RCPA Anatomical Pathology Fellowship Examination Syllabus

Curriculum domains

The RCPA Anatomical Pathology Fellowship Examination syllabus (Trainee Handbook January 2025) is organised into 8 curriculum domains. PRIMEX maps every domain below to study topics and learning objectives so you can track coverage as you prepare.

The 8 domains

• 1.1 Foundation Knowledge and Skills — Normal tissue recognition, physiology/pathophysiology, genetics, staining principles, cytology, IHC, molecular techniques.
• 1.2-1.4 Specimen Management and Analysis — Accession, processing, storage, retrieval, gross and microscopic analysis, clinicopathological correlation.
• 1.5-1.6 Reporting and Patient Follow-up — Developing professional opinions, written reports, synoptic reporting, RCPA structured protocols, patient monitoring.
• 2. Laboratory Management — Leadership, quality management, patient safety, workplace health and safety, regulation, resource utilisation, informatics and digital pathology.
• 3. Research and Scholarship — Evidence appraisal, research methodology, continuing professional development, educating others.
• 4. Professional Qualities — Communication, ethical principles, professional conduct, confidentiality, error handling, public health, cultural safety, self care.
• Appendix 13: Core Molecular Competencies — FFPET tissue retrieval, IHC for oncoproteins, ISH/FISH for HER2/MDM2/ALK/ROS1/MYC/BCL2/1p19q, PCR for somatic variants, HPV genotyping.
• Digital Pathology and AI — Workflow validation, primary digital reporting, AI tools, regulatory considerations.

How PRIMEX maps to the syllabus

• Every domain above is mapped to PRIMEX study topics, so the curriculum tracker shows coverage domain by domain.
• Question banks, AI-graded SAQ practice and viva or OSCE simulation draw from these same mapped domains.
• Spaced-repetition scheduling and progress analytics surface the domains where your coverage is thinnest.

Frequently asked questions