What happens in the FRCS General Surgery exam
Section 2 of the FRCS (General Surgery) is the clinical part of the exam, taken after passing the written Section 1. It has two clinical sessions, one in general surgery and one in the candidate's declared special interest, each with two 10-minute short cases based on clinical scenarios and a 20-minute long case with a volunteer patient, and four 30-minute orals. Examiners mark against the JCIE's marking descriptors on a scale of 4 to 8, and the pass standard is set at the level of a day one consultant in the generality of the specialty.
Checked against the official sources on 26 September 2026.
The parts, in order
Two 10-minute short cases based on clinical scenarios and one 20-minute long case with a volunteer, a past or present patient relevant to the specialty recruited by the host examiner.
Two 10-minute short cases based on clinical scenarios and one 20-minute long case with a volunteer, in the candidate's declared special interest.
A 30-minute oral on clinical topics, with discussion of the published evidence supporting practice.
A 30-minute oral on the principles and clinical practice of general surgery, including applied anatomy, physiology and pathology.
A 30-minute oral on clinical topics in the declared special interest, with discussion of the published evidence supporting practice.
15 minutes on basic principles (applied anatomy, physiology and pathology), then 15 minutes of Academic Foundation on one generic paper relevant to the wider field of General Surgery, which candidates are given 30 minutes to read.
How it is marked
Examiners use the JCIE marking descriptors, a rating scale from 4 to 8 covering basic knowledge, higher order processing, clinical skills and professionalism. A 4 describes poor basic knowledge and a lack of understanding to a level of concern; a 6 describes competent knowledge, no major errors and safe practice; an 8 describes excellent basic knowledge and knowing the breadth and depth of the topic.
Passing
The JCIE states that the pass mark is set at the level of a day one consultant in the generality of the specialty. It does not publish a numerical pass mark for Section 2 or how the marks are combined.
Worth knowing
- Candidates must reach the required standard in Section 1 (two written papers of 120 single best answer questions) before they can sit Section 2.
- When they apply, candidates choose the special interest they will be assessed on in Section 2: breast, colorectal, oesophago-gastric, hepatopancreaticobiliary, endocrine, trauma, renal transplant, or gastrointestinal surgery and the surgery of childhood. They are examined to the level of a day one consultant (ST8) in that special interest.
- Interpretation of radiographs may be included in any of the orals.
- Section 2 is held at pre-selected host centres in the UK and Ireland, and candidates have a maximum of four attempts at it.
Sources
- JCIE Policy SR5 v8.0: Regulations relating to the Intercollegiate Specialty Examination in General Surgery (last reviewed Aug 2025)
- JCIE: General Surgery (specialty page)
- JCIE Policy G1 v10.0: Guidance Notes for Applicants (last reviewed July 2025)
- JCIE Policy G38 v3.0: Marking Descriptors (last reviewed 9 Feb 2024)
- JCIE: Panel of Examiners
- JCIE Policy G35 v1.1: Structured oral question writing guidelines
Formats change. MedMock is not affiliated with any examining body; always check the current regulations on the official site before you book.
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