Coming soonFRCS (Neuro.Surg) · Neurosurgery
FRCS Neurosurgery Section 1 revision, coming to FRCS.app.
Neuro-oncology, neurovascular, trauma, spine, hydrocephalus and paediatric neurosurgery in single best answer questions written to the shape of the real Section 1 — on the platform that already runs four surgical exams.
Independent — not affiliated with or endorsed by the JCIE, the ICBSE or the Royal Colleges of Surgeons.
The exam
FRCS (Neuro.Surg), at a glance.
The FRCS (Neuro.Surg) is the specialty fellowship examination in neurosurgery, set by the JCIE on behalf of the four surgical Royal Colleges. Section 1 is the written paper; passing it opens the clinical and oral Section 2.
The standard is that of a day-one consultant in the specialty: questions test judgement in realistic scenarios rather than recall of facts in isolation, and every option is plausible for someone.
Always confirm dates, fees, eligibility and attempt rules with the JCIE. For the bigger picture, read the FRCS exam explained.
- Qualification
- FRCS (Neuro.Surg) — Intercollegiate Specialty Examination in Neurosurgery
- Set by
- The Joint Committee on Intercollegiate Examinations (JCIE), for the four surgical Royal Colleges of the UK and Ireland
- Section 1
- Paper 1: 120 single best answer questions · 2 h 15 min
Paper 2: 120 single best answer questions · 2 h 15 min - Delivery
- Computer-based, at Pearson VUE test centres across the UK and Ireland
- Section 2
- Clinicals and structured oral examinations, once Section 1 is passed
- Pitched at
- A day-one consultant in neurosurgery
What the bank will cover
The neurosurgery syllabus, question by question.
Every question will be tagged to the JCIE syllabus blueprint and the ISCP curriculum. These are the areas we map it into — our editorial grouping, not an official syllabus.
- Neuro-oncology
- Neurovascular surgery: subarachnoid haemorrhage, aneurysms and AVMs
- Traumatic brain injury and neurocritical care
- Degenerative, traumatic and neoplastic spine
- Hydrocephalus and CSF disorders
- Paediatric neurosurgery
- Functional neurosurgery, epilepsy and pain
- Skull base and pituitary surgery
- Peripheral nerve surgery
- Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neuroradiology
Explanations will be referenced to the SBNS, NICE and the Brain Trauma Foundation, landmark trials and standard texts — with the reference at the end of every one.
The platform
Already proven on four exams.
FRCS Neurosurgery will open on the same platform that runs MRCS, General Surgery, Plastics and Orthopaedics today — so on day one it will have everything they have.
- A single best answer bank mapped to the syllabus
- Two-paper mock exams with real timing, a navigator and flags
- The Daily Five: weakest topics, due lapses and something new
- Adaptive revision with spaced repetition
- Confidence × competence analytics and an exam-readiness score
- Revision notes, diagrams and interactive 3D
In the meantime
Free resources that overlap with neurosurgery
Live now
Questions
About FRCS Neurosurgery on FRCS.app
When will FRCS (Neuro.Surg) Section 1 revision launch?
It’s planned rather than dated: we open a specialty when its bank is written, referenced and ready, not before. Register interest on this page and we’ll email you once when FRCS Neurosurgery opens — the number of sign-ups also helps us decide which specialty comes next.
What will it include?
The same platform as our live sites: a single best answer bank mapped to the JCIE Neurosurgery syllabus, two-paper mock exams in the real format, the Daily Five, adaptive revision, confidence-vs-competence analytics, revision notes and interactive 3D where the anatomy calls for it.
What is the format of FRCS (Neuro.Surg) Section 1?
Under the JCIE’s regulations, Section 1 in every specialty is two single best answer papers of 120 questions, each 2 hours 15 minutes, delivered computer-based, at Pearson VUE test centres across the UK and Ireland. Passing it gives eligibility for Section 2, the clinical and oral component: structured interviews on clinical topics and clinical examinations. Check the JCIE website for current dates, fees and attempt rules.
Is FRCS.app connected to the JCIE?
No. FRCS.app is independent of, and not endorsed by, the JCIE, the Royal Colleges of Surgeons or any examining body. Our questions are original practice items, not recalled or official examination questions.