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Radiology Primaries – Anatomy Question Bank : Special Access

FC Rad Diag (SA) EXAM OVERVIEW

The FC Rad Diag (Fellowship of the College of Diagnostic Radiologists of South Africa) examination comprises Part I and Part II:  The Part 2 can only be written after 36 months in a numbered registrar training post – including 3 months in isotopes. – portfolio.

FC Rad Diag (SA) PART I EXAM:

  • Radiation Physics – 3-hour online written paper
  • Imaging Anatomy – three spot tests (Single best answer format – 100 questions per spot test)

The pass mark for the test will be determined using Cohen’s method of standard setting. Using this method the pass mark is determined as a percentage, eg 65% of the 95th percentile of the scores achieved by candidates sitting the examination. Candidates are therefore encouraged to answer ALL ITEMS in the test.

REQUIREMENTS:

No previous requirements needed

Frequently Asked Questions - F.A.Q

How Should I Use This Question Bank?

We recommend that you solve each question, and review the answer. 

This will allow you to go and research knowledge gaps before continuing on to the next question.

This is also a great way to get through a lot of anatomy in a short period of time and will provide you with the highest yield of information, especially when you are near to the exam!

  • The anatomy test comprises of 300 marks and consists of 3 sections – Generally labelled as A, B and C.
  • Each section has 20 cases, with five questions presented in each case, totalling 300 marks.
  • Each section usually has a theme. For example, Section A relates to brain, head and neck, Section B relates to chest, abdomen and pelvic imaging, Section C relates to MSK, miscellaneous studies and nuclear medicine.
  • Each section lasts for 75 minutes.
  • Each candidate is stationed at their own computer workstation, with a mouse to navigate between the cases and keyboard to type out answers.
  • Slides are static images, and you won’t be able to scroll through the
  • During the exam, images may be viewed sequentially or individually. This allows candidates to return to any question at any time during the examination. All the activity of each individual workstation is centrally monitored by an invigilator.
  • Any imaging modality can be asked including x-rays, ultrasound, mammogram, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI and nuclear medicine studies.
  • Paediatric and antenatal imaging is also asked.
  • There is a significant focus on normal anatomical variants.
  • The most important method to prepare for the anatomy test is to gain a breadth of experience of normal images. You will need to understand normal anatomy as seen in different imaging modalities and planes. Daily practice is an excellent way to develop the necessary knowledge and understanding of what is normal.
  • Anatomy atlases have ‘classic images’ which are important for the exam. It is necessary to learn the details of these classical images since they demonstrate the important relationships between structures and will most likely appear in your exam.
  • It is important to understand the relationship between anatomical structures and surroundings as well as how they appear on different modalities and how they enhance. For example, you will need to know whether an image was acquired in venous or arterial phase or whether it is a T1 or T2 weighted image in MRI. Another useful tip is to compare the density, signal and echogenicity between neighbouring structures such as liver appearing denser next to the spleen.
  • It is important to practice spot tests before the real one as they will provide you with an idea of how long is needed to complete the exam, thus allowing you to manage time effectively.
  • If you perform well on a simulated exam, it will improve your confidence during the real one. This website will allow you to practice both timed as well as untimed tests and have been designed to replicate the real exam.
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    • Make sure you read the questions carefully and identify the labels. The arrow might point towards a structure, but the question asks you what passes through the structure and not just the name of the
    • Do not assume that the question numbers will be placed in the same order for each slide. Sometimes they will go clockwise around the image and on other occasions they go anticlockwise – it is not worth losing marks by putting the right answer in the wrong place. This happens during every exam!
    • There may be extra information on the image, for example side markers – pay attention to these, since they can provide extra detail and help point you to an answer. For example, some images may provide a description of the study to help orientate yourself.
    • Put as much detail into the answer as you can, while maintaining accuracy. If in doubt, it is better to secure the mark that you are sure of rather than botching up the entire answer.
    • It is important to add ‘left’ and ‘right’ to answers when appropriate, since this can contribute significantly to the mark.
    • Refrain from using acronyms and abbreviations where possible.
    • When labelling a structure, ask yourself whether there could be any more detail in the answer? For example, if labelling the aorta, add more detail by describing which part of the aorta is indicated, i.e. ascending, descending thoracic or abdominal.
    • Try to remain composed during the exam. Difficult images or questions will appear however try not to let this discourage you for the remainder of the exam.
    • It is important to refrain from stalling on a single image because, from our experience, there should be adequate time to return to these unanswered questions. It is important to build up confidence by answering questions which you are sure of the answer and this in turn will allow you to gain crucial marks towards your total score.
  • This will depend on your study technique and time it takes to understand the concepts. Physics is generally more time-consuming since it is a new subject. Students need to go over concepts multiple times to understand them. Anatomy is a known subject, but the detail needed is immense. Generally, 4 months is sufficient for physics and 4 months for anatomy.
  • No but working in a radiology department and seeing images on a daily basis does provide an advantage in terms of the anatomy paper. However, majority of candidates do not have experience, yet they still pass.

  • It is better to limit your resources and learn common things. You should pick a reasonable amount of material and stick to it. Many students generally pick 1 anatomy textbook, 1 atlas and supplement these with YouTube videos and mock tests.

    If you feel like a certain textbook is not working for you, it’s okay to ditch that resource and move onto something that you are comfortable with. Everyone uses different resources and still pass.

    Used textbooks are often available on Facebook.

  • Each author has their own source for normal measurements that they use. As long as these measurements are from prescribed resources, they will generally be accepted. Many measurements have ranges and giving a range is not incorrect.
  • The exam will only show normal anatomy and variants. Sometimes age-related or degenerative changes may be present, but these are not tested. However, instruments or catheters used during procedures are often asked.
  • Yes, ossification centres, hip ultrasounds, cranial ultrasounds, antenatal imaging such as ultrasounds or MRI during pregnancies appear in the exam frequently. Paediatric anatomy may include radiographs, fluoroscopy, ultrasound or cross-sectional imaging. It is important to know the anatomy of the growing skeleton on different imaging modalities. You must be able to identify all the different parts of a growing bone and distinguish between epiphyses, apophyses and epiphyseal growth plates. If you describe an epiphysis or apophysis as a secondary ossification centre, you will lose 1 mark as your answer will be only partially correct. You should also be able to recognise common normal paediatric variants.
  • There are no set percentages, but you can expect generally 5 questions on normal variants.
  • Yes, these questions are asked in both the physics as well as anatomy part of the exam.
  • Slides are generally divided equally between the major studies i.e. x-rays, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, CTs and MRI. Please refer to the exam blueprint on the CMSA website.
  • Images clearly depict the relevant anatomy.
  • Many students feel short of time and are unable to review all answers. However, they are able to generally review their flagged questions.
  • Each question is theoretically allocated 30 seconds to answer, however, you are allotted the full 75 minutes per section. If you struggle with a question, it is better to flag and return to it once you have completed answering all questions.
  • This will be indicated on the acceptance letter after you applied to write the exam and is usually six weeks after the exam.