Applying for the Exam
The exams occur twice per year. Section 1 is in January or July, and Section 2 is March or October. To find out when the next exam will be held, see the examinations calendar. Upcoming dates are:
| Location | Exam Date | Application Date | |
| Section 2 | Preston | 05/10/17 | 06/07/17 |
| Section 1 | N/A | 03/01/18 | 05/10/17 |
| Section 2 | Dublin | 22/03/18 | 04/01/18 |
| Section 1 | N/A | 04/07/18 | 19/04/18 |
For NTNs, you cannot apply before you have had a successful outcome at ARCP at ST6. Therefore, if you applied for the exam straight after a successful ST6 ARCP, you could do the exam in ST7 Jan/March (apply by October); ST7 July/Oct (apply by April); or ST8 Jan/March (apply by October).
You have a maximum of 7 years to complete the examination process. Section 1 has to be completed within 2 years of the first attempt, with a maximum of 4 attempts. Section 2 again has a maximum of 4 attempts.
To apply, you need:
- 3 references that have gone through your operative logbook. They fill in a structured form, so make sure you get them to do that well before the application date.
- CV
- Logbook
- Section 1 costs £536 and Section 2 £1313. You have to pay the whole £1849 at the start. If you fail, you pay again to take the section you’ve failed. This is a standard amount for all the FRCS exams.
For full details of applications, including rules, regulations, and current fees, see: www.jcie.org.uk.