The FSRH gives you a maximum of two years to complete the DFSRH from formal acceptance. Most candidates complete it in 12-18 months. Some complete it in as little as 9 months if clinical placements are readily available and they prepare efficiently.
The timeline depends on three variables: how quickly you can access clinical placements (for the SCAs), how efficiently you prepare for the OTA, and when AHD dates are available in your region.
The 12-Month Timeline
Month 1: Register with the FSRH. Begin the ILP. Start iatroX DFSRH Q-Bank immediately — 15-20 questions daily from day one. Begin the FSRH e-SRH e-learning modules.
Months 2-3: Continue ILP modules. Increase Q-bank practice to 20-30 questions daily. Begin arranging clinical placements for SCAs. Study the UKMEC summary table intensively.
Month 4: Sit the OTA. You should have completed 400+ Q-bank questions by this point, with the adaptive algorithm targeting your weak areas. The UKMEC categories should be near-automatic.
Months 4-8: Clinical placements. Complete the 5 SCAs over 3-4 placement sessions. Continue ILP entries. Use Ask iatroX during placements for instant clinical reference when questions arise.
Months 8-10: Complete remaining ILP requirements. Prepare for the AHD — practise VIVA scenarios with colleagues, review UKMEC, and revise STI management.
Months 10-12: Sit the AHD. Submit the completed ILP.
If Placements Are Delayed
The most common bottleneck is accessing clinical placements for the SCAs. Sexual health clinics have limited training capacity, and waiting lists for DFSRH placements can be months long. Register for placements as early as possible — ideally before or at the same time as registering for the DFSRH programme.
If placements are delayed, use the waiting time to strengthen your theoretical preparation. Complete the entire e-SRH e-learning suite. Work through 500+ iatroX Q-Bank questions. Study the UKMEC table, STI guidelines, and early pregnancy management. When placements become available, you will be clinically prepared rather than starting from scratch.
Study Targets
For the OTA: Minimum 200-300 Q-bank questions (ideally 400+). Complete all FSRH e-SRH modules. Know the UKMEC summary table. Know first-line STI treatments.
For the AHD: All of the above, plus: practise VIVA-style scenarios out loud, review anatomy (reproductive organs, IUD positioning), and be confident in your clinical reasoning across all contraceptive methods.
Throughout: 15-30 minutes daily on the iatroX Q-Bank. The adaptive spaced repetition maintains your knowledge across the entire 12-month period without requiring intensive revision blocks.