What happens in the FRCS Vascular exam
Section 2 of the FRCS (Vascular Surgery) is the clinical part of the exam, taken after passing the written Section 1. It has two 40-minute clinicals, Long Cases (two volunteer patients are seen) and Short Cases (four clinical scenarios are discussed), and four 30-minute orals: two case-based discussions (aneurysm and lower limb; endovascular and miscellaneous), an emergency vascular surgery oral, and an elective vascular surgery oral that includes academic foundation. 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
A 40-minute clinical in which two volunteers are seen: past or present patients relevant to the specialty, recruited by the host examiner.
A 40-minute clinical in which four clinical scenarios are discussed.
A 30-minute case-based discussion in which two cases are covered.
A 30-minute case-based discussion in which two cases are covered.
A 30-minute oral covering two themes in trauma and four themes in peri-operative management and critical care.
A 30-minute oral covering four themes in basic principles and interventional radiology, and Academic Foundation: understanding and methodology analysis, critical appraisal and interpretation. You may be tested on any one of the key published randomised controlled trials and important vascular papers chosen by the SAC in Vascular Surgery; the list is available through the Vascular Surgery curriculum on the ISCP website.
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.
- The clinicals and orals cover all aspects of vascular surgery, including the relevant anatomy, physiology and pathology.
- 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 SR13 v8.0: Regulations relating to the Intercollegiate Specialty Examination in Vascular Surgery (last reviewed Aug 2025)
- JCIE: Vascular 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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