The FRCS Urology examination is a major step towards independent practice. Candidates usually prepare for a knowledge-heavy written section and a later oral viva section where clinical reasoning, structure, judgement, and clear communication are tested under pressure.
The exam process
The FRCS Urol exam is a two-section process: a written knowledge assessment (Section 1, also called Part A) followed by a viva-style oral assessment (Section 2, also called Part 2 or Part B).
Depending on when you sit your part A, candidates typically receive Section 1 (Part A) exam results within 8 weeks of the next Section 2 (Part B) Viva sitting. Some candidates will wish to start preparing as soon as they have completed section 1 the authors preference is to take some time to reset before committing to regular practise. When you choose to prepare will depend on your personal circumstances.
The exam format
The viva (also called part 2 or part B) comprises an oral examination across 8 stations, each consisting of a 20 minute viva with 2x 10minute scenarios separated by a bell call.
The topics are grouped and are as follows:
- Urological oncology (kidney & bladder)
- Urological oncology (prostate, testis & penis)
- Paediatric urology
- Emergency urology
- Calculi & urinary tract infections
- Urological imaging & principles of urological technology
- Bladder dysfunction & gynaecological aspects of urology
- BPH & andrology
Whilst stations are generally themed as above, you may have aspects of other stations within the scenario questions (e.g. emergency, technology aspects).
Several weeks before the exam you will receive your specific station timings which may mean your stations are in a different order to above.
When is the FRCS Urology examination? Important Exam Dates and Information
Section 1 (Part A) Dates:
- 08/07/2026
Application Deadline: 09/04/2026
- 07/01/2027
Application Deadline: 24/09/2026
- 07/07/2027
Application Deadline: 08/04/2027
Section 2 (Part B)
- 11/11/2026
Location: Edinburgh
Application Deadline: Passed (26/06/26)
- 05/05/2027
Location: Edinburgh
Application Deadline: 07/01/2027
- 17/11/2027
Location: Glasgow
Application Deadline: 24/07/2026
Depending on how you signed up for section 1, you may be automatically placed into the next available Section 2 sitting on passing the section 1 exam. This will be the next corresponding section 2 date.
Full details available on jcie.org.uk website
(FRCSUrologyviva is not affiliated with the JCIE and is standalone revision platform)
What happens on the day?
On the day you will register on arrival.
You will be taken to a candidate waiting room to await further instructions.
Station starts will follow specific timing, when this time is reached candidate numbers will be called out in order and you will be led outside the examination room. On confirmation you will then enter and sit at the corresponding numbered table to your station.
Station start is indicated by a bell call, a further bell call will occur 10 minutes into the station signalling the change to the second scenario.
After 20 minutes is complete a final bell will ring and you will exit the room back to the waiting room.
This process will repeat for the scheduled timings of the stations.
Why the viva needs a different kind of revision
The oral exam is not just about recalling facts. Candidates need to organise an answer, prioritise safe clinical decisions, explain their thinking, and recover smoothly when a question moves into an uncertain area. That is why repeated spoken practice matters.
How FRCS Urology Viva fits in
FRCS Urology Viva focuses on the spoken Part B preparation loop: practise aloud with realistic stations, receive examiner-style feedback from CLIVE, then use scenarios, key papers, guidelines, flashcards, and the knowledge bank to revise the gaps.
Frequently asked questions
Is this page official examination guidance?
No. It is an educational orientation page for candidates. Always check current JCIE, Intercollegiate, and professional body guidance before making exam plans.
Where should viva revision begin?
Start with broad station coverage, practise aloud early, and keep a running list of weak topics that can be revisited with papers, guidelines, and structured notes.
Put the guidance into practice
Practise aloud with our viva engine
Move from reading about the exam to practising realistic Part B stations, receiving examiner-style feedback, and focusing your next revision session using our purpose-built viva engine CLIVE.