ST3 General Surgery Longlisting and Shortlisting for 2026: Complete Guide
- Kunal Rajput
- Oct 19
- 6 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
Understanding the longlisting and shortlisting process is crucial for your ST3 General Surgery application. With competition ratios around 3.76:1 in 2024, maximising your portfolio score could be the difference between securing an interview and missing out entirely. Here's everything you need to know about the two-stage selection process.
Understanding the Two-Stage Process
Stage 1: Longlisting (Eligibility Check)
This is the initial hurdle. You must meet all essential criteria to progress to shortlisting.
Stage 2: Shortlisting (Competitive Scoring)
Your portfolio is scored out of 60 points. The highest-scoring candidates ar
e invited to interview based on available capacity.
Longlisting: Meeting the Entry Requirements
Before your application can be evaluated for scoring, you need to meet all the longlisting criteria outlined in the 2026 person specifications.
Essential Requirements
Medical Qualifications:
MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
MRCS (Parts A & B) completed by 14th April 2026 (Initial offers released)
Full GMC registration at time of appointment
Current license to practice
Competencies:
Evidence of CT/ST1 competencies achieved at time of application
CT/ST2 competencies achieved by time of appointment
For International Medical Graduates (IMGs): Competencies must be signed off by UK consultants via Certificate of Readiness to Enter Higher Surgical Training (CREHST)
Employment & Eligibility:
Complete employment history provided
Eligibility to work in the UK
Not previously removed from training in this specialty (except exceptional circumstances)
Fitness to practice confirmed
Sufficient language skills (IELTS if applicable)
Important Exclusion: You must not already hold or be eligible for a CCT/CESR in General Surgery, nor be eligible for the specialist register.
Shortlisting: The 60-Point Self-Assessment Score
Once you've cleared longlisting, your application is scored across seven domains. Your total self-assessment score determines whether you'll be invited to interview.
The Scoring System Overview
Maximum Total Score: 55 points
Domain | Maximum Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
General Surgery Experience | 8 | 14.5% |
Appendicectomies (Logbook) | 10 | 18.2% |
Audits/QIPs (2 closed loop + 1 other) | 8 | 14.5% |
Time spent in other specialties | 4 | 7.3% |
Publications (2 best) | 10 | 18.2% |
Presentations (2 best) | 10 | 18.2% |
Higher Degrees | 5 | 9.1% |
Breaking Down Each Question
Question 1: General Surgery Experience (8 points)
Question: By the end of July 2026 (or completion of Core Training if later), how many months will you have spent in General Surgery in any post-Foundation job?
Scoring:
Months of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
0 to 3 months | Not eligible to apply |
4 to 7 months | 1 |
8 to 12 months | 6 |
13 to 36 months | 8 |
37 to 60 months | 4 |
61+ months | 1 |
Evidence Required:
Evidence of training post completion
For non-training posts: Contract front page with dates and role description
If dates not on contract: Letter from HR/Head of Service/Supervising Consultant
Question 2: Appendicectomies Logbook (10 points)
Question: How many appendicectomies (lap/open) have you completed at STS, STU, P, or T level at time of application?
Scoring:
Number Performed | Points |
|---|---|
0 to 9 | Not eligible to apply |
10 to 20 | 2 |
21 to 35 | 7 |
36 to 70 | 10 |
71 to 85 | 5 |
86+ | 1 |
Evidence Required:
Consolidation sheets from validated logbooks acceptable countersigned by Educational Supervisor
Full and consecutive logbook pages from validated system
Each page signed by relevant supervisor with name and GMC number clearly legible
No gaps allowed - any gaps result in minimum score
Question 3: Audits and QIPs (8 points)
Question: Submit 1 best closed-loop audit
Requirements:
Must be presented (you need presentation evidence)
Must show your involvement in design, execution, and presentation
For closed-loop: Both loops must be evidenced
No marks for generic mandatory audits such as VTE or antibiotics prescribing
Points are Qualitative Awarded For:
Your level of involvement (design, data collection, analysis, presentation)
Use of reference standard (guidelines, NICE, BOAS, etc.)
Study design quality
Clinical importance of the question
Demonstrated impact of work
Evidence Required:
Presentation slides (6 per page)
Letter from Head of Department/Clinical Lead clearly stating your contribution
Audit/QIP certificates are NOT sufficient
Strategy:
Only submit once both loops of your closed-loop audits are presented
Demonstrate clear impact: "Changed departmental protocol" or "Improved compliance from X% to Y%"
Choose clinically important topics aligned with national guidelines
Show meaningful involvement beyond data collection
Get detailed letters of support - certificates may not be accepted
Question 4: Time spent in other specialties (4 points)
Question: By July 2025, will you have spent at least 4 months in specified allied specialties since Foundation?
