The RCOphth has created a new qualification named the Certificate of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (CertRCOphth).
The CertRCOphth is a qualification awarded to candidates who have passed both the Part 1 FRCOphth and Part 2 FRCOphth Written examinations ONLY.
Being awarded the CertRCOphth permits use of the CertRCOphth post-nominals. However, if a candidate goes on to be awarded the full FRCOphth, then the FRCOphth post-nominal will supercede the CertRCOphth post-nominal. This means that the CertRCOphth is valid for life if there is no intention to take the FRCOphth. Once FRCOphth is achieved, the CertRCOphth becomes invalid. Candidates can only use the CertRCOphth post-nominal until they get FRCOphth or can use the CertRCOphth post-nominal for life if they never get the FRCOphth.
The CertRCOphth will not be awarded retrospectively but a previous pass in the Part 1 FRCOphth examination will be recognised for those candidates that now sit the Part 2 FRCOphth Written examination. For example, a candidate that sits and passes the December 2022 Part 2 FRCOphth Written examination will be awarded the CertRCOphth as they will have an existing pass in the Part 1 FRCOphth examination. Candidates who have passed the Part 2 Written exam prior to December 2022 will not be awarded the CertRCOphth retrospectively.
Those awarded the CertRCOphth will be given a digital certificate of their achievement. However, they will not be eligible to attend the Admissions Ceremony.
Being awarded CertRCOphth also entitles the holder to apply for Affiliate Membership of the RCOphth.
How do I achieve the CertRCOphth?
Please note: The Part 1 FRCOphth examination must be the first exam taken for the CertRCOphth. Candidates will not be able to sit the Part 2 FRCOphth Written examination without first having a confirmed pass in the Part 1.
Booking the first exam will depend on whether you are already an RCOphth member or previous exam applicant – or whether you are a first-time exam applicant:
- If you are already an RCOphth member with an online log in, you can book your exam here.
- If you have not registered with us previously, are sitting one of our exams for the very first time or are an overseas candidate you must instead use this Online Part 1 Exam Application Form
All candidates must hold a medical qualification approved by the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom (GMC) or Ireland (IMC) before registering the Certificate of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (CertRCOphth) Examination.