Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there only two parts to the new examination structure?The new examination structure consists of the Part 1 FRCOphth, the Refraction Certificate and the Part 2 FRCOphth.
2. Does the new examination structure lead to Fellowship or Membership?
The new examination structure of the Part 1 FRCOphth, the Refraction Certificate and the Part 2 FRCOphth allows the candidate to obtain Fellowship of the College.
3. When did the Royal College of
Ophthalmologists cease running the old style MRCOphth examinations and start the new style FRCOphth examinations
The last Part 1
MRCOphth was sat in October 2006, the last Part 2
MRCOphth was held in November 2008 and the last Part 3 MRCOphth was held in September 2008.
The new Part 1 FRCOphth commenced in October 2006. The Refraction Certificate commenced in July 2007 and the first Part 2 FRCOphth was held in October 2008.
4. Is the old Part 2 MRCOphth (optics and refraction) merged into the new Part 1 or Part 2?
The theoretical optics element of the Part 2 MRCOphth is examined in a structured written examination in the new Part 1
FRCOphth. Components from the Part 2 MRCOphth's Objectively Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) are tested within
Workplace Based Assessments (WBA) and in the Part 2 FRCOphth. The practical refraction component is tested in the Refraction Certificate.
5. Will there be a limit on the number of attempts?
No. In the initial discussions there was a limit on the number of attempts which has since be removed. Candidates in ophthalmic specialist training in the UK must, however, pass the examinations within the time specified.
6. For those candidates who have passed the Part 1 MRCOphth, how do they fit into the new system?
Candidates who had passed the Part 1 MRCOphth examination could sit the Part 2 MRCOphth until November 2008. Candidates who have not successfully completed the Part 2 MRCOphth are now required to follow the new examination structure, starting with the Part 1 FRCOphth.
7. Will the Diploma Examination in Ophthalmology (DRCOphth) continue to run?Yes. The format of the Diploma examination changed with effect from July 2007. The
written section consists of a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) paper, an Extended Matching Question (EMQ)
paper and an Objectively Structured
Examination (OSE). The multi-station clinical examination consist of six, 10 minute stations.
8. Would you be able to advise me on the format of the Part 1 FRCOphth and Part 2 FRCOphth exams?
The Part 1 FRCOphth examination assesses understanding of patient investigations and knowledge of basic and clinical sciences relevant to ophthalmology. This is examined by a 3 hour MCQ paper (1 best correct answer) of 120 questions, and a 2 hour OSE of 12 questions.
The Part 2 FRCOphth examination consists of three assessment formats:
- written papers (single best answer multiple choice and extended matching questions),
- structured viva and
- objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE)
The Part 2 FRCOphth examination is a synoptic examination that covers all areas of RCOphth OST curriculum. Those areas of the curriculum where workplace based assessment has been used as continuous assessment throughout training are less likely to feature in the written parts of the examination but may be assessed in the structured viva and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE).
9. With the old system, obtaining the MRCOphth means that one was eligible for HST. With the new system, what will it mean upon obtaining the Part 2 FRCOphth? Will I be eligible to continue training? Am I considered a Registrar, or can I practice independently as an Associate Specialist or a sub-consultant?
The new FRCOphth qualification is an exit assessment. This will allow the holder to apply for a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) if he or she has, in addition, completed all the other training objectives within Ophthalmic Specialist Training and achieved satisfactory Annual Review of Competence Progression/ARCP (successor to RITA).
The College does not believe in the term "sub-consultant". All trainees in OST will, subject to obtaining the satisfactory requirements, become senior medical practitioners (i.e. consultants).
10. With implementation of the new system, will the MRCOphth be equivalent to the new FRCOphth? And if not, where does the MRCOphth stand?
The MRCOphth was considered an entry qualification for Higher Specialist Training. The Part 2 FRCOphth is an exit level qualification for Ophthalmic Specialist Trainging and as such assesses knowledge and competencies at a higher level. It is recommended candidates
have completed 4 years training in ophthalmology
before sitting this examination (whereas candidates for the Part 3 MRCOphth
needed to have completed just 18 months).
They are therefore not equivalent examinations. Candidates who have obtained the Part 3 MRCOphth wishing to obtain Fellowship can either undertake the Fellowship Assessment (Casebooks) or sit the Part 2 FRCOphth examination.
11. I heard rumours that the Part 2 MRCOphth will be replaced in the new system with a certificate of optics and refraction. How true is this?
The Practical Refraction section of the Part 2 MRCOphth is now assessed in a stand alone module called the Refraction Certificate. This currently consists of a 30 minute practical examination in refraction, a 5 minute OSE in focimetry and a 5 minute OSE in retinoscopy. However, the methods of assessment for the Refraction Certificate are under review and a pilot examination will be held in July 2009 to finalise the new structure. Further information is available on the New Examination Structure page.
12. If I have completed the MRCOphth will I have to sit any more assessments?
If you have completed the MRCOphth
and do not wish to obtain any further
qualifications then "no" you do not need to sit any further examinations. IF however, you wish to obtain Fellowship of
the College you can choose to undertake either the Fellowship Assessment (Casebooks) or sit the Part 2 FRCOphth from October 2008.
