There are 2 different FRCPath Part 1 examinations, and candidates must ensure they apply for and sit the correct exam.
| FRCPath Part 1 Infection OR Combined Infection Certificate Examination (CICE) | Part 1 Medical Microbiology & Virology (MMV) | |
| – FRCPath Part 1 Infection and CICE are two different names for the same exam – However, you must select one of these names based on who you are | ||
| Exam | – Two papers of 100 MCQs each. – Each paper will be a 3-hour examination | – One 3-hour paper with 125 MCQs |
| Format | – Online exam | – Online exam |
| Who is it for? | Part 1 Infection exam: for trainees in MM, MV, ID/MM, ID/MV, MM/TM, MV/TM who are required to subsequently pass an FRCPath Part 2 examination in either medical microbiology or medical virology. CICE: for trainees in ID/IM or TM/IM who are not required to pass an FRCPath Part 2 examination. | This exam (1 paper) is for scientific microbiology and virology trainees who are training in the UK in Higher Specialist Scientific Training (HSST) programmes or equivalent, including outside of the UK. |
I am an overseas candidate – which exam should I take?
You can choose FRCPath part 1 infection or FRCPath part 1 in Microbiology, assuming you would like to do part 2 in the future.
Reference: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JhOtMvvXr7it1gTM5-sDTFHewLXnzq21/view?usp=drive_link
We did a survey of past candidates from overseas on which exam they took:
Don’t choose CICE if you wish to take FRCPath part 2 in the future
Is it an offline/in-person or online exam?
Both exams will be taken electronically using the Risr assessment platform in British Council test centres in
locations across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and internationally.
| United Kingdom and Ireland | International |
| London Manchester Edinburgh Bristol Dublin | New Delhi, India Karachi, Pakistan Amman, Jordan* Singapore, Singapore** Colombo, Sri Lanka* Yangon, Myanmar* |
| Note: *Amman, Jordan will be offered subject to venue availability on a rotating basis with Kuwait and Qatar **Singapore will be offered as a venue in the autumn sitting and rotate with Hong Kong in the spring ***Centres will be offered on an annual basis in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. |
Delivering examinations in British Council test centres provides a controlled testing environment with reliable internet connectivity, standardised equipment and on-site support. This helps reduce the risk of disruption and ensures a fair and consistent experience for all candidates
You will be allocated to the examination centre closest to your registered address. If the is a reason why this is not suitable for you, you can request a change of centre using the link provided in your confirmation letter.
Centres will only go ahead if there are sufficient candidates to make it viable. Where a centre needs to be cancelled due to insufficient numbers (<10), candidates will be given as much notice as possible and the option to change to a different centre.
FRCPath Part 1 Examination – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do I need to bring with me to the examination centre?
If you are completing the examination on paper, you will need to bring (as per RCPath):
- Identification including a photograph (passport, driving licence or national identity
card). NHS cards are not valid. If your photo ID is in a different name to the one on
your application, please bring supporting ID (e.g., marriage certificate, deed poll
change) with you. - A copy of either your confirmation of entry email which will be sent on 31 July or the
follow up email with your centre location details. - A scientific calculator without internet connectivity
- Analogue watch or other timer without internet connectivity and that does not make
a noise. Smartwatches and smartglasses will not be allowed in the exam room.
• Drinks in a clear bottle and non-disruptive or messy, unwrapped snacks in a clear
container. You will be asked to remove any labels prior to entering the examination
room. - Any medication you may need to take during the exam and have advised us of in
advance - Extra layers (but not coats) – we cannot guarantee the temperature of the
examination venue.
Further information will be included in the candidate guidance issued before the
examination. The examination centre will provide scrap paper and a pencil for notes
and simple earplugs.
You will not be able to bring any bags or coats into the exam room and all electronic
devices must be stored in the lockers provided. Please note that only small
lockers will be provided at the centres so please do not bring large bags or
suitcases as these will not be stored.
Read this – FRCPath Part 1 Examination – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Reference
FRCPath Part 1 Examination – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)