Dermatopathology
The standard required to pass the Diploma in Dermatopathology is that of a medical expert specialist offering a diagnostic opinion in dermatopathology to local and often more distant colleagues. Candidates for the examination will be expected to demonstrate considerable knowledge in all aspects of dermatopathology, at a standard beyond that required to pass the FRCPath examination in histopathology.
Candidates must hold a minimum of either the FRCPath in histopathology, or hold the Certificate of Competence of Training (CCT) in dermatology, or be within a year of being eligible for the CCT in dermatology. Candidates from countries other than the UK must have an equivalent qualification or similar accreditation status.
Newly qualified candidates (with FRCPath and CCT in dermatology) to the examination will normally be expected to have undertaken a minimum of 1 year's training at a centre with a specialised dermatopathology service and a consultant dermatopathologist who holds the Diploma in Dermatopathology. The candidate should spend the year in a specialised service with rotations through dermatology/pathology depending on background.
Experienced candidates may occasionally be permitted to sit the examination without completing the training programme at a training centre. This variance will be at the discretion of the Chair of Examiners in Dermatopathology and Clinical Director of Training and Assessment at the Royal College of Pathologists.
The same standards will apply to both histopathologists and dermatologists in respect of their knowledge to pass the examination.
Diploma written examination
Format of the written examination
The written examination consists of two 3-hour essay papers. Paper 1 comprises questions on basic principles and general aspects of dermatopathology. Paper 2 concentrates on more specific aspects of dermatopathology.
Candidates must have passed the written part of the examination before they can proceed to the practical examination.
Diploma practical examination
Dermatopathology practical examination
The practical examination is held over 2 days.
On the afternoon of the first day, there is a 3-hour microscopy session, comprising 20 histopathology sections to cover dermatopathology and other relevant aspects of histopathology that may become manifest within the skin.
On the morning of the second day, a 2-hour microscopy session comprises 6 complex cases that test clinical knowledge and relevant specialised techniques in histopathology. The clinical component may include colour prints or patient examination. Particular emphasis will be placed in this part of the examination on clinicopathological correlation.
The oral examination is undertaken during the afternoon of the second day and is for 30 minutes covering four topics.