6-Month Study Plan for FRCPath Part 2 Medical Microbiology

FRCPath Prep Medical Microbiology Consultants
Jul 20, 2025
3 min read

The FRCPath Part 2 in Medical Microbiology is a high-stakes practical and clinical exam designed to assess your ability to function as a Consultant Microbiologist in the UK. With the right preparation strategy, 6 months is enough time to ace the exam—provided you follow a structured, high-yield plan focused on SAQs, OSPEs, and case-based scenarios.

This guide outlines a 6-month FRCPath Part 2 study plan, including weekly goals, essential resources, and proven strategies to help you succeed—whether you're a UK trainee or an international medical graduate (IMG).

🔍 Overview of FRCPath Part 2

Format:
- SAQs (Short Answer Questions)
- OSPEs (Objective Structured Practical Examination)
- Long-form clinical or lab-based case scenarios
Key Skills Assessed:
- Clinical judgment
- Infection control
- Lab interpretation
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Reporting and communication

📅 6-Month Study Timeline

✅ Months 1–2: Build Core Knowledge and Orientation

Goals:

Understand the structure of OSPEs, SAQs, and case formats.
Begin case-based reading and FRCPath-level reporting.
Start reviewing UKHSA, IDSA, NICE, BIA guidelines.

Suggested Activities:

Join the FRCPath Part 2 Interactive Online Course for weekly teaching and live mock support.
Read consultant-level microbiology books (e.g., RCPath curriculum, Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple).
Practice 1–2 SAQs per week from the FRCPath SAQ Bank.
Start solving OSPE stations using the FRCPath OSPE Q Bank.

✅ Months 3–4: Case Mastery and Daily Practice

Goals:

Shift to active case solving.
Simulate timed exam environments for SAQs and OSPEs.
Begin reflective practice on errors and feedback.

Suggested Activities:

Solve 3–4 SAQs per week. Review model answers and marking schemes.
Practice 5–6 OSPEs per week. Join peer groups for discussion.
Attempt 1–2 full case scenarios per week from the Case Q Bank.
Participate in live case discussions and peer feedback in the interactive course.

✅ Month 5: High-Yield Integration and Mocks

Goals:

Time-bound mock papers weekly.
Master documentation, communication, outbreak management, and infection control policies.
Review difficult topics repeatedly.

Suggested Activities:

Full mock exam every Sunday (OSPE + SAQ + Case).
Reinforce important topics like:
- Antimicrobial stewardship
- HCAIs
- Molecular diagnostics
- Mycology and virology
- Outbreak control

✅ Month 6: Final Review and Exam Readiness

Goals:

Build exam-day strategy.
Rest and revise intelligently.
Minimize anxiety with simulation.

Suggested Activities:

Focus on weakest topics from past mocks.
Do one mock every 3 days (rotate OSPE, SAQ, and Case).
Attend live rapid revision sessions from the FRCPath Online Course.
Do a full run-through 1 week before the exam.

🧠 Top Resources for FRCPath Part 2

Resource	Link
✅ OSPE Q Bank	View Resource
✅ SAQ Q Bank	View Resource
✅ Case Q Bank	View Resource
✅ Interactive Online Course	Join Now
✅ Free Handbook + Books	Download

🎯 Pro Tips for Success

Follow UK Guidelines: Base answers on UKHSA, NICE, BSAC, BIA, BHIVA, and UK local policies—not textbooks alone.
Structure your answers: Especially in SAQs, use headings and bullet points.
Simulate exam conditions: Time yourself rigorously and practice full papers.
Get feedback early: Use interactive courses or peer groups for OSPE and case feedback.
Use the RCPath marking schemes: Understand what earns marks and what wastes time.

👩‍⚕️ Final Thoughts

Cracking the FRCPath Part 2 isn’t about rote memorization—it’s about thinking like a consultant. This 6-month plan gives you a proven roadmap to integrate clinical reasoning, UK-centric guidelines, and structured answers to confidently pass on your first attempt.