Applying for ST1 Training

You will need to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the person specification

The application process for ST1 Obstetrics and Gynaecology training consists of 3 stages.

1. A standardised longlisting process where your application will be checked to make sure that you are eligible. 
2. The Multi Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA). This is mandatory for all longlisted applicants. If your MSRA score is too low, you will be shortlisted out. If you meet the bypass score (TBC) then you will not need to attend for interview. Those remaining will be ranked and invited to interview based on capacity.  
3. An online interview (if applicable).

Person specifications

You will be assessed against the essential eligibility criteria outlined in the national person specification for ST1 training.

All application forms will be longlisted against the person specification.

It is possible that during the longlisting process you will be asked to provide further information on any aspects of your application to confirm your eligibility or to clear up any anomalies. If this happens, you will need to provide the required information within the time frame given for your application to be considered.

If your application does not meet the entry criteria, you will be informed by email, and your application will not progress any further.

Evidence of Foundation competences

You are required to provide evidence of achievement of Foundation competence within the 3 and a half years prior to the intended start date for the post you apply to. These competences are in line with General Medical Council (GMC) standards and Good Medical Practice and include:

• make the care of your patient your first concern
• provide a good standard of practice and care
• take prompt action if you think that patient safety, dignity, or comfort is being compromised
• protect and promote the health of patients and of the public
• treat patients as individuals and respect their dignity
• work in partnership with patients
• work with colleagues in the ways that best serve patients’ interests
• be honest and open and act with integrity
• never discriminate unfairly against patients or colleagues
• never abuse your patients’ trust in you or the public’s trust in the profession

There are 6 ways you can demonstrate that you possess Foundation competence. The application form will ask you a series of questions to help you determine the most appropriate form of evidence for you to submit.

If you are not covered by the above

If you do not fall into any of the above categories will be required to submit a Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialty Training (CREST, 2024 version). This needs to be signed by a consultant who has supervised you for at least 3 months (whole time equivalent and continuous period) in the 3 and a half years prior to the advertised start date for the training programme to which you are applying.

You must submit a single scanned CREST form with your application. 

Additional information for CREST applicants

The CT and ST person specifications state that you need to have had 12 months’ experience after full GMC registration, or equivalent, and evidence of achievement of Foundation competences.

If you are submitting a CREST form with your application, we therefore require at least 24 months' experience in appropriate posts, either in the UK or overseas, since gaining your primary medical qualification and before taking up a specialty training programme.

Appropriate posts are detailed below.

• 12 months' satisfactory completion of a pre-registration, internship, or Foundation year 1 (FY1) post and 12 months' full time satisfactory completion in posts approved for the purposes of medical education by the relevant authority.
• 12 months' satisfactory completion of a pre-registration, internship, or Foundation year 1 (FY1) post and 12 months' full-time experience at a publicly funded hospital in at least two specialties with acute medical responsibilities.
• 12 months' satisfactory completion of either a pre-registration, internship, or Foundation year 1 (FY1) post and a 12-month full-time FY2 post.

You will not be required to submit evidence of your previous experience at the application stage, but you may be requested to provide it during the recruitment process.

Previous experience

When applying to an ST1 training position in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, you can only have up to a maximum of 24 months' expereince in the specilaty by the intended start date of the post. This inclues overseas experience and time spent in sub-specialties such as Gyanecological Oncology and Reproductive Medicine.

Any time spent in the specialty at Foundation level or in honorary/observer posts does not count towards experience in the specialty. 

Right to work in the UK

Before you can take up an ST1 Obstetrics and Gynaecology training post, you will need to demonstrate that you are eligible to legally work in the UK. 

You will be requested to produce valid right to work documents. If you do not have valid right to work documents you will need to apply for Tier 2 or Skilled Worker sponsorship. Further information can be found on the Government website on Skilled Worker Visas.

Medical practitioners are now part of the Shortage Occupation List and the Health and Care visa route is also available to medical and dental practitioners. Information on the Health and Care visa can also be found on the Government website.