# Practising for Urology (FRCS Urol oral) with MedMock

Canonical page: https://medmock.com/exams/urology-frcs-urol-oral

## What is the FRCS Urol viva, and how do you practise for it?

FRCS (Urology) Section 2, set by the JCIE, is eight 20-minute orals built on clinical scenarios, taken in four sessions of two: urological oncology of the kidney and bladder, and of the prostate, testis and penis; paediatric urology and emergency urology; calculi and urinary tract infections, and urological imaging and the principles of urological technology; bladder dysfunction and the gynaecological aspects of urology, and BPH and andrology. There is no patient or volunteer session. MedMock runs all eight orals by voice. Examiners grade each scenario from 4 to 8 against the standard of a day-one consultant; MedMock's feedback marks to that standard but reports a practice score out of 100, not JCIE grades. MedMock lets you practise it out loud against an AI examiner, with examiner-style feedback on any question you finish.

An illustrative example station, written by MedMock with example feedback, is at https://medmock.com/exams/urology-frcs-urol-oral/example

## What happens in the real FRCS Urol (checked against the official source on 2026-09-26)

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.

- **Session 1: urological oncology (kidney and bladder)** (20 minutes): A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on urological oncology of the kidney and bladder.
- **Session 1: urological oncology (prostate, testis and penis)** (20 minutes): A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on urological oncology of the prostate, testis and penis.
- **Session 2: paediatric urology** (20 minutes): A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on paediatric urology.
- **Session 2: emergency urology** (20 minutes): A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on emergency urology.
- **Session 3: calculi and urinary tract infections** (20 minutes): A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on calculi and urinary tract infections.
- **Session 3: urological imaging and principles of urological technology** (20 minutes): A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on urological imaging and the principles of urological technology.
- **Session 4: bladder dysfunction and gynaecological aspects of urology** (20 minutes): A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on bladder dysfunction and the gynaecological aspects of urology.
- **Session 4: BPH and andrology** (20 minutes): A 20-minute oral using clinical scenarios on BPH and andrology.

Marking: 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.

Sources: https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=61d544d9-0901-4900-b9be-5df3c533812a https://www.jcie.org.uk/content/content.aspx?ID=21 https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=386bbc69-2612-4727-8ed5-a0d8808ba9e7 https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=58EA3EC7-DE60-4160-9D15-D8757F511D14 https://www.jcie.org.uk/content/content.aspx?ID=8 https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=52bb7306-cbbd-4bd9-ba1e-f3d597feeb03
Full format page: https://medmock.com/exams/urology-frcs-urol-oral/format

## How to prepare for the FRCS Urol (facts checked against official sources on 2026-09-27)

Section 2 of the FRCS (Urology) is eight 20-minute orals built on clinical scenarios, taken in four sessions of two, so your preparation is almost entirely spoken: working through scenarios with examiners who move from first steps to the decisions of a day one consultant, which you must justify. Revise all eight topics from the Urology curriculum and the JCIE syllabus blueprint, and practise until you can reach and defend decisions with little prompting.

1. **Map your revision to the eight oral topics** — The orals cover urological oncology of the kidney and bladder, and of the prostate, testis and penis; paediatric and emergency urology; calculi and urinary tract infections, and urological imaging and the principles of urological technology; and bladder dysfunction and the gynaecological aspects of urology, and BPH and andrology. The format page lists the sessions. The regulations point you to the Urology curriculum for the scope, and the JCIE blueprint maps each syllabus item to Section 2.
2. **Practise each topic as a 20-minute conversation** — The JCIE's guidelines for question writers say oral questions should progress logically, increasing in complexity towards the tasks of a day one consultant, and use open questions that ask you to apply knowledge and justify decisions, with 'what if?' and 'and why?' follow-ups. Ask consultants to run full 20-minute scenarios with you rather than quick-fire lists.
3. **Aim for decisions without prompting** — In the JCIE marking descriptors a 6 describes competent knowledge, no major errors and safe practice, with adequate responses needing no or minimal prompting, while a 7 or 8 adds supporting evidence. Record your mock orals and note each point where the examiner had to lead you.
4. **Know the evidence and national guidance** — Question writers are prompted to ask how a recent study would change your management. For each topic, know the national guidance, including NICE guidance on urological conditions, and the key trials behind your practice, so you can explain why you would choose one option over another.
5. **Prepare imaging and technology properly** — Session 3 pairs calculi and infection with urological imaging and the principles of urological technology, and scenarios can include images, results and short video clips you may view up to three times. Practise interpreting images aloud and explaining how the technology you use works and when you would choose it.
6. **Give paediatric and emergency urology dedicated time** — Session 2 pairs paediatric urology with emergency urology, and each has its own 20-minute oral. If your recent practice has included little paediatric work, arrange cases or teaching with a paediatric urologist well before the exam.
7. **Plan your attempts and booking** — You must pass Section 1 first, and you then have at most four attempts at Section 2 within the 7 years allowed for the whole examination. Section 2 places may be restricted and are allocated in order of your Section 1 application date.

