If you are preparing to apply for the ENT ST3 (Otolaryngology) training programme, this guide offers essential details to help you succeed. It covers important timelines, interview formats, and scoring methodologies.
ENT ST3 Competition Overview
In 2024, there were 173 candidates competing for 59 positions, translating to a competition ratio of 2.93. This indicates that nearly three applicants vied for each available spot. To enhance your chances of success, dedicating ample time to your application and interview preparation is critical.
ENT ST3 Application Steps
The application process begins with submitting your application form online on Oriel. A major component involves self-assessment questions, where you select responses and provide evidence to justify your claims.
The Recruitment Office cannot assist with your answers, so it is essential to ensure your responses are both accurate and supported by appropriate evidence.
When crafting your application, reflect on your ENT-related experiences during medical school, foundation training, and core surgical training. Consider how your interest in Otolaryngology developed and highlight relevant achievements.
After submission, only your personal and referee details can be modified. Ensure all sections of the application are thoroughly completed to maximise your chances.
Portfolio Scoring Process
Your responses to the self-assessment questions will be reviewed by a panel of clinicians who will compare them against your submitted evidence. Based on this evaluation, a score will be assigned, and you will receive a scoresheet summarising your results.
Applicants with the highest scores will be shortlisted for an interview. Unsuccessful applicants will not face penalties for future applications.
ENT ST3 Self-Assessment Breakdown
The self-assessment form includes multiple-choice questions across key experience areas:
- Clinical ENT Experience
- Advanced Degrees and Certifications
- Published Research Papers
- Audits
- Presentations (including audit-related topics)
- Surgical Logbook Records
- Teaching Experience and Qualifications
Presenting your portfolio effectively is crucial. If evidence cannot be validated, you may receive a score of 0 for the corresponding question. Additionally, any evidence deemed inaccurate, confidential, or falsified will be flagged for further scrutiny.
Consult available portfolio and self-assessment resources for guidance:
- Person specification and entry criteria for Otolaryngology ST3 2025 recruitment
- The 2025 National Otolaryngology (ENT) ST3 self-assessment scoring guide
ENT ST3 2025 Recruitment Timetable
ACTIVITY | DATE |
Applications open | 14 November 2024 |
Application deadline | 5 December 2024 |
Self-Assessment Uploads | 19 December 2024 – 7 January 2025 |
Interviews | 10 – 11 March 2025 |
Initial offers released | 15 April 2025 |
Holding deadline | 23 April 2025 |
Upgrade deadline | 24 April 2025 |
ENT ST3 Interview Format
Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to attend an online interview. Booking an interview slot through Oriel is required, and slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
For online interviews, ensure you have a stable internet connection and a device equipped with a camera and microphone. Test your setup beforehand and adjust your lighting to ensure your face is clearly visible. Avoid positioning yourself with bright windows behind you.
At the beginning of the interview, you will need to verify your identity with a valid ID such as a passport or driving licence. Full instructions will be provided in your interview invitation.
The interview consists of three stations, each lasting 15 minutes. This time includes two minutes for reading and three minutes for breaks or scoring. Each station evaluates you based on the 2025 person specification.
ENT ST3 Interview Stations
Professionalism/Management Station
This station may require you to prepare a presentation or review a document. Specific instructions will be provided at least seven days before your interview.
PrepSurg’s resources include a question bank tailored to professionalism tasks, offering guidance and practice scenarios to help you excel. Here’s an example what you’ll find in PrepSurg’s Advanced ENT interview question bank:
Communication Station
This station tests your communication skills, an essential competency for ENT specialists. You will role-play a medical scenario with an actor to demonstrate your abilities.
PrepSurg provides examples and strategies to approach role-play scenarios effectively. Here’s an example what you’ll find in PrepSurg’s Advanced ENT interview question bank:
Clinical Station
This station evaluates your problem-solving and clinical leadership skills. You will receive a clinical scenario in advance and will need to explain your approach to managing it.
PrepSurg’s clinical question bank offers detailed case breakdowns to support your preparation. Here’s an example what you’ll find in PrepSurg’s Advanced ENT interview question bank:
Interview Scoring System
Two independent assessors will evaluate your performance at each station using a structured scoring framework. The scores from all stations are combined to calculate your overall interview score. A Lay Representative may attend your interview to ensure fairness and consistency but will not contribute to your assessment.
Your final ranking is determined by combining your station scores with your self-assessment score. Health Education England may set minimum thresholds for specific sections; failing to meet these criteria could result in a score of 0.
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