This course explains how UK medical specialty training recruitment works, from eligibility and the person specification through verified self-assessment, the Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) and the interview. It uses worked examples to help you plan your application honestly and prepare effectively, with particular attention to the questions international medical graduates ask most often.
What you will learn
- Describe the main stages of UK specialty training recruitment and the role of the person specification at each stage.
- Map your own experience against a self-assessment scoring framework and identify the evidence you will need to upload.
- Explain the structure of the MSRA and build a realistic revision plan for both papers.
- Prepare structured interview answers for portfolio, clinical and professional scenario stations.
- Identify the rules on probity, eligibility and prioritisation that you must check each year on the official recruitment websites.
Course content
- How specialty recruitment works (2 min)
- Eligibility, prioritisation and the person specification (3 min)
- Verified self-assessment (3 min)
- The Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) (4 min)
- Preparing for interviews (3 min)
- Case study: planning an application (2 min)
- Offers, preferences and next steps (1 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024), particularly the duties on honesty, including honesty in CVs, applications and references
- GMC: Promoting excellence: standards for medical education and training
- NHS England Medical and Dental Recruitment and Selection (MDRS): national person specifications and applicant guidance for each specialty
- Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026 and the published prioritisation rules for specialty recruitment
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.