top of page

FRCPath Part 1 Medical Microbiology exam guide.

Format, eligibility, curriculum and a 24-week plan for the 125 single best answer questions that test your core knowledge and scientific understanding of medical microbiology and virology.

What Part 1 is for

Part 1 is an early assessment of your knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of medical microbiology, virology and infectious diseases. Passing it is the gateway to the FRCPath Part 2 examination.

The format

Part 1 at a glance.

125single best answer questions, equally weighted
3 hone paper — about 1.4 minutes a question
SBA + EMQone-best-answer and extended-matching formats, mixed throughout
Markedby computer, with objective standard setting (modified Angoff)
Twicea year — spring and autumn sittings
CentreOn screen at a British Council test centre — UK, Ireland or overseas
UK TRAINEE? UK trainees in single or joint microbiology programmes sit Part 1 through the Infection route — the Combined Infection Certificate Examination (two papers of 100 SBAs, 3 hours each). See RCPath’s Infection exam page.
Eligibility

Can you sit Part 1?

Medically qualified

  • Trained in a recognised Regional Specialist Training Programme in microbiology or virology
  • Normally for at least 12 months
  • Appropriate medical registration

Non-medically qualified

  • Trained in a recognised microbiology training programme
  • Normally for at least 12 months
  • State registered, or the equivalent in another country — suitable for clinical scientists on the HSST route

International graduates

  • Training equivalence is assessed by the Royal College of Pathologists, case by case
  • Contact RCPath to confirm your programme is recognised
  • The International Trainee Support Scheme (ITSS) offers mentorship
  • Read the IMG FRCPath roadmap →
SPONSORUK: your educational supervisor · International: your head of department
APPLYThrough the RCPath website, with payment at the time of application. The 2026 fee is £749 (RCPath fee schedule) — always confirm current fees and dates with RCPath.
What’s examined

The core curriculum.

Core knowledge of medical microbiology and virology — especially the scientific basis of infection — across these areas.

General microbiologyBacterial structure, physiology, genetics and classification
VirologyViral structure, replication, pathogenesis and laboratory diagnosis
Medical mycologyFungal infections, laboratory diagnosis and antifungal therapy
ParasitologyParasitic infections, life cycles and diagnostic methods
ImmunologyHost defence and immune responses to infection
AntimicrobialsMechanisms of action, resistance and therapeutic use
Laboratory methodsDiagnostic techniques, quality control and safety
Clinical syndromesPresentation, diagnosis and management of infection
Infection preventionHealthcare-associated infections and control measures
Public healthSurveillance, outbreak investigation and epidemiology
Molecular diagnosticsPCR, sequencing and molecular techniques
Research methodsStudy design, statistics and evidence-based medicine
How to prepare

A 24-week Part 1 plan.

Candidates who start 24 weeks or more before the exam have the best chance of completing every module, the full MCQ bank and several timed mocks.

  1. Weeks 1–6FoundationsMaster the basic science with the training modules, study notes and a core textbook.
  2. Weeks 7–12UK guidelinesLearn UK-specific practice — UKHSA, NICE and the Green Book — alongside the interactive course.
  3. Weeks 13–20MCQ practiceWork through the 5,300+ MCQ bank by topic, then sit timed 125-question mocks.
  4. Weeks 21–24Intensive revisionFlash cards and quick-revision tools on weak areas, then a final full mock.

On the day

  • 01You have about 1.4 minutes a question — bank time on the quick ones.
  • 02For extended-matching items, read the theme and options list once, then answer each stem against it.
  • 03Read the final question line first, then the stem — know exactly what is being asked.
  • 04Flag and move on — never let one question cost you three.
FAQ

Part 1, answered.

How many questions are in FRCPath Part 1 Medical Microbiology?

125 single best answer questions in one 3-hour paper, using one-best-answer and extended-matching formats. That is about 1.4 minutes per question.

Who is eligible to sit Part 1?

Medically qualified candidates who have trained in a recognised programme in microbiology or virology, and non-medically qualified candidates who have trained in a recognised microbiology programme and are state registered (or equivalent) — normally for at least 12 months in each case.

I’m a UK trainee. Is this the exam I sit?

UK trainees in single or joint microbiology programmes take Part 1 through the Infection route (the Combined Infection Certificate Examination). Check RCPath’s Infection exam page for details.

When is Part 1 held?

Twice a year, in spring and autumn. From autumn 2026 RCPath delivers Part 1 on computer at secure British Council test centres — not at home. UK and Ireland centres: London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol and Dublin. International centres: New Delhi, Karachi, Amman, Singapore, Colombo and Yangon (some rotate between sittings and run only with enough candidates). RCPath allocates the centre closest to your registered address. Centres, dates and fees change, so always check RCPath before you plan.

How long should I prepare?

We recommend 24 weeks or more — enough to complete the modules and the full MCQ bank, sit several timed mocks and revisit weak areas.

What does Part 1 Premium include?

All Part 1 Q-banks (5,300+ MCQs, including The Green Book bank), all training modules, timed mocks with analytics, WhatsApp expert access, the discussion group, videos, podcasts and flash cards — for a full year.

Pass Part 1 first time.

Part 1 Premium: £1,999 a year — about £5.48 a day for every Part 1 bank, module, mock and expert.

Always confirm the current format, eligibility, fees and dates with the Royal College of Pathologists before you apply. FRCPath Prep is independent and not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the Royal College of Pathologists. Sources: RCPath — Medical Microbiology examinations · RCPath — Infection examinations · RCPath — Examination news and dates · RCPath — Part 1 FAQs, autumn 2026 · RCPath — Fees for examinations 2026
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Linkedin
© Copyright FRCPath PRep
bottom of page