🚀 How to Succeed at ENT ST3 National Selection ?

Navigating National Selection for Higher Surgical Training in ENT: Key Insights for Aspiring Candidates

The path to a national training number (NTN) in Otolaryngology (ENT) in the UK is recognised as both competitive and highly selective, reflecting the specialty’s popularity and limited number of available posts.

The number of training numbers is decreasing over recent years and so the competition has only intensified. This article summarises essential factors for candidates pursuing higher surgical training in ENT, highlighting the required qualifications, application strategies, and practical advice for maximising success in the national selection process.

1. The Competitive Landscape of ENT Training

National Selection was introduced in ENT to ensure fairness in candidate selection, based on standardised criteria. The selection process has been pretty set out but the nuance of what is required on your application has been changing every 2-3 years. On the whole there will be ~ 20-40 national posts per year with ~150 candidates gunning for them.

2. Key Qualifications and Candidate Profile

To qualify for a training number, applicants must complete core surgical training, with a minimum of six months in an ENT setting. In previous years allied specialities, such as neurosurgery, plastic surgery, maxillofacial surgery, and paediatric surgery, were desirable but this has not made an appearance on this years application.

Passing the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) exams is a prerequisite for ENT ST3 application. For ENT, the MRCS(ENT) qualification, which combines MRCS Part A with MRCS (ENT) OSCE serves as an alternative to completing both parts of the standalone MRCS and DO-HNS exams. From February 2026 all candidates will be expected to do the MRCS Part A & B.

3. Application and Selection Process

The Portfolio and Interview

A well-organised portfolio is essential, as it represents a candidate’s accomplishments and is subject to scrutiny during the submission process. In the portfolio station, interviewers award points based on the presentation and content. You want to make it remarkably easy for examiners to award you marks - at present this is done via an online platform. I would ensure to prepare your evidence in PowerPoint and highlight relevant information to allow easy identification of evidence.

4. Success Profiles and Insights

To succeed you must possess:

• Commitment to the Career : The vast majority of applicants will have decided on a career in ENT early on and been quite organised in their pursuit of their portfolio evidence / experience to ensure they rank highly.
• Exams: Ensure to sit your MRCS certification early to ensure you can focus on preparing your portfolio appropriately for the ST3 Interview.
• Burnout: Do not start too early. It's important to start early but you should leave the bulk of work (aside from publications / presentations) to your CT1 year. The application process changes every 2 years and you do not want to be inefficient in your approach. There will always be a publications / presentation and they often take the longest time to get through - so you should start on these early! Pace yourself

5. Practical Advice for Aspiring ENT Surgeons

Early Preparation

Candidates interested in ENT should ideally begin preparing early, focusing on obtaining an ENT-themed core training position. Selecting a core training program that maximises ENT exposure is advisable, as it can provide the necessary experience and ensure applicants meet the six-month minimum ENT requirement.

Building a Strong Portfolio

Publications, presentations, and audits significantly enhance a CV through ST3 interviews and beyond. Emphasis on these achievements, alongside leadership roles, teaching, and prizes, distinguishes competitive applicants.

The portfolio is not the be-all and end-all, the interview counts for A LOT! Ensure that you prepare for your interview well. It should resemble exam study, with attention to practicing station-specific skills.

Conclusion

The National Selection process for ENT is rigorous, and success demands a strategic approach to training, portfolio development, and interview preparation. Candidates should be prepared to adapt, including the possibility of relocating or taking a year out and reapplying to the programme of choice. By meeting and exceeding these requirements, candidates can maximise their potential for securing a coveted position in ENT higher surgical training.

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