Official resources:

- JCIE: Urology (https://www.jcie.org.uk/content/content.aspx?ID=21): The specialty page linking the current regulations and the syllabus blueprint.
- JCIE Regulations: Intercollegiate Specialty Examination in Urology (SR12) (https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=61d544d9-0901-4900-b9be-5df3c533812a): The Section 2 format, the eight oral topics and the attempt limits.
- JCIE Marking Descriptors (G38) (https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=58EA3EC7-DE60-4160-9D15-D8757F511D14): The 4 to 8 rating scale examiners use for knowledge, higher order processing, clinical skills and professionalism.
- JCIE Structured oral question writing guidelines (G35) (https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=52bb7306-cbbd-4bd9-ba1e-f3d597feeb03): How oral questions are built, with example higher order questions.
- Urology Syllabus Blueprint 2023 (https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=a154399e-0e0d-474b-8312-1d41ab59905e): Maps each syllabus item to the assessments, including Section 2.
- Urology curriculum (ISCP) (https://www.iscp.ac.uk/iscp/curriculum/urology-curriculum/1-introduction/): The approved UK curriculum the examination scope is drawn from.
- JCIE Guidance Notes for Applicants (G1) (https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=386bbc69-2612-4727-8ed5-a0d8808ba9e7): Attempts, time limits, withdrawal and illness rules for both sections.
- NICE: Urological conditions (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/urological-conditions): NICE guidance grouped by condition, including bladder, prostate and renal cancer, lower urinary tract symptoms, incontinence and urinary tract infection.

Common mistakes examiners report:

- Carrying an unauthorised recording device: breaking the examination rules means you are automatically deemed to have failed. (source: https://www.jcie.org.uk/content/content.aspx?ID=10)
- Arriving late or misreading the timetable: no allowance is made and you normally lose the fee, though it does not count as an attempt. (source: https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=386bbc69-2612-4727-8ed5-a0d8808ba9e7)
- Withdrawing part-way through: it counts as an attempt and is normally treated as a fail unless you are taken ill and provide a medical certificate dated that day. (source: https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=386bbc69-2612-4727-8ed5-a0d8808ba9e7)
- Needing a lot of prompting: the descriptors place 'poor responses which required significant prompting' at 5 on the 4 to 8 scale. (source: https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=58EA3EC7-DE60-4160-9D15-D8757F511D14)

Sources: https://www.jcie.org.uk/content/content.aspx?ID=21 https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=61d544d9-0901-4900-b9be-5df3c533812a https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=386bbc69-2612-4727-8ed5-a0d8808ba9e7 https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=58EA3EC7-DE60-4160-9D15-D8757F511D14 https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=52bb7306-cbbd-4bd9-ba1e-f3d597feeb03 https://www.jcie.org.uk/Utils/DocumentGenerator.aspx?Type=CMS&docID=a154399e-0e0d-474b-8312-1d41ab59905e https://www.jcie.org.uk/content/content.aspx?ID=10 https://www.iscp.ac.uk/iscp/curriculum/urology-curriculum/1-introduction/ https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/urological-conditions
Full guide: https://medmock.com/exams/urology-frcs-urol-oral/prepare

Upcoming sittings: from 11 November 2026 (Edinburgh); from 5 May 2027 (Edinburgh); from 17 November 2027 (Glasgow) (source: JCIE (the four surgical Royal Colleges), checked 2026-09-23).
All FRCS Urol dates: https://medmock.com/exams/urology-frcs-urol-oral#dates

## Stations you can practise

- **Urological Oncology — Kidney and Bladder** — Urological oncology of the kidney and bladder: a structured, scenario-based oral.
- **Urological Oncology — Prostate, Testis and Penis** — Urological oncology of the prostate, testis and penis: a structured, scenario-based oral.
- **Paediatric Urology** — Paediatric urology: a structured, scenario-based oral, discussed with the examiners.
- **Emergency Urology** — Emergency urology: a structured, scenario-based oral.
- **Calculi and Urinary Tract Infections** — Calculi and urinary tract infections: a structured, scenario-based oral.
- **Urological Imaging and Principles of Urological Technology** — Urological imaging and the principles of urological technology: a structured, scenario-based oral.
- **Bladder Dysfunction and Gynaecological Aspects of Urology** — Bladder dysfunction and the gynaecological aspects of urology: a structured, scenario-based oral.
- **BPH and Andrology** — Benign prostatic hyperplasia and andrology: a structured, scenario-based oral.

