Recruitment into sub-specialty training- application guidance

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Maximum number of applications

Update - 17 March 2021: The number of applications to the sub-speciality training programme was previously limited to two application rounds with a candidate being able to apply for up to two sub-specialities per recruitment year. A candidate who was deemed appointable in their first or second application but was unable to take up a post due to programme numbers or personal circumstances had also been able to apply on a third occasion provided they had adequate indicative training time to complete sub-speciality training before their CCT date. Provided there is enough time to complete the sub-specialty accredited training, there seems no trainee-focussed reason to limit applications.

Following review of sub-specialty recruitment, the College took the decision that trainees will not be limited in the number of attempts that they can apply to sub-specialty training.

Applicants will continue to be able to apply for up to two sub-specialities per recruitment round. They must have adequate indicative training time left to complete their sub-speciality training at the start of their post. To ensure consistency across sub-specialties, a maximum of one-year whole time equivalent (WTE) level 3 training or equivalent (OOPP or OOPT) can be counted towards sub-specialty training in future application rounds, as long as it has been approved by the relevant CSAC prior to the application process. This applies equally to both less than full time and full-time trainees.

If a trainee would like to apply again and they have enough indicative time left in training, please contact the sub-specialty recruitment team in the first instance at ntn.grid@rcpch.ac.uk.

Update - 22 March 2021: In this transitional year we will allow more than one-year WTE level 3 or equivalent experience to be counted towards sub-specialty training for trainees that have already received approval by the relevant CSAC or were planning to gain approval and apply in the next round.

Timeline

This timeline is for sub-specialty training starting in August or September 2022. The dates are later than previous years to allow applicants more time before the application window opens to decide which sub-specialty to apply for.

Who can apply for sub-specialty training?

It is open to:

• UK trainees holding an NTN (National Training Number), or
• EEA (European Economic Area) trainees that are still in training in an equivalent programme within the EEA.

Applications from those outside of a UK/EEA training programme are not eligible to apply. If someone has training, qualifications and experience in paediatrics but has gained these partly or completely outside of an approved CCT training programme (for example, they have trained outside the UK or EEA, moved abroad or taken a career break) and they are looking to join the GMC Specialist Register, they may be eligible to apply for CESR.

Anaesthetic, intensive care medicine, emergency medicine and EEA trainees should read the information on page 5 and 6 of the applicant guide and contact the sub-specialty recruitment team with any questions.

How long do I need to complete sub-specialty training?

Sub-specialty training is capability based. However, a sub-specialty programme is typically for two to three years indicatively. Applicants must ensure they have enough time left in their training before their agreed CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) date. CCT dates cannot be changed to accommodate sub-specialty training.

Candidates may apply from a higher level of training, eg ST6 or ST7 providing that sufficient sub-specialty training can be completed without an extension of the current CCT date. Applicants would be expected to have met some of the capabilities before starting their sub-specialty post. Candidates in this position are advised to discuss their circumstances carefully with their local deanery and the CSAC Chair. 

How many times can I apply to do sub-specialty training?

As of 17 March 2021, RCPCH agreed that trainees will not be limited in the number of attempts that they can apply to sub-specialty training. See more details at top of this page.

How many sub-specialties can I apply for?

Applicants can apply for a maximum of two sub-specialities in each round. Separate application forms must be submitted for each sub-specialty.

Which posts are available?

Programmes for an August/September 2022 start will be available to view here from Monday 11 October 2021.

What do I need to do before I apply?

RCPCH (UK) trainees

Applicant's local deanery need to complete the confirmation of eligibility form, including the applicant's name and sub-specialty(s) they are applying for. This confirms that the applicant is eligible for sub-specialty training. Once completed this needs to be emailed to the sub-specialty recruitment team and uploaded to the trainee's application. Any applications missing this form are automatically longlisted out of the process.

Download the Confirmation of eligibility form and Deanery contacts

EEA / anaesthetic, intensive care medicine and emergency medicine trainees

Please check the eligibility criteria in the applicant guide on page 5 and 6 and contact the sub-specialty recruitment team at ntn.grid@rcpch.ac.uk with any questions.

EEA trainees will need to complete the certificate of level 2 paediatrics training for EEA trainees, demonstrating completion or expected completion of level 2 training by the time of entry to the sub-specialty programme as outlined in RCPCH Progress curriculum. 

Download the certificate of level 2 training paediatrics for EEA trainees

Anaesthetic, intensive care medicine and emergency medicine trainees need to upload a completed confirmation of eligibility form for anaesthetic, ICM and EM trainees to their application. This needs to be filled out by their local deanery and confirms they are eligible for sub-specialty training.

Download the confirmation of eligibility form for anaesthetic, ICM, EM trainees

How do I apply?

All applications to sub-specialty training are made via the NHS Oriel recruitment system. Following the introduction of a new Oriel system in 2020, all previous applicant accounts were erased, so trainees will need to register again, even if they had a previous account from joining the programme through National Recruitment. NB. This does not apply to those that set up an account in the last round. Applicants are recommended to submit their application at least 48 hours before the closing date to allow for any technical problems. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstance.

Download the applicant guide 2021/2022

What criteria will applications be marked on?

Shortlisters mark applications to sub-specialty training using the RCPCH sub-specialty shortlisting scoring criteria. Applicants should refer to this when making their application, which can be downloaded below.

Our plans for RCPCH Progress+, our response to Shape of training, will not affect the eligibility criteria for applicants in the 2021/2022 round. 

What other information do I need to submit with my application?

Applicants need to provide:

• Confirmation of eligibility form for UK trainees and a separate version for anaesthetic/ICM/EM trainees - completed by their local deanery
• Fitness to practice declarations if necessary
• Confirmation of approval of level 3 capabilities from the CSAC chair, if applying from ST6 or above only
• Certificate of Level 2 Paediatrics Training for EEA trainees for applicants in the EEA

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact the RCPCH sub-specialty recruitment team:

• Email: ntn.grid@rcpch.ac.uk
• Phone: 020 7092 6139