What happens in the FRCS Urol exam
Section 2 of the FRCS (Urology) is the clinical part of the exam, taken after passing the written Section 1. It is eight 20-minute orals built on clinical scenarios, taken in four sessions of two: urological oncology (kidney and bladder; prostate, testis and penis), paediatric and emergency urology, stones and urinary tract infection with imaging and technology, and bladder dysfunction and gynaecological urology with BPH and andrology. 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
A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on urological oncology of the kidney and bladder.
A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on urological oncology of the prostate, testis and penis.
A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on paediatric urology.
A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on emergency urology.
A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on calculi and urinary tract infections.
A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on urological imaging and the principles of urological technology.
A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on bladder dysfunction and the gynaecological aspects of urology.
A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on BPH and andrology.
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.
- All eight sessions are scenario-based orals; the Urology regulations list no cases with volunteer patients.
- 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 SR12 v5.0: Regulations relating to the Intercollegiate Specialty Examination in Urology (last reviewed Aug 2025)
- JCIE: Urology (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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