## Sample FRCS Urol questions

- *Emergency Urology:* A 72-year-old on apixaban develops painful clot urinary retention after recent TURBT. Immediate management?
- *Urological Imaging and Principles of Urological Technology:* A complex renal cyst is identified on CT in a 67-year-old woman, with a thin septum and no measurable enhancement. How would you use the Bosniak classification to guide her management?

## Example scenarios

- *Urological Oncology — Kidney and Bladder:* A 58-year-old woman has an incidentally found 4 cm enhancing mass in her right kidney. How would you assess and manage her?
- *Calculi and Urinary Tract Infections:* A woman has a 9 mm obstructing ureteric stone with sepsis. Talk me through your management.
- *Urological Imaging and Principles of Urological Technology:* A 34-year-old man has suspected left ureteric colic. Which imaging would you request first, and why?
- *Bladder Dysfunction and Gynaecological Aspects of Urology:* A 45-year-old woman has continuous leakage of urine from the vagina three weeks after an abdominal hysterectomy. How would you investigate and manage her?
- *BPH and Andrology:* A 72-year-old man has bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms despite combination medical therapy. How would you assess him and what would you offer?

## How a practice session works

1. **Choose a question** — Pick from the FRCS Urol questions — all 8 that MedMock runs, or let MedMock surprise you the way exam day will.
2. **Have the conversation** — Speak naturally, out loud. The AI examiner listens, follows up and probes further, exactly like the viva.
3. **Get instant feedback** — The moment you finish, you get specific, examiner-style feedback and a score — what you did well, what cost you marks, and precisely what to fix before the next attempt.

## Price

Start with a one-off £5 taster: 30 credits (30 minutes of speaking practice), not a subscription. After that, or instead, £119 per month for 600 credits. One credit is one minute of spoken practice, or two typed exchanges, and where the examiner or patient speaks first, that opening line is free. Examiner scorecards, mark schemes and model answers for finished sessions are included at no extra credit cost. Cancel at any time. Full details: https://medmock.com/pricing

## Frequently asked questions

### How does the feedback work?

When you finish a question you can have it marked, and the scorecard comes back in seconds — what you did well, what cost you marks, and exactly what to work on next. Scorecards, mark schemes and model answers are included at no extra credit cost.

### Can I practise specific FRCS Urol questions?

Yes. You can pick any of the 8 questions to drill a weak area, or run a mixed set to simulate the real exam.

### How much does it cost?

You can start with a one-off £5 taster: 30 credits, which is 30 minutes of speaking practice, with no subscription. After that, or at any time, you can choose a monthly plan, which includes a monthly credit allowance. Current prices are on the pricing page.

## About MedMock

MedMock is a web app for practising the spoken parts of UK medical and dental exams and interviews out loud. The candidate talks; an AI patient, examiner or interview panel answers in real time by voice; and when the station ends MedMock marks the performance against that exam's assessment domains and shows the model answer.

It covers 104 spoken exams and interviews — OSCEs, vivas, structured oral exams, simulated consultations, and specialty-training and consultant interviews. It does not cover written or multiple-choice papers, and it is not a question bank.

It was founded by Mr Sam Nahas, MBBS BSc MEd FRCS (Tr & Orth), a practising consultant orthopaedic surgeon in the UK, with co-founder and CTO Arjan Jandu. It is operated by VirtualPatients Ltd (company no. 16303492).

Pricing: a one-off £5 taster of 30 credits to try it (not a subscription, one per account), and a monthly subscription from £20 to £129 depending on the exam (student exams cost least, fellowship exit exams and consultant interviews most), or £199 to £275 for the Intensive plans, which carry more credits. One credit is one minute of spoken practice, or two typed exchanges, and where the examiner or patient speaks first, that opening line is free. Examiner scorecards, mark schemes and model answers for finished sessions are included at no extra credit cost. Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time.

It runs in a web browser on a laptop or phone; spoken practice needs a microphone. There is no public demo: practice needs an account with credits, usually from the taster or a monthly plan.

MedMock is for adults aged 18 or over. Sign-up asks every new account to confirm it.

MedMock is a revision tool. The patients, examiners and cases are fictional and AI-generated; it is not clinical guidance and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any Royal College, the GMC, the GDC or any examining body.

Start with the £5 taster: https://medmock.com/auth/signup