What is the structure of the First FRCR exam?

The First FRCR comprises two modules: Anatomy and Physics. The modules are held over a two-day period, on separate days.

How often is the First FRCR held?

It is held three times each year, normally in March, June, and September.

Can the modules be taken separately?

Yes. Candidates may attempt the modules at the same sitting or separate sittings and pass once both are passed.

Who is eligible to enter the First FRCR?

Applicants must hold (or have held) a formal clinical radiology training post. No minimum period of clinical experience or training is required, and UK trainees need Training Programme Director approval for each attempt.

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

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).

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.

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

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, which is why structured preparation like passing FRCR Part 1 physics on your first attempt matters

This likely reflects:

familiarity with exam style
improved understanding of True/False logic
better time management

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, a point covered in our guide to how to study for FRCR Part 1

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

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. To put a strong strategy in place for the physics module, follow the FRCR Part 1 physics study guide.

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

Author

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

Sources and further reading

Checked on 10 June 2026.

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

Apply this with real FRCR Part 1 questions