FRCR Part 1 Pass Rates (2024–2025): Trends, First-Attempt vs Repeat Performance

(https://www.spotters.ai/academy/blog/mastering-frcr-part-1-pass-rates-for-2024-and-2025-success)

FRCR Part 1 Pass Rates (2024–2025): Trends, First-Attempt vs Repeat Performance

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Overview

Pass rates are one of the most searched aspects of FRCR Part 1 (CR1). Candidates often look for this data to understand exam difficulty, trends over time, and differences between first and repeat attempts.

This page presents FRCR Part 1 pass rates for 2024–2025 in a neutral, factual manner, without interpretation or advice.

This information is aligned with publicly available data and exam reporting practices of the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR).

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How FRCR Part 1 Pass Rates Are Reported

FRCR Part 1 pass rates are typically reported:

• per exam sitting (March / June / September)

• as an overall percentage

• sometimes separated into first-attempt and repeat candidates

The RCR does not publish granular breakdowns for every subgroup each year.

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FRCR Part 1 Pass Rates: Recent Trends (2024–2025)

While exact figures vary by sitting, overall pass rates generally fall within a moderate range, reflecting:

• the conceptual nature of the physics paper

• the speed-dependent anatomy component

• the penalty for small conceptual errors

General Observations

• Pass rates fluctuate between sittings

• No sitting is consistently “easier” than others

• Preparation quality matters more than sitting choice

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First-Attempt vs Repeat Candidate Performance

Across multiple exam cycles:

• First-attempt candidates tend to have lower pass rates

• Repeat candidates often show improved performance, especially in physics

This likely reflects:

• familiarity with exam style

• improved understanding of True/False logic

• better time management

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Physics vs Anatomy Contribution

FRCR Part 1 requires passing both components.

Common patterns seen across sittings:

• Physics failures are more often due to conceptual misunderstanding

• Anatomy failures are commonly related to speed and recognition accuracy

• Balanced preparation is essential, as one component cannot compensate for the other

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What Pass Rates Do — and Do Not — Indicate

Pass rates indicate:

• relative exam difficulty

• consistency of exam standards

• overall candidate performance trends

Pass rates do NOT indicate:

• individual likelihood of passing

• preparedness of a specific candidate

• suitability of FRCR for a given career path

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Key Takeaway

FRCR Part 1 pass rates show that the exam is challenging but stable, with outcomes influenced more by preparation strategy than by exam sitting.

For decision-making based on pass rates, see the dedicated decision guide.

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Author

Dr B Gayathri Priyadharshinee
FRCR Radiologist & Educator
Founder, Spotters Academy