This page has been updated with latest available information on 22nd August 2024.
Completing your application for a training post can be a challenging task. You want to ensure that you stand out from the crowd by presenting the full breadth and depth of the experience that you’ve gained to date. At the simplest level, this means scoring as many points on the self-assessment as you possibly can. However, it’s essential that you are honest when claiming your points and follow the guidance correctly.
Which course and how many points?
Every year, large numbers of doctors contact us on this topic. Many are confused about the allocation of points available on self-assessment application scoring for the various “Teach the Teacher” course formats that we offer. Some have become quite anxious about making the right choice.
We can assure you that all of our courses are CPD accredited and are accepted as evidence of training for thousands of doctors every year. However, it’s important to be aware that there are different scoring criteria in play for surgical and medical training programmes. The criteria has also changed over the years.
If you’ve already taken a course, then you will want to ensure you claim the correct number of points. Alternatively, if you are still considering which course to take then you want to ensure your make the best choice to achieve the highest score.
Here’s a table to summarise the latest publicised scoring for the most popular Medical Teaching Course options.
| Oxford Medical Course | CPD points | IMT/ ACCS Application Points | CST Application Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teach the Teacher Course for Doctors (2 days, tutor led in Virtual Classroom or In-Person) | 12 | 1 | 3 |
| Teach the Teacher Online Course | 3 | 0 | 1 |
For clarity, the following sections outline the differences between IMT/ACCS and CST programmes to help you with this matter.
2025 IMT and ACCS Recruitment – Application Scoring – Training in Teaching
The self-assessment scoring for these programmes is quite different this year than for previous years. A document called “Changes to the application scoring matrix from 2025…” was posted on the Physician Higher Specialty Training Recruitment Document Library December 2023. Here is a copy of the summary table in the “Training in Teaching” section of this document.
| For IMT/ ACCS: Option | Score available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| I have a higher qualification in teaching e.g. PG Cert or PG Diploma. | 3 | This could be full time over one academic year or part-time over multiple years. |
| I have had training in teaching methods which is below the level of a PG Cert or PG Diploma | 1 | This should be additional to any training received as part of your primary medical qualification. Training should be delivered with a duration of at least six hours (i.e. a one-day course) of synchronous (live) teaching time. |
| I have had no training in teaching methods. | 0 |
The “Summary of changes” table at the start of this document includes the following paragraph:
“The guidance on the one-point option has been amended to specify that the training must have included a minimum of six hours (one day) of synchronously delivered teaching; (i.e. being taught live by a teacher) “
For IMT or ACCS at CT1 level, you score 1 point for our tutor-led 2-day Teach the Teacher Course for Doctors , whether you take the course in our Virtual Classroom, or in-person. Both fulfil the criteria of “synchronously delivered teaching” and being “taught by a live teacher”.
Our instant-access Teach the Teacher Online Course is designed for you to work through alone and at your own pace and does not involve a live tutor, so cannot be used this year for IMT or ACCS self-assessment scoring.
These changes also apply to 25 physician higher specialities at ST3/ST4 level.
2024 CST Self-Assessment Scoring – Training Qualifications
This is where most of the confusion arose last year. In part, this was due to a change in the criteria being announced very late, just before the window for applications opened, and as some definitions were unclear. We contacted HEE to raise this issue and received a response from the Recruitment Officer, London and KSS NHS England who acknowledged this, leading to additional clarification notes being posted on the information webpages.
So, here’s the latest information as it appears on the Training Experience section of the 2024 Core Surgical Training Self-Assessment Scoring Guidance for Candidates webpage for NHS England, Scotland and Wales at time of writing this blog post.
| For CST: Options | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| I have a Teaching specific postgraduate qualification, for example, at least a PG Cert (ICSED level 4 and above). | 5 | Not applicable |
| I have had substantial training (defined in additional notes) in teaching methods lasting at least 2 days. This could include a completed module which forms part of a postgraduate teaching qualification or masters level programme. | 3 | This does not include online only courses. Courses must have a face-to-face component. |
| I have had training in teaching methods | 1 | This should be additional to any training received as part of your primary medical qualification. This can be delivered virtually. |
It’s essential to read this table in conjunction with the “Additional notes” section for clarification in terms of what is considered “substantial training” for CST programmes. The “Additional notes” state:
“Substantial training is defined as formal training either face to face or virtual that should be of at least 2 full days in duration.”
For CST programme applications, you can claim 3 points for our 2-day tutor-led Teach the Teacher Course for Doctors, whether that is taken in our Virtual Classroom or In-person, or 1 point for our Teach the Teacher Online Course where you gain access to materials which you work through on your own or at your own pace.
Please note: The bottom of the “2024 Core Surgical Training Self-Assessment Scoring Guidance for Candidates” webpage states “Next review due 26 October 2024”
Other things to consider
Completing the application is only the first hurdle in achieving your training post. If you are successful in getting through to interview then you have the challenge of presenting yourself at your best during the intensive interview process. So, you need to gain as much experience in numerous areas between now and then. You will need to demonstrate your patient communication, team communication and leadership skills. Taking courses in these subjects will give you fresh input and help you to clarify your thinking. And it’s always worth considering a dedicated interview preparation course to help you pull everything together.
All the best with your application and continue to develop your abilities to maximise your potential.
Stephen McGuire – Managing Director
