Otolaryngology (ENT) National Recruitment Self-Assessment Guidelines ST3 Applications
The 2025 National Otolaryngology (ENT) ST3 self-assessment involves candidates self-scoring their portfolios as part of their application. These scores will be verified by the Assessment Team. Below are the guidelines for each scoring area.
Self-Assessment Process
- Complete self-assessment scoring by answering multiple-choice questions and submitting supporting evidence via the Health Education England Online Portal.
- Assessors will validate scores based on submitted evidence, notify candidates of any changes, and explain discrepancies.
- Candidates have the right to appeal their final score through NHSE’s Appeals Process.
Portfolio Scoring
Each section of your portfolio has specific scoring criteria. Ensure that you submit only relevant documents to support your scores as listed below.
1. ENT Experience
Time in ENT posts since completing foundation training:
| Duration | Score |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | 0 points |
| 6 – 24 months | 20 points |
| 24 – 36 months | 15 points |
| 36 – 48 months | 10 points |
| Greater than 48 months | 0 points |
Maximum Score: 20 points
2. Postgraduate Qualifications
Score based on your highest postgraduate qualification:
| Qualification | Score |
|---|---|
| PhD or MD by research | 7 points |
| Master's degree (MSc, MA, MRes, etc.) | 3 points |
| Postgraduate diploma or certificate | 1 point |
| None/other | 0 points |
Maximum Score: 7 points
3. Publications
Submit your two best publications since medical school, scoring as follows:
| Publication Type | Score |
|---|---|
| First author, Impact Factor ≥2.5 | 6 points |
| First author, Impact Factor 1.0 - 2.5 | 4 points |
| Co-author, Impact Factor ≥1.0 | 3 points |
| Book chapter related to medicine | 3 points |
| Other publications (e.g., reviews) | 1 point |
Maximum Score per Publication: 6 points
4. Collaborative Research
Score for collaborative research involvement:
| Role | Score |
|---|---|
| Steering committee | 2 points |
| Site lead / Local collaborator | 1 point |
| None | 0 points |
Maximum Score: 2 points
5. Audits and Quality Improvement (QI) Projects
Score for QI project involvement:
| Involvement | Score |
|---|---|
| Leader in two cycles of a QI project | 3 points |
| Participant in all aspects of two cycles of QI | 2 points |
| Participant in one aspect of a completed QI project | 1 point |
Maximum Score per Audit: 3 points
6. Presentations
Score for original work presentations:
| Presentation Type | Score |
|---|---|
| Oral at national/international meeting | 6 points |
| Oral at regional meeting | 3 points |
| Poster at national/international meeting | 2 points |
| Poster at regional meeting | 2 points |
Maximum Score per Presentation: 6 points
7. Surgical Logbook
Scoring for specific procedure experience:
| Procedure Count | Score |
|---|---|
| 0-4 procedures | 0 points |
| 5-9 procedures | 1 point |
| 10-14 procedures | 3 points |
| ≥15 procedures | 5 points |
Maximum Score per Procedure Group: 5 points
8. Teaching Experience
Score based on teaching involvement:
| Role | Score |
|---|---|
| Principal organiser of a relevant course | 4 points |
| Course contributor as faculty | 2 points |
Maximum Score: 4 points
9. Teaching Qualification
Score for educational qualifications:
| Qualification | Score |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in education | 2 points |
| Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in education | 1 point |
Maximum Score: 2 points
For further details, please refer to the 2025 National Otolaryngology (ENT) Handbook.