Source: Final Examination for the Fellowship in Clinical Radiology (Part B) Scoring System. Published by: The Royal College of Radiologists)
Top tips for the 2B short case reporting
Report the films as you would in day-to-day practice
- Use all the information you have available to answer the question. Report all the major observations and any minor observations. State the diagnosis, or if applicable the differential diagnosis, taking into account the clinical information provided. State the management plan with clear recommendations. Ensure any management plan is safe and demonstrates a clear understanding of the likely further management required by various MDTs/specialist reviews. Ensure your report is logical, clear and concise. Short, simple statements are best. There is no need to write in full sentences.
Develop ‘review areas’ for each body part
- It is important to have a systematic approach to reviewing radiographs and by the time you attempt the ‘Rapids’ you should have developed a mental list of ‘review areas’ for each body part. This is absolutely essential if you want to pass this exam. Radiology Cafe has produced a list of review areas for you to download, print and practise with, which you can find here:
Radiology Cafe Rapids Checklist.pdf
Download this PDF document by clicking the file name or the PDF icon
Practise, practise, practise
- The more radiographs you look at, the better you will become. We recommend doing lots of mock exams. Often these are referred to as ‘packets’ or ‘sets’. Ask consultants in your department for old ‘packets’ and mock exams.
Practice on the RCR examination demo site
- The RCR have developed their own software for the examination and you should practise using this software on their demo website prior to the exam. You will require a PIN number to access the rapid reporting examination demo. Unlike in previous exams, you will NOT have the opportunity to practice immediately prior to the start of the examination at venues, so practising on this demonstration site is essential to help you become familiar with the exam format! Here are the links:
- RCR exam demonstration site
- Rapid reporting exam PIN access number
Use our up-to-date list of all UK FRCR 2B courses, recommended books and online resources
Look at these example questions and answers on the RCR website
- View 6 example questions in the new format on the RCR website at https://www.rcr.ac.uk/exams-training/rcr-exams/clinical-radiology-exams/frcr-part-2b-radiology-cr2b/upcoming-changes-to-the-cr2b/#short-case-reporting-sample-questions.
What are the best online resources?
Revise Radiology FRCR 2B Question Bank and Courses
Pass the FRCR 2B first time!- 1000 short case FRCR 2B questions
- Also 4-day courses with 4 mock exams
Revise Radiology FRCR 2B Question Bank and Courses
Pass the FRCR 2B first time!- 1000 Short case FRCR 2B questions
- Also 4-day course with 4 mock exams
Online mock exams
- RAD exams Paid rapid reporting packets (1800 images)
- FRCR Tutorials Paid rapid reporting packets (40 x packets of 30)
- RadCases Paid short case sets (>400)
- RadBytes Paid short case sets
- Prep4FRCR Paid short case sets
Other resources
- Radiopaedia: FRCR 2B rapid-reporting
The rapid reporting component is one of three parts of the Final FRCR (Part B) exam. Information on the two other components can be found below:
If you have anything you would like to add to this page or know of any useful tips/resources for future exam candidates, then please contact us and we will consider adding to this page!