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 | — Offline exam (?) | – Offline 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?
2026 Spring was fully in-person/offline with centres in the UK (Cardiff, Glasgow, London, Manchester and Ireland) , Dubai and New Delhi. However, the Dubai centre was unfortunately cancelled.
The Autumn 2026 exam may have both online and offline components. Please check the RCPath website for the latest information.
https://www.rcpath.org/trainees/examinations/examinations-latest-news-and-calendar.html
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 (e.g. passport, driving licence or national identity card). NHS cards are not valid.
- Stationery, including a scientific calculator without internet connectivity in a clear pencil case or bag
- An analogue watch or other timer without internet connectivity or make a noise
- Drinks and snacks that are not disruptive
- Extra layers, as we cannot guarantee the temperature of the examination venue
- If you are attempting a Multiple Choice Question/Single Best Answer/Extended Matching Question (MCQ/SBA/EMQ) examination, please bring a black and blue pen and a pencil. Spare pens and pencils will be available.
- Lunch will be provided for candidates who are undertaking a full-day examination
Read this – https://www.rcpath.org/static/2a199f29-8852-4236-b2b45f3a6b99ff34/Spring-session-2026-FAQ.pdf