Part 2 is a complex and challenging examination. It will test your understanding of all aspects of infection at a consultant grade level. You need to know all the theories but that is not enough; you need to apply that theory in situations under pressure (time pressure). You will need lateral thinking and join the dots from different areas to get your answers right.

Reading list

Before I start telling you the resources - this is of paramount importance. MAKE YOUR READING LIST FIRST. Without the list your preparation is at risk of being haphazard, and there is a good chance that you may realise that you haven't read something important until the end.

Make the list, decide how many times you need to read a topic and assign time. Keep ample time for revision.

What is a reading list - this could be a simple list of all the topics you need to read. It could be a paper list or an electronic (Excel) one.

Books

I assume you already have these books from your part 1 preparation. Books are important, but for part 2 you will frequently need information from outside - mainly guidelines. Keep the Oxford handbook as your base. The importance of other books is less, but by now, you have read them, so go back to check if needed. You must read as many cases as possible. Read the scenario from the other books. So here is a list of books -

You may need some reference books. These are costly, and if possible, get it from your department/library or lab.

Are there other books that you can use? Sure, there is, but this exam is more about reading the materials from guidelines, SMI, EUCAST, UKHSA etc. Hence, I would say these are only optional. Some people prefer a traditional textbook. There are many. If you want such a book, choose one published most recently.

Where to find questions?

Questions for part 2 is even more difficult to find. Some of the sources are -

Is there any course?

1. RCPath International Trainee Support Scheme

The International Trainee Support Scheme is an online-based scheme that is aimed at supporting overseas doctors  (also known as ‘International Medical Graduates’) who are planning to sit the College’s fellowship examinations. I have heard good feedback about this course, but it is not always available. It cost around £400- £500. You have to contact RCPath directly if it is still available - International Trainee Support Scheme

2. Courses run by independent NHS Consultants or clinical scientists

There are some courses run by NHS consultants or clinical scientists virtually. I have not attended these courses; hence, I cannot give you any recommendations either way. You can enquire about these courses on WhatsApp groups. The cost of these courses may vary, but as far as I know, it is approx £200 - £600

3. Local courses

Local microbiologists and departments run these courses and are often not available to outside candidates, or you may have to travel to attend. You can find information by asking your seniors or using WhatsApp.

4. Other courses not directly related to the exam

Some courses may help in general but are not necessarily aimed towards FRCPath Microbiology - Foundation Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control - Healthcare Infection Society. These courses are excellent, but this may only cover part of your curriculum (like infection control), hence may or may not solve your purpose.

5. Microregistrar.moodlecloud.com

This is not a conventional short course. This will provide you with reading material written keeping UK practice in mind and practice questions keeping the FRCPath exam in mind. You will also have high-yield notes and a WhatsApp group to discuss your questions. You will be supported by me and a group of people who

6. Mock exam - Leicester

What other resources should I use?

What does our survey say?
1. UK SMI

These are the UK national standard operating procedures; as you can see from the survey, they are very important.
Link - UK Standards for Microbiology Investigations

2. NICE guidelines

Published guidance, NICE advice and quality standards | Guidance | NICE

3. Greenbook (vaccine)

Immunisation against infectious disease - GOV.UK

4. EUCAST

For antibiotic sensitivity, follow EUCAST (not CLSI). Important documents (must read) are -

5. Other UK guidelines

A large number of British organisations are involved in preparing guidelines. I have listed some. If there is no UK guideline on a subject, follow European (ESCMID) or IDSA/CDC/SHEA guidelines. Some of these are not specific for infection, such as RCOG. You may have to collect those relevant for you yourself.

6. UKHSA documents

UKHSA is a massive resource for microbiologists/infection specialists. It is also the most up-to-date resource. It is, however, so vast that it is not always easy to find what you are looking for. I suggest you start from the A to Z link I shared, but always when reading a subject - google "your subject name" + "UKHSA".

7. UK antibiotic guidelines

If you are from overseas, you can benefit from having UK antibiotic guidelines. I suggest looking at the NHS Trust guidelines using Microguide or EOLAS

8. BNF and Greenbook

BNF lists all the antibiotics being used in the UK. Reading antibiotics that are not in there is not needed unless they are new/novel antibiotics. BNF also has a comprehensive summary of antibiotics. Greenbook is the one-stop resource for vaccines used in the UK.

Some other resources

Infection control
Journals
Laboratory safety and quality