Virology

The FRCPath examination in virology is part of the integrated portfolio of assessment methods that are designed to monitor the progress of trainees through the objective-based curriculum in virology and to certify that a candidate is fit to practise as an independent specialist clinical virologist.

Part 1 of the examination for membership of the College in microbiology and virology now consists of a joint paper, which is described below.

Part 2 of the examination will focus entirely on specialist virology. It will consist of 3 components: an objective structured practical examination (OSPE) written paper, complex clinical scenarios written paper and an oral examination. 

UK trainees in single or joint training programmes for virology should refer to the information available on the Infection specialty page for information regarding their Part 1 examination.

Part 1

Virology Part 1 examination

Medically qualified candidates are required to have trained in a recognised Regional Specialist Training Programme in microbiology or virology for a period of normally not less than 12 months.

Non-medically qualified candidates are required to have trained in a recognised training programme in microbiology for a period of normally not less than 12 months. In addition, they must be state registered, or the equivalent of state registered in another country.

Purpose

To act as early assessment of the trainee’s knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of medical microbiology, virology and infectious diseases.

Format

Multiple choice: 125 single best answer questions, designed to test both knowledge and understanding.

Curriculum

The examination will test core knowledge in medical microbiology/virology and, in particular, the scientific basis of virology/microbiology and infection. The medical microbiology and virology curriculum is available in the Curricula section of the College website.

Standards and marking

  • Objective multiple choice question (MCQ) examination (single 3-hour paper) with computerised marking. 
  • One best answer and extended matching question formats.
  • Experienced group of examiners involved in standard setting and curriculum mapping. 
  • The pass mark is set by an objective procedure by the Panel of Examiners (individual question reviewed to create minimum standard). 
  • Examination review is biannual.

Part 2

Virology Part 2 examination – introduction

Medically qualified candidates are required to have trained in a recognised Regional Higher Specialist Training Programme in virology for a period of normally not less than 3 years.

Non-medically qualified candidates must be state registered and normally have at least 4 years’ experience in a clinical virology laboratory recognised for higher specialist training.

This examination will have the following components, as listed below:

  • objective structured practical examination
  • complex clinical scenarios
  • oral.

Virology Part 2 examination – written examination

Timing of the written examination

Medically trained candidates will normally sit the written and practical/clinical part of the Part 2 examination after at least 3 years’ higher specialist training.

Non-medically trained candidates must be state registered and normally have at least 4 years’ experience in a clinical virology laboratory recognised for higher specialist training.

The number of attempts that a candidate can make will be determined by normal College regulations.

All components of the Part 2 examination will be held together. Candidates must apply for and attempt all components in the same session. Candidates will not be able to sit either component at any overseas centre.

Format of the written examination

The examination will take place over 1 day. 

OSPE (135 mins)

15 stations on data interpretation, correct use of statistics, research methodology, statistics and evaluation of new diagnostic virology tests, and one station on a business case scenario. 

Complex clinical scenarios (90 minutes)

3 long cases that will assess the candidate’s ability to understand complex clinical and laboratory scenarios in virology and infection prevention.  

Oral (60 minutes)

4 stations that will assess the following within a clinical virology situation: clinical leadership, laboratory support and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) skills combined with business ‘sense’. 

Clinical virology cases in the oral stations will have questions on laboratory safety, clinical management and prevention, working within a multidisciplinary team and problem solving.     

Optional modules in virology

The optional modules in the virology curriculum will not be assessed as a part of the Part 2 examination portfolio.

Portfolio

In the old curriculum, a candidate had to satisfactorily complete a set of written assignments in the form of a portfolio in order to be allowed to sit the Part 2 examination. In the new curricula, workplace-based assessment has replaced the portfolio for the new Part 2 examination. The ‘Understanding research and development in virology’ module is assessed in the new written paper 2.