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Portfolio Station re-introduced for 2025!!!

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2025 Important Portfolio Station Update!!!!

Important Update for the 2024/25 Application Cycle

For those applying in 2024/25, the self-assessment section has been transitioned to the portfolio station at the interview. This means only those invited to interview will need to self-assess, with final scores determined by interviewers. Building on the multi-station interview format, candidates invited to interview will complete a new portfolio station.


 he portfolio scoring has shifted from a numerical to a letter-based system, with evidence assessed by interviewers. Instead of the previous self-assessment on Oriel, candidates will:

  • Upload a self-assessment index page listing key achievements within designated domains.

  • Assign a letter grade (A to E) to each domain, representing where their evidence best aligns, with “A” as the highest and “E” as the lowest.

  • Assessors will determine scores based on completeness and relevance, with a separate score awarded for the interview discussion.

  • Only two domains will be discussed in-depth, allowing assessors to explore the candidate’s understanding and experience.

Assessment During Interview


An assessor will review the uploaded portfolio during a 10-minute session prior to a virtual interview. Candidates will then discuss two selected domains in a 10-minute interview, during which the assessors will finalize the scores based on evidence and responses. No preliminary scores will be provided before the interview, as the score is determined entirely during the discussion.


Changes to Specific Portfolio Domains for 2025


  1. Surgical Experience at Conferences: No longer part of the portfolio as per the latest Medical and Dental Recruitment and Selection (MDRS) guidance.

  2. Training Experience: To achieve top marks, candidates must now have delivered at least four teaching sessions. Additionally, the requirement for "Training Qualifications" has been removed.

  3. Recognised Surgical Specialties: Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) experience will no longer qualify as a surgical specialty for portfolio scoring from the 2025/26 cycle.

  4. Foundation Surgical Placements: Points will no longer be awarded for foundation placements, which were temporarily accepted during the pandemic.


There are four key domains tested each with unique scoring criteria 


  1. Commitment to Speciality

    • Operative Experience

    • Surgical Experience

  2. Quality Improvement / Clinical Audit

  3. Presentations and Publications

  4. Teaching Experience 


Visit the Self-assessment guide link below to help you maximise your score in preparation for the CST interview process. Pay particular attention to the additional notes and evidence required sections. You should have robust evidence to back up your achievements so make sure the evidence is watertight prior to your application. 


CST Scoring Criteria


  • 30% Portfolio Station (self-assessment score)

  • 30% Clinical Station

  • 30% Management Station

  • 10% MRSA Exam


Visit our Portfolio Station & Self-Assessment guide for further information

 
 
 

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