Candidate-related factors associated with success in the Fellowship of the College of Diagnostic Radiologists South Africa Part 2 examination

Abstract

Background: The examination of the Fellowship of the College of Diagnostic Radiologists South Africa (FC Rad Diag [SA]), conducted by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA), is the national exit examination for qualification as a radiology specialist. There is limited published evidence on South African pass rates and factors influencing success in the FC Rad Diag (SA) Part 2 examination. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the pass rate and factors associated with success in the FC Rad Diag (SA) Part 2 examination. Method: A descriptive quantitative study was conducted using CMSA examination data from 2015 to 2023. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used to assess associations between candidate characteristics and examination outcomes. Results: A total of 377 candidates sat in the examination, with an overall pass rate of 85.7% (323/377). Candidates who failed were older (median age 42 years old [37–47 years] vs. 35 years old [33–38 years]; p < 0.001). Higher pass rates were observed among candidates in registrar training posts compared with medical officers (80.2% [259/323] vs. 19.8% [64/323]; p < 0.001). Successful candidates had more recently completed their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh /MBChB) (median 11 [9–13] vs. 14.5 [12–17] years; p < 0.001) and Part 1 examinations (4 years [3–5 years] vs 5 years [4–6 years]; p < 0.001). They also had fewer examination attempts (median 1 [1–2] vs. 3.5 [2–5]; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Success in the FC Rad Diag (SA) Part 2 examination is influenced by multiple candidate-related factors. Contribution: Targeted academic support programmes should focus on candidates at higher risk of failure, particularly those outside formal registrar posts and those with multiple examination attempts, to improve equity and overall specialist throughput nationally.