Dermatology ST3 application and interview process explained

Applying for a Dermatology ST3 post can be confusing if you’re not sure what to expect. There are a lot of factors to consider before you might begin your application and knowing what you need to do can put you in the best position. As you near the end of your core training, you should start familiarising yourself with the Dermatology ST3 application process.

In this guide, we will cover:

• What is Dermatology ST3?
• Applying for a Dermatology ST3 post
• Check your eligibility for Dermatology ST3 training
• Dermatology ST3 competition ratio
• Dermatology ST3 self-assessment scoring breakdown
• Interview tips for ST3 training application
• Explore dermatology jobs with Pulse

What is Dermatology ST3?

Dermatology ST3 is a four-year training course that allows you to become a qualified dermatologist. It is the next step you take after completing your core training. Upon completion of your ST3 training, you will get a certificate of completion of training (CCT). This training route is perfect for those who do not already have postgraduate training in dermatology.

Applying for a Dermatology ST3 post

When applying for a ST3 Dermatology post, you will need to complete an online application form through the NHS. During your application, you will need to provide details of your:

• Qualifications and credentials
• Suitability
• Fitness to practise
• Language skills
• Health and medical information
• Professional growth

Assessors will use your information to determine whether you’re eligible for an interview, where you will be marked further on your ability to answer their questions.

Check your eligibility for Dermatology ST3 training

As part of your ST3 Dermatology application, you will need to self-assess your eligibility using a registration form. This form is tested against a scoring system that will demonstrate your eligibility for the course.

Applicants will need to complete an application form during the recruitment window for the upcoming cohort of dermatologists.

To be able to make an application for an ST3 post in dermatology, you must:

• Be in the final year of any of the accepted core training programmes or have previously completed one
• Have relevant postgraduate qualifications such as Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP) during your application or the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom (MRCP(UK) by the end of your core training
• Qualify for full registration and possess a valid practising license from the General Medical Council (GMC) by the start date of the advertised vacancy
• Be eligible to work in the UK

However, you can apply from a range of backgrounds including physicians, paediatrics and surgery. Each of these backgrounds requires you to meet different requirements to apply for ST3 training in dermatology. You can find further information on eligibility on the NHS website.

Dermatology ST3 competition ratio

ST3 Dermatology is a highly competitive course for candidates to get into. The NHS shares the application statistics each year to show applicants how competitive it can be.

The 2024 competition ratio for Dermatology ST3 was 5.27:1. It is displayed as a ratio, and in this case, it means that there were 274 applicants compared to the 52 available posts on the course. Most specialty training courses have competition ratios to highlight to prospective trainees the most and least subscribed specialties.

Dermatology ST3 self-assessment scoring breakdown

Assessors will review your qualifications, eligibility, fitness to practice, language skills, health and career progression to determine whether you will proceed to the next stage. If they think you meet the criteria, you will be moved to the next stage, where you will score yourself on different markers to show the examiners that you are a suitable candidate for the training course.

In the application process for Dermatology ST3, there are 48 available points you can get. They are split over different categories that you will need to score yourself in, including:

• Postgraduate publications
• Additional achievements
• Presentations
• Publications
• Teaching (broken down into quality improvement and leadership)

If you get a good score during your application, you will then be invited to attend an online interview.

Interview tips for ST3 training application

Following successful scoring in your application, you will be asked to book and attend an interview where you will be assessed on other criteria. The interview is divided into three stations, or three sections, with multiple questions being asked in each.

Each station lasts around seven minutes in length, and including time between stations, you can expect the entire interview to be around 30-35 minutes. Not only will you be marked on each of the stations, giving you an overall score, but also on your other communication skills. Your communication skills will be marked to give you a total of four areas that you will be scored during your interview. The three stations that will be assessed during your interview are outlined in our guide to help you prepare if your self-assessment is successful.

Research and academic medicine

This portion of the interview focuses on academic medicine. You will receive an abstract that you will have a short amount of time to read before being asked questions regarding it. This is to highlight your ability to understand the academic issue at hand and you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your critical analysis through a discussion with the interviewer.

Clinical scenario

This station involves a dermatology clinical scenario that you will have to think about. Interviewers will provide you with some information about a hypothetical patient and ask for your initial response. Then they will ask you follow-up questions relating to the diagnosis and treatment of the case that you will provide. To help you prepare for the discussion, you should consider:

• The steps you would take
• Potential treatments
• Additional information you would get during the diagnosis
• How you would communicate with other people in the scenario (e.g. patients, colleagues and family members)
• Any other factors you think are appropriate considering your experience and professional judgement

 During this section of the interview, you will be scored on your answer and response, and you will be scored based on your communication skills as you will need to be clear and concise when answering the interviewer’s questions.

Suitability and commitment

The final station of the interview will focus on you and your suitability and commitment to dermatology. You will get the opportunity in this stage to develop upon the information you have already provided in your application form through discussion with the interviewer.

Dermatology ST3 training interview scoring

During your interview, you will be scored on different areas, these scores will then be combined to give you a raw interview score (RIS) between 8 and 40. To have an appropriate opportunity to be offered a post, you will need to meet following criteria:

• None of your interview scores are 1/5
• Only a maximum of two of your scores are 2/5
• Your RIS must be a minimum of 24 or more

However, if you do not manage to meet these criteria, you won’t be able to progress in this round of recruitment as your application will not be seen as appointable.

The interview scores determine the outcome of your performance which will mean whether you can apply for a post or not. They correspond to the following outcomes:

1	2	3	4	5
Not appointable	Below expectations of a core level trainee (subject to performance in other areas)	Performed at satisfactory levels from a core level trainee	Above average ability from a core level trainee	High performing core level trainee

Explore dermatology jobs with Pulse

Pulse cannot help candidates make applications for Dermatology ST3 training, but we offer exclusive positions to qualified dermatologists. Or you can register your interest with us and receive opportunities and guidance from our recruitment experts.