Preparing for the FRCS (Urol) Part 2 viva examination can be challenging. By the time candidates reach this stage, most already have the knowledge required to pass.
The real challenge is something else.
Performance.
The viva exam is about structuring answers clearly, thinking under pressure, and demonstrating safe consultant-level decision making.
To help trainees practise these skills, we have launched a new feature on SmashUrology:
The Viva Suite
The SmashUrology Viva Suite includes a Viva Bank of 80+ structured FRCS Urology viva scenarios, designed to simulate the types of questions commonly asked in the exam.
These scenarios have been developed based on:
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Topics frequently examined in the FRCS (Urol) viva
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High-yield themes from FRCS preparation courses
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Common clinical scenarios in urology practice
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Emerging and “hot topics” in modern urology
The aim is simple: help trainees practise answering viva questions in a structured and confident way.
Why Viva Practice Matters
Most candidates preparing for the FRCS Urology Part 2 exam already understand the core clinical knowledge.
However, success in the viva depends on:
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Clear structured thinking
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Communicating safe clinical reasoning
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Managing pressure and time
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Demonstrating consultant-level judgement
Practising viva scenarios regularly can significantly improve these skills.
The Viva Suite is designed to support this type of preparation.
How to Use the Viva Bank
The Viva Bank is intentionally simple and flexible.
You can use it in several ways:
Practice independently
Work through scenarios on your own and structure answers aloud, as you would in the exam.
Practice with a colleague
Many candidates find it most useful to practice with friends or study partners, taking turns to act as examiner and candidate.
Time your responses
You can time your answers to simulate the pace of a real FRCS viva station.
Discussion Points Rather Than “Perfect Answers”
One important principle of the Viva Suite is that there are rarely perfect answers in a viva exam.
Instead of providing rigid scripts, each scenario highlights:
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Key discussion points
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Important considerations
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Relevant clinical reasoning
This reflects how real viva exams work — examiners are looking for safe, structured thinking, not memorised answers.
Evidence and References Coming Soon
Over the coming weeks we will continue to expand the Viva Bank.
This will include:
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Key guideline references
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Important supporting literature
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Evidence underpinning management decisions
Our goal is to ensure that answers align with current urology evidence and best practice.
A New Feature Coming Soon: The ExamRoom
We are also preparing to launch a major new feature on SmashUrology:
The ExamRoom
The ExamRoom will allow trainees to:
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Practise live viva simulations
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Receive structured scoring
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Get feedback on performance
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Track improvement over time
This will bring candidates even closer to the real FRCS viva experience.
More details will be released soon.
Feedback and Suggestions
The SmashUrology platform continues to evolve based on feedback from trainees.
If you are preparing for the FRCS Urology viva, we would love to hear:
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What topics you find most difficult
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Scenarios you would like added
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Suggestions for improving the platform
You can explore the Viva Suite here:
Final Thoughts
Passing the FRCS (Urol) Part 2 exam is a major milestone in surgical training.
By this stage, most candidates already have the knowledge required.
The key is learning to perform under pressure, structure answers clearly, and demonstrate safe clinical reasoning.
We hope the SmashUrology Viva Suite helps trainees develop these skills and feel more confident on exam day.