13. I have MRCOphth but I am not currently employed as I am still trying to get a number after being a LAT. Am I now required to complete another examination?
Your MRCOphth will continue to allow you to enter Ophthalmic Specialist Training at an appropriate level (usually year 3, depending on the competencies you have obtained).
14. If the new Part 1 FRCOphth examines optics and refraction, why is there a requirement to obtain the Refraction Certificate?The new Part 1 FRCOphth contains theoretical optics questions; there is no assessment of clinical skills. You will have to pass the Refraction Certificate, in addition to Part 1 FRCOphth, in order to progress to Part 2 FRCOphth.
15. I have just completed a medical course at university and start work as an F1 pre-registration house officer soon. Although my career plans may change I have an interest in ophthalmology. I am hoping to apply for an F2 "observership" post in ophthalmology next year. When should I take Part 1 FRCOphth? Will completion of the Part 1 FRCOphth be required in order to enter post-Foundation Programme Training in Ophthalmology? I do not know whether to consider sitting the examination near the end of my F2 year or to wait until after completion of the Foundation Programme.
If you are starting in an F1 post now, you will need to take the new Part 1 FRCOphth examination. The Part 1 FRCOphth can be taken at any time following registration (i.e. after F1 year), but sitting this examination at such an early stage is inadvisable. You will have a large number of generic competencies to get through in your Foundation Years and you are advised to concentrate on these skills and wait until you are in OST until you attempt any College exams.
16. Is it possible to do research before or during Ophthalmic Specialist Training?
Yes, Trainees are expected to undertake research projects. In addition, the programme is flexible and time can be taken out for research. There is now a new Integrated Academic Training Pathway whereby trainees can undertake academic training/research in two phases as "Academic Clinical Fellows" and then "Clinical Lecturers" as part of a career track that also involves taking other time out from the Training Programme to do research and higher degrees.
17. When will the last of the current SpR posts cease to exist?
The existing SpRs will be phased out when they move out of training grades.
18. What happens to candidates who do not pass
examinations within the
specified time frame?
Sadly they will be counselled out of the specialty.
19. Can candidates who passed the Part 3 MRCOphth examination opt to sit the Part 2 FRCOphth instead of waiting 3½ years to sit the Fellowship Assessment, even though this option will permit some candidates to obtain Fellowship at an earlier date?
20. I am in a LAT post at the moment, what routes to Fellowship (FRCOphth) are open to me? Am I eligible to sit the Fellowship Assessment if I have my ARCP 5?
The Fellowship Assessment was designed as an exit assessment for the old curriculum for Higher Specialist Training (HST). It is therefore an eligibility requirement that UK based candidates are in a substantive training post and hold a National Training Number (NTN). Candidates who have completed no more than one year's LAT post before securing a substantive training post may collect up to two cases during this time. Doctors who do not hold a substantive training post, but have successfully passed the Part 1 FRCOphth and Refraction Certificate or the Part 1 and 2 (and 3) MRCOphth, remain eligible to sit the Part 2 FRCOphth as a route to obtaining Fellowship of the College.
21. I have the Part 3 MRCOphth, which examination system should I be following?
You can obtain Fellowship by sitting the current Fellowship Assessment or the new Part 2 FRCOphth examination. Candidates are strongly advised to decide which path they wish to follow early as compiling a satisfactory casebook is a long-term commitment. You may wish to discuss this decision with your educational supervisor.
22. I am a candidate not based in the UK. Can I sit these exams?
It is important to stress that the new exam structure is de-coupled from Ophthalmic Specialist Training and is therefore open to all, not just those in OST. However, if you hope to enter OST, not only do you have to take the examinations but also pass other competencies based in the workplace (your own hospital). Receipt of these exams will NOT allow you automatically to apply for places in UK ophthalmic specialist training posts.
23. Will the examinations have to be passed by a certain point in training?Part 1 FRCOphth
No previous experience in
ophthalmology will be necessary for candidates
to sit the Part 1 FRCOphth but candidates will be required to pass this examination before they
enter into the third year of ophthalmic specialist training.
Refraction Certificate
No previous experience in ophthalmology
will be necessary for candidates to sit the Refraction Certificate but
candidates are unlikely to pass this assessment if they have not undertaken a
large number of clinical refractions in the clinical settings of either the
hospital workplace or in optometric establishments. Candidates in OST will be required to pass this
examination before they enter into the fourth
year of ophthalmic specialist training.
Part 2 FRCOphth
This examination will be open to
candidates who have passed the Part 1
FRCOphth and the Refraction Certificate (or Parts 2 or 3 MRCOphth/MRCSEd) and is an exit level
assessment. There is no specific training requirement but candidates
are
unlikely to successfully complete this examination without a
significant period of training in ophthalmology.
Candidates will be required
to pass this examination by the end of year seven of ophthalmic
specialist training.
If these deadlines are not met then it will not be possible to progress with training and the individual will, almost certainly, leave the training programme.
If you have any further queries please email: Emily.Beet@rcophth.ac.uk
Page Updated 11 February 2010 (ELB)