What happens in the FRCS Paediatric Surgery exam
Section 2 of the FRCS (Paediatric Surgery) is the clinical part of the exam, taken after passing the written Section 1. It has 45 minutes of Short Cases (three 15-minute cases in neonatal surgery, oncology and urology, each using clinical scenarios), 45 minutes of Intermediate Cases (two 15-minute cases with volunteer patients and one 15-minute clinical scenario on emergency/trauma and general/gastrointestinal surgery), and three 40-minute orals, each covering two topic areas. 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
Three 15-minute cases, one each in neonatal surgery, oncology and urology. Clinical scenarios are used for each case.
Two 15-minute cases with volunteers, who are past or present patients relevant to the specialty recruited by the host examiner, and one 15-minute clinical scenario on emergency/trauma and general/gastrointestinal surgery.
A 40-minute oral, one of three structured interview scenarios. The regulations list its two topic headings as 'Urology' and 'Urology & Neonatal Urology'.
A 40-minute oral covering oncology and endocrine, and general and gastrointestinal surgery.
A 40-minute oral covering neonatal surgery, and emergency surgery and trauma.
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.
- An in-depth knowledge of neonatal surgery, general paediatric surgery and paediatric urology is required, and candidates are expected to understand the general principles of orthopaedic, cardiac, maxillofacial and neurological surgery in children.
- 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 SR9 v8.0: Regulations relating to the Intercollegiate Specialty Examination in Paediatric Surgery (last reviewed Aug 2025)
- JCIE: Paediatric 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.
Practise the FRCS Paediatric Surgery out loud
MedMock runs spoken FRCS Paediatric Surgery practice with AI and marks every session. The free trial needs no card.
Start free