Earlier this year, the FFLM commissioned an external review of its examinations to identify opportunities to build on their strengths, 
further develop the qualifications and enhance the candidate experience.

Following this, the FFLM Board has decided to pause the Part 2 examinations in 2027 so that the FFLM can focus on
implementing the review’s recommendations.

We have a clear and ambitious vision for the future of our examinations. This is an exciting opportunity to turn that vision 
into action through a considered and coordinated programme of development.

Yes, the Board agreed the decision on 14 September 2026.

Your Part 1/DLM with Distinction validity has been automatically extended by one year. You do not need to apply or take any action for this extension to apply.

Affected candidates have been written to directly, including confirmation of their revised extension date.

The table below provides an overview of these extensions.

If you are unsure what year you passed your Part 1 or DLM with Distinction, please email forensic.medicine@fflm.ac.uk.

Candidates on the Portfolio route who have yet to sit the OSCE component will receive a letter confirming their revised Part 1 expiry date.

Candidates who have completed the Part 2 OSCE and are progressing via the Portfolio route are not expected to be affected by this cancellation.

The extension applies specifically to candidates affected by the 2027 Part 2 cancellation. Please contact forensic.medicine@fflm.ac.uk if you’re unsure whether this applies to you.

No. The DLM is a separate qualification from Part 1 and Part 2, and is not affected by this decision. The 2026 DLM examination will run as planned, and DLM candidates do not need to take any action.

No, the DLM is a standalone qualification and is not a prerequisite for Part 2. There are no current plans to change DLM’s examination schedule as a result of this decision.

The one-year extension applies to Part 1 validity only, as it relates specifically to progression towards Part 2. It has no bearing on your DLM, which does not carry the same expiry structure.

A Distinction pass in the DLM (Part 1 MFFLM) can, in certain circumstances, support eligibility to progress towards Part 2. If you have passed the DLM with Distinction, are eligible for the Part 2 MFFLM Examination in General Forensic Medicine (GFM) or Sexual Offence Medicine (SOM) and this cancellation affects your ability to progress as originally planned, an additional year’s validity will apply.

Please contact forensic.medicine@fflm.ac.uk if you are unsure whether this applies to you.

The FFLM intends to resume the Part 2 examination in 2028 and is expected to follow a similar timetable to previous years, with the examination itself typically taking place in spring.

Some changes are expected as part of the improvement work informed by the examination review, though full details have not yet been confirmed. Further information will be issued in due course.

The 2028 application window is intended to open during November 2027.

All candidates will need to apply for the 2028 sitting through the normal process once applications open.

As applications for the 2027 sitting had not opened, no fees had been paid resulting in no refunds being required.

No. The exam fee for the 2028 sitting will remain £1,550, unchanged from the current fee.