Interview domains and scoring guidance

Applicants will be assessed and scored on a set of domains in relation to a clinical scenario and a general interview.

The Interview Domains and Scoring Guidance documents will be available on this page in due course.

There will be 3 stations and each will comprise of the below:

• Station A (station name to be confirmed) - (5 minutes reading time and 10 minutes interview), 20 marks per assessor and 4 marks per assessor for Global Rating, 48 marks in total
• Station B (station name to be confirmed) - (10 minutes), 20 marks per assessor and 4 marks per assessor for Global Rating, 48 marks in total
• Station C (station name to be confirmed) - (10 minutes), 20 marks per assessor and 4 marks per assessor for Global Rating, 48 marks in total

The total interview score is out of 144. This is demonstrated in the scoring matrix which can be downloaded on this page.

At the end of each online interview day, all scores are reviewed by the panel, the Recruitment Lead, and/or Clinical Lead. Any significant discrepancies in scores between assessors are highlighted and discussed. Where discrepancies in scores are deemed to be justified - specifically, each assessor has scored consistently within set scoring parameters - the score stands; where deemed not to be justified, the score is amended. An amendment is a rare occurrence.

Information relating to the 3 stations will be provided in due course.

Global Rating Score (4 marks per assessor)

This relates to the assessor’s professional judgement of the overall performance of the applicant across the interview station. A global rating score is available per assessor in all stations. This is scored out of 4 per assessor, with a maximum of 24 marks across the stations.

Further information on this domain can be found at the end of each scoring matrix.

Appointability

For an applicant to be deemed appointable, they need to score a minimum of 72 out of 144 in the online interview.

The applicant’s Verified Self assessment score will then be combined with their interview score. For further information on scores and ranks, please refer to Offers section of the guidance.

If an applicant is given a Global Rating Score of 1 from each of the assessors in one of the stations, the applicant will potentially be vetoed. However, an applicant could score two 1s and a decision could be made not to veto. A discussion between the assessors and the Clinical Lead will take place for any applicants who could potentially be vetoed, and the final decision will rest with the Clinical Lead.

Applicants can score above the national cut-off and still be vetoed out of the process for serious concerns around behaviour, performance, and dangerous decisions. Vetoed applicants will not be considered for appointment in any region.

• 'Serious concerns' indicated on the scoresheet on any station by either or both assessors (Serious concerns will only be indicated if an applicant’s response to a scenario highlights genuine patient safety issues, probity concerns or behaviours that could not be easily modified in their early training)
• Low scores of 25% (or next highest denomination based on scoring structure) on any station by either or both Assessors. This may result in a referral to the applicant's Responsible Officer, where applicable. If the applicant is not currently employed in the UK, the Lead Postgraduate Dean may be notified

A discussion between the assessors and the Clinical Lead will take place for any applicant who has any of the above concerns raised before a final decision is made.