In the final stages of specialty training: after completing Phase 2 of the curriculum with an ARCP Outcome 1, or within two whole time equivalent years of your expected CCT date. There is also a defined route for surgeons outside training posts.

How many attempts do I get?

Up to four at Section 1 within two years of your first attempt, up to four at Section 2, and seven years to complete the examination overall.

£2,000 in total for examinations from January 2026, paid when you apply for Section 1, rising to £2,070 from 2027.

Is passing enough for my CCT?

No. The JCIE says passing the examination is only part of the evidence for your CCT recommendation. You need it, but it is not enough on its own.

Coming soon

FRCS General Surgery

The FRCS (Gen Surg) is the exit examination in General Surgery: two written papers, then clinical cases and four oral interviews that cover your declared special interest as well as general surgery as a whole.

FRCS (Gen Surg)

Coming soon

Single best answer questions in the format of Section 1's two papers, with every answer explained.

The examination

What you are sitting

It is sat in the final stages of specialty training, and passing it is a mandatory requirement for certification and entry to the Specialist Register. Section 2 tests your declared special interest as well as general surgery as a whole, across two clinical blocks and four oral interviews.

sections: written, then clinical and oral: 2
Section 1 questions, in two papers: 240
in total, from January 2026: £2,000

Section 1: Two Single Best Answer papers of 120 questions, 2 hours 15 minutes each, sat by computer at Pearson VUE centres in the UK and Ireland
Section 2: Structured clinical cases and oral interviews at a UK or Ireland host centre, marked at the standard of a day one consultant
Fee: £2,000 in total for examinations from 1 January 2026 (£580 Section 1, £1,420 Section 2), rising to £2,070 from 2027 (JCIE)
Attempts: Up to 4 attempts at Section 1 within 2 years, up to 4 attempts at Section 2, and 7 years to complete the examination overall
When you sit it: In the final stages of specialty training: after completing Phase 2 of the curriculum, or within 2 whole time equivalent years of your expected CCT date, each with an ARCP Outcome 1. A non-trainee route exists
Section 2 shape: Two clinical blocks (short and long cases, including your declared special interest) and four 30 minute oral interviews, including emergency surgery and academic appraisal
Next diets: Section 2 on 2 September 2026 (Sheffield); Section 1 on 1 October 2026 by computer. Dates move; check the live JCIE calendar

Run by Joint Committee on Intercollegiate Examinations (JCIE). The exit examination, sat in the final years of specialty training. Checked against JCIE: General Surgery, JCIE Guidance Notes for Applicants (Policy G1 v10.0, July 2025) and JCIE examination calendar, accessed 2026-07-26. Formats and fees are the bodies’ to change; always confirm against the official page before you book.

The revision platform

Everything for the FRCS (Gen Surg), on any screen

Read the notes on a tablet, answer questions on your phone between lists, and see every answer marked and explained. One account works on your computer, tablet and phone.

Structured notes
Every topic from definition to prognosis, with illustrations and flowcharts.
Track your progress
Your level in every area of your syllabus, with focus areas that open the questions to practise next.

A gallstone at the ampulla. The stone blocks the outflow; pancreatic juice backs up and the gland inflames.

Ask the tutor
Ask about any answer, or to be asked it as a viva; the reply names the note to revise.
Timed mock papers
Full papers of 120 questions under Section 1 timing, with a report at the end.

Structured notes
Every topic from definition to prognosis, with illustrations and flowcharts.
Track your progress
Your level in every area of your syllabus, with focus areas that open the questions to practise next.
Ask the tutor
Ask about any answer, or to be asked it as a viva; the reply names the note to revise.
Timed mock papers
Full papers of 120 questions under Section 1 timing, with a report at the end.

Questions

Common questions

Something else? Contact Us

Guides & articles

Know what matters, and when.

Clear, practical guidance on applications, portfolios, exams and interviews; updated for each recruitment cycle to help you plan your next step with confidence.

ST3 Specialties

General Surgery ST3: Application and Interview Guide 2027

The interview format as published for 2026, the self-assessment scoring and eligibility thresholds, the 2027 dates, recommended reading and how to prepare.

8 min read · Updated 22 October 2026