FCPS Part 2: Complete Guide - How to Apply, Registration & Examination Form

What Is the FCPS Part 2 Exam?

The FCPS Part 2 exam is the final and most challenging milestone on the path to becoming a Fellow of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (FCPS). Passing Part 2 confers the FCPS fellowship - a postgraduate specialist qualification that is recognised throughout Pakistan and the wider region, and is the de facto standard for specialist medical practice in many disciplines.

Unlike FCPS Part 1, which is a written MCQ paper testing basic sciences, FCPS Part 2 is a comprehensive assessment of clinical competence. It consists of a written component (modified essay questions or structured clinical papers, depending on the specialty) followed by a clinical/viva examination. The examination assesses whether you are ready to practise independently as a specialist in your declared field.

FCPS Part 2 Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the FCPS Part 2 examination, a candidate must:

• Have passed FCPS Part 1 in the same specialty (or in a recognised parent specialty where applicable)
• Have completed the minimum required period of recognised CPSP training - typically 3-4 years for medical specialties and 4-5 years for surgical specialties
• Hold a valid CPSP training record showing continuous registration of training with no unaccounted gaps
• Have a supervisor's recommendation confirming clinical readiness
• Be currently registered with PMC with a valid and up-to-date registration

Eligibility criteria can differ between specialties. The CPSP ePortal displays the specific requirements for your specialty when you begin your Part 2 application.

How to Apply for FCPS Part 2 - CPSP ePortal

All FCPS Part 2 exam applications are submitted through the CPSP ePortal at eportal.cpsp.edu.pk. The process for applying is:

1. Log in to the CPSP ePortal using your existing candidate account. If you registered for FCPS Part 1 through the ePortal, use the same account.
2. Navigate to the FCPS Part 2 examination application section. The portal will display open sessions and the application window for each.
3. Verify your training record. The ePortal should reflect your completed training period. If your training registration is not up to date, contact your supervisor and the relevant CPSP regional office to correct it before the application deadline.
4. Complete the FCPS Part 2 examination form. Enter your personal details, specialty, preferred examination centre, and training details as prompted.
5. Upload required documents. These typically include your FCPS Part 1 pass certificate, PMC registration, training completion certificate or supervisor's recommendation, and any specialty-specific documents.
6. Pay the examination fee. Fees are paid online through the portal. The fee for Part 2 is significantly higher than Part 1, reflecting the more complex examination format.
7. Submit and download your confirmation. Save the admission slip - you will need it for the written paper and the clinical examination.

The CPSP FCPS Part 2 examination form closes typically 3-4 weeks before the written paper. Late applications are not accepted. Set a calendar reminder when the application window opens.

FCPS Part 2 Exam Format

The format of the FCPS Part 2 examination varies somewhat by specialty, but the general structure is:

• Written Paper: Modified essay questions (MEQs) or structured written papers. Typically 2-3 hours. Tests applied clinical knowledge, diagnostic reasoning, and management planning in the context of your specialty.
• Clinical Examination (for clinical specialties): Long case, short cases, and/or OSCE-style stations. Conducted at a CPSP-designated examination hospital.
• Viva Voce: An oral examination with examiners assessing depth of knowledge, clinical judgement, and professional competence.

For FCPS Part 2 Medicine specifically, the clinical examination is weighted heavily. Candidates are expected to take a full history, examine a patient, formulate a differential diagnosis, order investigations rationally, and present a management plan - all under the direct observation of experienced physician examiners. The standard is that of a competent, newly independent consultant physician.

FCPS Part 2 Registration - Common Questions

Can I apply for FCPS Part 2 before completing training? No. CPSP checks training records through the ePortal. You must have completed the minimum required training period before your application will be approved.

Can I apply for FCPS Part 2 in a different city from where I trained? Yes. You can select your preferred written paper and clinical examination centre independently of your training location, subject to availability.

What happens if I fail? FCPS Part 2 can be re-attempted. There is a mandatory waiting period between attempts - typically one year for the clinical examination. Use the time to identify and address weak areas systematically.

Preparing for FCPS Part 2

Part 2 preparation is fundamentally different from Part 1. The examination rewards clinical experience, depth of specialty knowledge, and the ability to think and communicate like a consultant. Key preparation strategies include:

• Consistent clinical exposure throughout training. The clinical examination tests real clinical skills. Candidates who engage fully with their training - taking histories, examining patients, presenting cases, attending grand rounds - are better prepared than those who try to cram in the weeks before the examination.
• MEQ practice. The written paper is time-pressured and tests structured clinical reasoning. Practise writing MEQ answers under timed conditions.
• Long case and short case practice with a supervisor or senior colleague. Viva examination technique is a skill that must be practised. Arrange regular mock vivas during the final 3-6 months before your examination.
• Read the major specialty textbooks and key journals. Part 2 examiners expect familiarity with current evidence and guidelines.

HighYield and FCPS Part 2

HighYield's MCQ QBanks cover the clinical medicine knowledge base that underpins specialty training across CPSP disciplines. Use our question banks during your training years to maintain and sharpen your clinical knowledge base, and to identify subjects that need deeper study before your Part 2 written paper. Start with 50 free questions - no subscription required.