Preparing for the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) FRCR Part 1 (Oncology) - CO1? If you are taking the February 2027 sitting, there is one important logistical detail to understand before you register: the exam is digitally delivered, but it is not a remote or at-home exam.
The four FRCR Part 1 (Oncology) - CO1 modules are administered over two consecutive days at designated examination venues. Candidates sit the examination on computers provided at the venue using the Speedwell examination platform.
The February 2027 FRCR Part 1 (Oncology) - CO1 is divided across two days:
| Date | Modules |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, February 9, 2027 | Cancer Biology & Radiobiology; Clinical Pharmacology |
| Wednesday, February 10, 2027 | Physics; Medical Statistics |
Candidates taking all four modules therefore need to be physically present at the examination venue on both days.
The examination is computer-based and delivered through Speedwell, but the digital format should not be confused with remote proctoring. You do not sit the examination from your home computer.
For the February 2027 sitting, the RCR lists examination venues in the following locations:
UK
International
These are the locations listed for this particular sitting. Venue availability can vary between examination sittings, so candidates should check the RCR's information for the specific examination they intend to take.
The FRCR Part 1 (Oncology) - CO1 is delivered digitally using the Speedwell platform. This means that the examination interface is computer-based rather than paper-based.
However, the examination takes place at a designated examination venue under examination-center conditions.
That distinction is important when planning your travel. There is no need to recreate the type of home testing environment required for a remotely proctored examination, but you do need to arrange transportation and accommodation near your chosen examination venue.
The practical arrangement is:
travel to examination location → sit at RCR examination venue → use computer supplied at venue → return home
You do not need to bring your own examination computer.
For the February 2027 sitting, the RCR gives the following booking timetable:
| Candidate | Booking opens |
|---|---|
| RCR resident doctors / members | September 29, 2026 |
| Non-members | October 6, 2026 |
| Booking closes | November 27, 2026 |
The RCR indicates that venue booking times will be staggered, with the exact venue-selection process handled through the RCR Exam Hub.
This makes it worth planning ahead if you have a particular examination location in mind.
The FRCR Part 1 (Oncology) - CO1 covers four separate modules:
For the February 2027 examination, the first two modules are taken on February 9, followed by Physics and Medical Statistics on February 10.
Because the modules span both fundamental science and clinical-supporting disciplines, preparation needs to cover considerably more than clinical radiation oncology alone.
If you are applying from outside the UK, registration is not simply a matter of selecting an examination center and paying the examination fee.
The RCR has specific eligibility requirements for overseas candidates, including requirements relating to training and/or professional status. Candidates should therefore establish that they meet the relevant FRCR Part 1 (Oncology) - CO1 eligibility criteria before making travel arrangements.
For the February 2027 sitting, the RCR lists March 4, 2027 as the results date.
That means candidates can expect the examination process to extend beyond the two examination days themselves: registration and eligibility need to be handled beforehand, followed by the examination on February 9–10 and results in early March.
If you are traveling to take the FRCR Part 1 (Oncology) - CO1, it is useful to think about the examination as a short trip rather than a remote testing event.
A practical checklist is:
The most important logistical point is simple: digital does not mean remote. For the February 2027 FRCR Part 1 (Oncology) - CO1, you will sit the examination at an examination venue using a computer supplied there.
The four modules require focused preparation across radiobiology, cancer biology, pharmacology, physics, and statistics.
Broad, systematic review is more useful than relying on a narrow clinical radiation oncology question bank, particularly because Physics and Medical Statistics represent dedicated examination modules.
Practice questions are especially useful for identifying gaps in areas that may receive less attention during day-to-day clinical training.
Build familiarity with high-yield questions and evidence-based rationales across radiobiology, physics, and statistics before test day.
Practice on irrad8u.com ✦irrad8u.com offers a free, continuously growing radiation oncology question bank for radiation oncology exam preparation, including ABR written boards, ACR TXIT, and MOC preparation.
| Exam | FRCR Part 1 (Oncology) - CO1 |
| February 2027 dates | February 9–10, 2027 |
| Day 1 | Cancer Biology & Radiobiology; Clinical Pharmacology |
| Day 2 | Physics; Medical Statistics |
| Delivery | Digital / Speedwell |
| Location | Examination venue |
| Remote from home? | No |
| UK venues | London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Bridgend |
| International venues | Hong Kong, Kolkata, Malaysia |
| Member booking opens | September 29, 2026 |
| Non-member booking opens | October 6, 2026 |
| Booking closes | November 27, 2026 |
| Results | March 4, 2027 |
The main logistical takeaway is straightforward: choose your venue, travel there, and plan to sit the examination in person on both days.
Good luck with your FRCR Part 1 (Oncology) - CO1 preparation.