Part 1 FRCPath Microbiology - common questions

Updated December 2024
Please note - this information is given here in good faith. I checked the information from the RCPath website at the time of writing and put some of my experience working with examinees for many years. However, the information changes regularly, and the best place to check it is the RCPath website. I tried to provide references to the pages where the information was taken. Please ensure you cross-check for most uptodate information.

This page is to answer some frequently asked questions. See this page for questions like what to read or what the resources are.

What is the FRCPath Microbiology examination?

FRCPath Microbiology is an examination organised by the Royal College of Pathologists to assess the trainees in the UK training programme (also called the infection training programme) who want to become microbiologists, virologists, or infectious diseases doctors/practitioners. Biomedical scientists (BMS) pursuing the HSST route also take this exam.

Microbiologists from other countries can take this exam as well.

Am I eligible to take the FRCPath examination?

You need 12 months of training in a higher specialist training programme in microbiology (like a post-graduate training programme - MD, DNB, etc).

As per RCPath, medically qualified candidates are required to have been trained in a recognised regional higher specialist training (HST) programme in microbiology for a period of normally not less than 12 months. Non-medically qualified candidates are required to have trained in a recognised training programme in microbiology for a period of normally not less than 12 months.

Reference: Entry requirements (rcpath.org)

IMPORTANT: Please be aware that for part 2 you will need 2.5 years of postgraduate training. So if your training was for 2 years, you will need additional training. I am not sure what additional training may help. Please discuss this with someone who has been through your training programme before.

Can I ask RCPath if I am eligible?

Unfortunately, RCPath will not answer your email on this (see here); however, they will return your money if they think you are not eligible. They may ask for additional information by contacting you if they are not satisfied with your qualification.

Which exam should I choose?

There are 2 different FRCPath Part 1 examinations and candidates must ensure they apply for and sit the correct exam.

I am an overseas graduate; which exam should I take?

If you wish to take part 2, select FRCPath Part 1 Infection OR Part 1 Medical Microbiology and Virology.

Do I need a sponsor? Who can be my sponsor?

When you apply, you will need a sponsor. For trainees in the UK training programme, it is your educational supervisor.

As per RCPath, a sponsor should be your educational supervisor or the head of the department, or someone who has a similar level of involvement with your training. Ideally, he/she should be a fellow of the college. However, a college fellowship is not compulsory.

• Your head of the department
• Someone who supervised your training
• Your microbiology head of the department etc

Signed sponsorship forms must be uploaded with your application form. Find up-to-date information here – https://www.rcpath.org/trainees/examinations/regulations-and-guidelines/frequently-asked-questions.html

Do I need IELTS or OET for the FRCPath examination?

No, you don't need a language examination.

Do I need GMC registration for the FRCPath exam?

No.
GMC registration is not needed for this exam. It is only required if you plan to work in the UK as a doctor.
PLAB and IELTS (or similar English language tests) would be necessary for GMC registration. It is not needed for this exam.

Do I need to travel to the UK for this examination?

No. Not for part 1. It is an online exam, and you can take it from your home. RCPath will guide you through the process.

You have to travel to the UK for part 2 FRCPath.

The online platform provider for this exam is called Testreach. Testreach will send a registration email to candidates at least a week before the examination date; candidates must register with Testreach and schedule their time at least 78 hours in advance of the exam date to ensure they will be able to sit. 

Make sure you keep your photo ID card (like a passport) with you.

How long should I take to prepare for the examination?

This is a difficult question, as everyone is different regarding their background and knowledge of UK practice and the time they can devote to preparing for the examination. So I would say if you are familiar with UK practice, give yourself six months. From my experience working with overseas microbiologists, I consider 1 year safer. You will need good guidance on what to read.

Is there a curriculum/syllabus for this exam?

Yes.

It is the RCPath curriculum. You can find it here –

https://www.rcpath.org/trainees/training/training-by-specialty/medical-microbiology-2021.html

I have made a summary of the curriculum. You can download it here. Go to file, make a copy or download -

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Oj7lTeodg5CBvE6x2p4Vhtk8gDQCqO2rxWpsEObHnUo/edit?usp=sharing

Will working in the UK or a clinical observership improve my chances of passing the examination?

Certainly, you will know our common problems and how we manage them. This knowledge is invaluable. However, you must balance this advantage with the expense and difficulty of getting such a post.

I know many candidates who passed the exam without working in the UK. You have to be thorough and diligent. In my experience, being active in the forums (WhatsApp, Facebook) is important. Ask questions, and clear your doubts. Making a mistake in the forum is much better than making it in the exam.

