What happens in the FRCS T&O exam
Section 2 of the FRCS (Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery) is the clinical part of the exam, taken after passing the written Section 1. It has four 15-minute clinical cases (two intermediate cases with volunteer patients, and two short cases based on clinical scenarios, one upper limb and one lower limb) 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 24 September 2026.
The parts, in order
Two cases of 15 minutes each with volunteers, who are past or present patients relevant to the specialty, recruited by the host examiner.
A 15-minute upper limb case based on a clinical scenario rather than a volunteer.
A 15-minute lower limb case based on a clinical scenario rather than a volunteer.
A 30-minute oral on adult elective orthopaedics, including the spine.
A 30-minute oral on trauma, including the spine.
A 30-minute oral on children's orthopaedics and on the hand and upper limb.
A 30-minute oral on applied basic sciences related to orthopaedics, including anatomy and surgical approaches, pathology, biomechanics, audit, methodology and outcome-based medicine.
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 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) before they can sit Section 2.
- Section 2 is held at pre-selected host centres in the UK and Ireland.
- The JCIE's published sample oral questions each set a clinical scenario, often with images such as radiographs, then ask an introductory question followed by two further questions.
Sources
- JCIE Policy SR11 v8.0: Regulations relating to the Intercollegiate Specialty Examination in Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery (last reviewed Aug 2025)
- JCIE: Trauma & Orthopaedic 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: Trauma & Orthopaedic Oral Questions (published samples)
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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