Eligible Specialties: T&O, Plastics, Neurosurgery, ENT, Cardiothoracic, A&E, ITU, Paediatric Surgery, Urology, Vascular, OMFS
Scoring:
Experience | Points |
|---|---|
No 4-month posts in these specialties | 0 |
At least 4 months in 1 specialty | 2 |
At least 4 months each in 2+ specialties | 4 |
Evidence Required:
Evidence of training post completion
For non-training posts: Contract front page with dates and role description
If dates not on contract: Letter from HR/Head of Service/Supervising Consultant
Question 5: Publications (10 points - 5 per publication)
Question: Submit your 2 best publications in PubMed-indexed journals, published by time of application.
Requirements:
Must have PubMed ID
Published (not "in press" or "accepted")
Collaborative papers, abstracts, case reports, letters, technical tips all acceptable
Publications in pay-to-publish journals no longer accepted
Points Awarded For:
Candidate contribution
Level of authorship (first author scores higher)
Quality of study design
Impact factor of journal
Evidence Required:
Full copy of publication including authorship list, journal reference, PubMed ID
For collaborative papers: List of collaborators with your name highlighted
Strategy:
First authorship in moderate-impact journal often scores better than middle authorship in high-impact journal
Case reports and letters count - don't dismiss them
Ensure publications are fully published, not just accepted
Question 6: Presentations (10 points - 5 per presentation)
Question: Submit your 2 best presentations (includes posters), completed by time of application.
Points Awarded For:
Candidate contribution to the work
Being the presenter (not just listed author)
Quality of study
Scope of meeting (regional/national/international)
Evidence Required:
Copy of relevant page from meeting programme
Copy of presentation (6 slides per page) or poster
Strategy:
International > National > Regional
Oral presentations score higher than posters
Being the presenting author matters significantly
Quality of work matters - poorly designed studies score lower even at international meetings
Question 7: Higher Degrees (5 points)
Question: Have you completed a stand-alone UK higher degree or equivalent examined by thesis/dissertation by time of application?
Scoring:
Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
PG Certificate | 1 |
Diploma/Masters without thesis | 2 |
Masters with thesis (MSc, MMedEd, MS, ChM) | 3 |
MD | 4 |
PhD | 5 |
Important Notes:
Intercalated degrees do not count
Must be awarded (not pending)
Non-UK degrees require equivalence evidence
Evidence Required:
Copy of degree certificate
For thesis/dissertation degrees: Clear evidence it included thesis
For non-UK degrees: Equivalence letter from institution + results transcript
The Evidence Verification Process
Self-Assessment Phase (During Application)
You calculate your own score based on your achievements and claim this in your application.
Evidence Upload Window
16th December 2025 – 12th January 2026
You must upload:
Supporting evidence for each domain
Additional documentation as specified
Verification Phase
26th – 27th January 2026
Independent assessors review your evidence and assign a "verified score." This may differ from your self-assessment if:
Evidence is insufficient
Claims don't match documentation
Quality indicators aren't met
Results & Appeals
12th February 2026: Verified scores released
12th – 16th February 2026: Appeal window (if you disagree with verified score)
Important: You cannot submit new evidence during appeals - only challenge the assessor's interpretation of existing evidence.
Probity Warning
All statements must be accurate and truthful. The GMC principle of "maintaining trust by being open and honest" applies here. False or misleading claims will result in:
Referral to Probity Panel
Potential GMC involvement
Application rejection
Serious professional consequences
Start Building Your Portfolio Now
The shortlisting process rewards those who plan ahead. If you're in Core Training now:
✓ Start closed-loop audits early - they take time to complete both loops
✓ Target quality publications - first authorship in solid journals
✓ Present your work - regional, national, or international meetings
✓ Maintain meticulous logbooks - no gaps, every case signed
✓ Document everything - keep evidence organised as you go
✓ Choose rotations strategically - aim for optimal general surgery exposure
✓ Get clear contribution letters - don't rely on generic certificates
The shortlisting phase determines whether you'll even get a chance to interview.
With only the highest-scoring candidates invited, every point matters.
Already shortlisted or expecting to be? Your interview performance will ultimately determine your ranking and first-choice prospects. Start preparing now - with limited time between invitation and interview, early preparation gives you a crucial advantage.
Ready to prepare for interview? Explore our clinical scenario question bank designed specifically for ST3 General Surgery interview stations.
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