How do I apply, fees etc

Please read this page carefully.
https://www.rcpath.org/trainees/examinations/regulations-and-guidelines/frequently-asked-questions.html

You will find answers to a lot of questions on this page

• How and when to apply.
• Fees and payment methods
• When will you find the date of the exam?
• How will you get your result?

There is also a section on that page for overseas candidates - "Additional Information for Overseas Candidates". Read it carefully.

I am an overseas graduate - during the application process, what should I choose in the registration section?

If you have GMC registration, choose GMC.

If you don't, choose "other" and write the registration number you have in your country from your medical council.

Can you give me any additional tips?

• Learn about the exam well. How many questions, types of questions, how long will you get, what are the guidelines and recommendations for the exam, and what type of exam setting does RCPath suggest? Make sure there is nothing unexpected about the exam before the day you sit for it.
• Read the curriculum—make sure you list topics to read. Unless you do, you may forget something.
• Read the Oxford handbook thoroughly. It is your base. You must read it at least 2 - 3 times, every line. Supplement each topic of the Oxford Handbook with additional notes from guidelines, SMI, EUCAST, microregistrar moodle (if you subscribed)
• Do questions - past papers, learn infection, Moore's book, tutorial topic and moodle. Do each of these more than once. When doing questions, time yourself. I suggest 1 minute max for 1 question.
• When you do questions, try to pick up the hints in the stem to help you reach the answer. These hints are important. Highlight these hints in your book (Oxford/your note) or write down against the topic.
• Remember, this is a UK exam. Questions are based on UK problems; answers are expected to reflect how we manage cases in the UK. Even if you do something entirely different in your country, that will not be applicable here. Read UK guidelines and books. You can read US-based guidelines, but beware: US practice, in some cases, is different from the UK. Don't read CLSI, use EUCAST.
• Make your notes. When revising for the second time, it is easier to read your notes than the book. However, if your prep strategy is different, use that.
• Make a study group or study partner. You can discuss the subjects you read. Your partner might help you pick up points that you have missed.
• You must get as much help as possible if you are from outside the UK. Use social media, but cautiously.

Will FRCPath Microbiology help me to get a job as a microbiologist in the UK? Can I become a consultant? Can I join the training programme?

Disclaimer: This is my understanding from my experience given in good faith. Rules change; hence, always cross-check.

Yes, FRCPath will help you. Read the following -

1st - GMC registration: to work as a doctor in the UK, you will need GMC registration. A full FRCPath (not part 1 only; you will need both parts 1 and 2) will help you get the registration, but there are other routes as well. Take this test from GMC to see what is the best route for you.

Apply for registration and/or licensing with us - GMC

2nd: what kind of job can you get?

Usually, overseas microbiologists join the NHS as SAS doctors (specialist, associate specialist and specialty doctors). These are non-training posts. Something similar to house staff or medical officer where you are not part of a training programme (You may ask why I cannot join in a training programme - coming to that later).

To join as SAS doctor, you will need a post-graduate degree in a relevant speciality and GMC registration or at least be eligible to get GMC registration. It is a competitive process, so someone with better qualifications has a higher chance - UK experience and exams are considered valuable.
You must apply for these jobs when a hospital advertises such posts and undergo a shortlisting and interview process. You can find these jobs here -

• NHS Jobs
• trac.jobs
• Microbiology Jobs | Virology & Infectious Disease Vacancies
  

As a SAS doctor, you can follow the CESR route to become a consultant (UK graduates get a CCT certificate when they finish training to become a consultant. CESR is equivalent to CCT). CESR is an alternative system that helps you demonstrate that you have done all that a UK microbiology trainee would have done in their training process - which is known as Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) in the pathology curricula, as set out in the medical microbiology curriculum.

See here for more details - Medical Microbiology SSG

Q3. Can I join the UK microbiology training programme?

To join the UK training programme, you have to compete with UK trainees and show that you have similar competencies and go through an interview process. Currently, those entering the programme will need an MRCP.

1. If you want to join as a foundation doctor, you have to work as a junior doctor in the ward - rotating through the specialities (like medicine, GP, cardio, A&E etc, and do MRCP).
2. If you want to join the infection training programme (yellow box), you have to show that you have done all that a foundation doctor has done, including MRCP or
3. you can apply for consultant via CESR route should you have done all that a microbiology trainee would have done during their training programme (see Medical Microbiology SSG).

Useful Links

• rcpath MTI - Google Search
• Sponsorship Scheme application form
• SAS Doctors
• https://www.nhsemployers.org/publications/working-and-training-nhs
• https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/before-you-apply/working-as-a-doctor-in-the-uk
• Search Results (rcpath.org)
• https://www.rcpath.org/profession/employing-pathologists/employing-bodies-information-for-the-rcpath-sponsorship-and-mti-schemes.html
• Medical Microbiology SSG

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