A step by step guide on how to apply for Paediatric Specialty Training at

Level 1
This guide is intended for all Trust Grade/Non-training doctors who are considering a career in
Paediatrics. I personally believe that entering a training programme is key for career progression,
and any doctor, regardless of their background/nationality, is welcomed and encouraged to apply.
Most of the advice comes from my personal experience, so don’t rely solely on the lines below, but
do your own research at the time of your application. Good luck !

1. Obtain the “Certificate of readiness to enter Specialty Training” (CREST)

 This is the equivalent of the FPCC (Foundation Programme Certificate of Completion) for
Trust Grade (non-training) doctors and proves you have the competencies required
from an FY2 junior doctor
 Can be found here: https://www.oriel.nhs.uk/Web/ResourceBank/Edit/MTA3NA%3D
%3D
 Can be best obtained from adult medical jobs, but some competences apply to Paeds as
well
 CAN BE SIGNED BY MULTIPLE CONSULTANTS (this is very important) – as long as they
meet the criteria of having worked with you for more than 3 months in the last 3.5
years, any Consultant can choose a series of competences to sign, if he/she feels you
have achieved them. It is important to discuss early on with your Supervisor your
intention to obtain the relevant competencies. You don’t need to have the whole
certificate signed during a single job, especially if you plan to rotate every 3-6months.
The key to this is that your last Educational Supervisor MUST sign the WHOLE document
as “Received Evidence” (you must have the previous certificates signed by your previous
Supervisors – this is really important. The last person who signs it needs to have
adequate evidence). You can only upload ONE document on Oriel. At the end of the
document you will list all of the Consultants who signed it, alongside their contact
details, and they will be contacted at some point during the application process for
confirmation (it’s always respectful to ask permission and let them know they might
receive an email asking for a recommendation, especially if you will list them as referees
as well).
 This step is the only ESSENTIAL criteria (alongside having a medical diploma and GMC
registration, of course!!) to be shortlisted for the interview! ALL competencies must be
obtained.
 As of 2020, the “Advanced Life Support” course is a COMPETENCE (used to be a
mandatory course, but was not part of the certificate). In order for you Supervisor to
sign this, you either need a certificate of completion from the Resus Council (valid),
either proof of registration to a future, nearby course (proof of payment, confirmation
email, etc)

2. Stay up to date with RCPCH

Written by Sabina Chiperea – Paediatric ST1 in Wessex

March 2020
  They will issue clear guidance and all the relevant dates on their website early on, but
you can always use last year’s guidance, until the updated version is published, as it will
roughly stay the same
 Read their application guidelines and all the relevant documents
(https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/specialty-training-level-1-application-
guidance#downloadBox)
 Set up a reminder/mental note regarding important dates – again, these days will be
different each year, but the period is roughly the same

3. Set up an Oriel account (that’s where everything happens)

 https://www.oriel.nhs.uk/Web/Account/LandingPage
 Start building up your profile early on, as it can take a while, particularly if you’ve
rotated through a lot of jobs

4. Language certificate
 Oriel will state you need a language certificate, unless your undergraduate training was
in English
 Your evidence of English language proficiency can either be
IELTS diploma issued within the last 24 months at time of application with the
following scores: overall 7.5, speaking 7.0, listening 7.0, reading 7.0, writing 7.0
If your IELTS diploma was issued more than 24 months ago and you don’t want
to re-sit the IELTS just for this -> a UK Consultant or Supervisor must provide
testimony relating to your English language proficiency
(https://www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/
10/Consultant-Testimony-Proforma.pdf)

5. APPLY
 Once the registration window opens on Oriel, you have approximately one month to
finish your application and submit it
 I would recommend starting as soon as you can, as it is time consuming and the quality
of the information you provide will be decisive regarding a possible interview invitation
Clinical experience – 250 words
Clinical audit – 150 words
Management – 150 words
Academic achievements – 150 words
Publications – 1000 words
Other publications – 1000 words
Presentations
1. Local – 1000 words
2. Regional/national – 1000 words
Teaching experience – 150 words
Further information – 250 words
 I know the word count seems scary and maybe impossible to achieve, but actually you
will struggle to write everything you want respecting these counts! This section is so, so
Written by Sabina Chiperea – Paediatric ST1 in Wessex
March 2020
 important, it represents all of your hard work and wonderful achievements. All of the
above will be your story that the panel will want to know more about at the interview
 Always send it to one of your colleagues for word proofing (if English is not your first
language)
 Ask for advice from Paeds trainees who’ve been through the process and can help you
formulate your ideas better. If you work in Paeds at the time of the application, ask a
Consultant to review it as well!

6. Set up a reminder/alarm for the day the interview invitations are sent out
 You will know the day as it will be written in the RCPCH document
 Important as interview venues are being booked EXTREMELLY quick, with London and
Oxford centers being the first to get fully booked within the first few hours

7. Prepare for the interview

 Read books – I recommend Medical Interviews (2nd Edition): A comprehensive guide
to CT, ST & Registrar Interview Skills - Over 120 medical interview questions,
techniques and NHS topics explained (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Medical-Interviews-
2nd-comprehensive-techniques/dp/1905812175) – it’s a holy grail
 Discuss with trainees who’ve sat the interview – their experience and advice is
invaluable
 Practice interview questions, try to organize some mock stations with your colleagues
 Read all the relevant guidance about the interview process on the RCPCH website

 Good luck !!!

8. N.B - You CAN apply to start with ST2 if:

 You have at least 12 months experience in Paediatrics (essential criteria)
 Success in one out of the three MRCPCH papers at time of application close date (FOP,
TAS or AKP) (desirable criteria)
 Successful completion of Level 2 Safeguarding Children: Recognition and Response in
Child Protection (or equivalent) (desirable criteria)
 You MUST tick a box on Oriel, at the time of application, if you wish to be considered for
fast-tracking.

9. Appraisal
 Even in a non-training job, you should get an appraisal every year
 The requirements are different in each deanery, but some deaneries (for example
Wessex) will ask you to send them your latest appraisal prior to starting your first job
 Consult with your local hospital/revalidation department/seniors regarding this process
Other important advice: even as a Trust Grade Doctor, you are entitled to the same educational
opportunities as doctors in training. You are encouraged to attend all teaching sessions, as well as being
entitled to have study leave and a study budget (that you can use for example for the ALS). A useful tip
would be to ask the Educational Department at your hospital to set up an e-portfolio account for you,
Written by Sabina Chiperea – Paediatric ST1 in Wessex
March 2020
whether it is Horus or a different platform. Try to keep up to date with that and work on SLE’s, the same
way trainees do (https://supporthorus.hee.nhs.uk/media/1137/ntg-doctors-general-hee-guidance-and-
horus-support-site-information.pdf)

Written by Sabina Chiperea – Paediatric ST1 in Wessex

March 2020