What happens in the FRCS OMFS exam
Section 2 of the FRCS (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery) is the clinical part of the exam, taken after passing the written Section 1. It has a 30-minute Intermediate Cases session in which two volunteer patients are seen, two 30-minute Short Cases sessions in which five clinical scenarios are discussed in each, and four 30-minute orals (Sections A to D), each with its own list of topics. 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 27 September 2026.
The parts, in order
One 30-minute session in which two volunteers are seen: past or present patients relevant to the specialty, recruited by the host examiner.
Two 30-minute sessions, in each of which five clinical scenarios are discussed.
Craniofacial surgery (including skull base access); dentoalveolar surgery and implantology; the temporomandibular joint (TMJ); surgical dermatology.
Head and neck oncology; head and neck reconstruction; salivary gland surgery and pathology.
Oral medicine and pathology; cleft lip and palate; orthognathic surgery.
Orofacial infections and emergency surgery; orofacial pain; maxillofacial trauma; aesthetic surgery.
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.
- Operative surgery, ethics, clinical governance and medico-legal issues may be examined 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.
- The JCIE has published a 12-minute video for Section 2 candidates explaining what to expect before, during and after the exam.
Sources
- JCIE Policy SR7 v8.0: Regulations relating to the Intercollegiate Specialty Examination in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (last reviewed Aug 2025)
- JCIE: Oral & Maxillofacial 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
- JCIE: News (May 2026 update on the Section 2 candidate video)
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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