Cardiology ST4 — 2026 Application Guide
Complete guide to applying for Cardiology ST4 in the 2026 recruitment cycle. This page covers eligibility requirements, self-assessment scoring criteria, portfolio sections, key dates, required forms, and evidence guidance — building on Internal Medicine Training.
Oriel route name: Cardiology ST4 · Route family: phst
Interview preparation guide for Cardiology ST4 →Medically reviewed by MedNext Clinical Team. Last reviewed 27 April 2026. See our editorial policy and correction policy.
About Cardiology ST4
Cardiology ST4 is a specialty training programme entering at higher specialty training at ST4 level, following Internal Medicine Training. Selection uses the shared physician specialty recruitment process. The full training pathway typically takes 9-11 years total.
Entry Level
ST4
Training Duration
9-11 years total (2yr foundation + 3yr IMT + 3-5yr higher specialty)
Selection Method
Shared Family
Training Pathway
Official Source Documents
The scoring criteria, eligibility requirements, and self-assessment guidance on this page are derived from the following official documents. Always refer to the latest published version before your application.
Published by: NHS England Medical Hub
View original documentKey Dates & Deadlines
Important dates for the Cardiology ST4 2026 recruitment cycle. Check the official recruitment timeline for the most up-to-date information, as dates may change.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all essential eligibility criteria to be considered for Cardiology ST4. These are assessed at the application stage. Failure to meet any essential requirement will result in your application being rejected.
Track the core published eligibility requirements for Cardiology ST4.
Entry Criteria — Person Specification
The following entry criteria are extracted from the official 2026 person specification for Cardiology ST4. You must meet all essential criteria at the point specified. Failure to meet any essential criterion will result in your application being rejected.
Qualifications
3 Application form Interview/selection centre 4 , pre-employment check- Applicants must have:
- MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
- Either of the following:
- MRCP(UK) Part 1 at time of application and MRCP(UK) full diploma by offer date 1
- Eligibility for the specialist register in general internal medicine time of application 2
- Completion of Irish Basic Specialty Training in medicine and the MRCPI full diploma by offer date
Eligibility
Application form, interview/selection centre, pre-employment check- Hold full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) at the time of application, and hold a current licence to practise on the date your post commences.
- Have evidence of achievement of Internal Medicine Stage 1 capabilities, for the round of application, via one of the following methods: Current employment in a programme which leads to successful completion of Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training 5 by the advertised post start date for the vacancy, via one of these approved routes: UK Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training UK ACCS (Internal Medicine) 6 UK Broad Based Training (medicine route) A standalone UK IMY3 programme (following completion of UK core medical training/ACCS (acute medicine)) JRCPTB internationally level 3 accredited equivalent Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training programme 7 Successful completion of one of the programmes listed above, evidenced by ARCP 8 Completion of UK ST3 in General Internal Medicine and satisfactory progress for any subsequent GIM training, by the advertised post start date for the vacancy, evidenced by ARCP 9 Eligibility for the specialist register in general internal medicine by time of application 10 Evidence of achievement of Internal Medicine Stage 1 capabilities at time of application. Acceptable evidence is only permitted via the Alternative Certificate to Enter Group 1 Higher Physician Specialty Training 11
- - Current employment in a programme which leads to successful completion of Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training 5 by the advertised post start date for the vacancy, via one of these approved routes: UK Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training UK ACCS (Internal Medicine) 6 UK Broad Based Training (medicine route) A standalone UK IMY3 programme (following completion of UK core medical training/ACCS (acute medicine))
- - JRCPTB internationally level 3 accredited equivalent Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training programme 7
- - Successful completion of one of the programmes listed above, evidenced by ARCP 8
- - Completion of UK ST3 in General Internal Medicine and satisfactory progress for any subsequent GIM training, by the advertised post start date for the vacancy, evidenced by ARCP 9
- - Eligibility for the specialist register in general internal medicine by time of application 10
- - Evidence of achievement of Internal Medicine Stage 1 capabilities at time of application. Acceptable evidence is only permitted via the Alternative Certificate to Enter Group 1 Higher Physician Specialty Training 11
- Be eligible to work in the UK
Fitness to practise
Application form, references- Is up to date and fit to practise safely
Language skills
Application form, interview/selection centre- Applicants must have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues, as assessed by the General Medical Council 12
Health
Application form, pre-employment health screening- Applicants must meet professional health requirements (in line with GMC standards / Good Medical Practice)
Career progression
Application form Interview/selection centre- Be able to provide complete details of their employment history.
- Have evidence that their career progression is consistent with their personal circumstances.
- Have evidence that their present level of achievement and performance is commensurate with the totality of their period of training.
- Have sufficient experience 13 working in medical specialties (not including foundation level experience) by the advertised post start date for the vacancy. This can be via either:
- Training completed in: UK Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training UK ACCS (Internal Medicine) UK Broad Based Training (medicine route) A standalone UK IMY3 programme (following completion of UK core medical training/ACCS (acute medicine)) JRCPTB internationally level 3 accredited equivalent Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training programme or
- - UK Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training
- - UK ACCS (Internal Medicine)
- - UK Broad Based Training (medicine route)
- - A standalone UK IMY3 programme (following completion of UK core medical training/ACCS (acute medicine))
- - JRCPTB internationally level 3 accredited equivalent Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training programme or
- Have at least 36 months’ experience in medical specialties (of which at least 18 months must include the care of acute medical in-patients). Experience in certain acute care common stem specialties can be counted towards the 36 months in some circumstances 14
- Have notified the Training Programme Director of the Specialty Training Programme they are currently training in if applying to continue training in the same specialty in another region 15 .
- Not already hold, nor be eligible to hold, a CCT/CESR in the specialty; and must not currently be eligible for the specialist register for the specialty to which they are applying 16
- • If you have previously resigned, or been removed from, a training programme in any specialty, you must obtain a Support for Reapplication to Specialty Training form signed by the Training Programme Director/Head of School and Postgraduate Dean from the region you previously undertook training in. This must be submitted with your application. 17
- For those wishing to be considered for Locum Appointment for Training posts (where available): no more than 24 months experience in LAT posts in the specialty by the advertised post start date for the vacancy.
Application completion
Application form- ALL sections of application form completed FULLY according to written guidelines
Selection Criteria — Person Specification
Shortlisted candidates are assessed against these selection criteria. Essential criteria are requirements; desirable criteria can strengthen your application. Understanding both columns helps you target your evidence and interview preparation.
Qualifications
Application form, interview/selection centreEssential
- As above
Desirable
- Full MRCP (UK) at the time of application
- Higher degrees including MSc, PhD, or MD (not including intercalated BSc or ‘Honorary’ MA)
Career Progression
Interview/selection centre- Evidence that present achievement and performance is commensurate with totality of training
Clinical Experience
Application form Interview/selection centre ReferencesEssential
- Evidence of experience in a range of acute medical specialties, with experience of managing patients on unselected medical take during core training or equivalent
Desirable
- Experience of managing patients with severe acute medical disease.
- Experience at core level of managing patients with cardiovascular disease and managing cardiovascular emergencies
Clinical skills – clinical knowledge & expertise
Application form Interview/selection centre ReferencesEssential
- Demonstrates awareness of managing acute medical conditions, including emergencies, in patients and outpatients
- Appropriate knowledge base, and ability to apply sound clinical judgement to problems.
- Able to work without direct supervision where appropriate.
- Able to prioritise clinical need.
- Able to maximise safety and minimise risk
Desirable
- Evidence of some capabilities in the specialty as defined by the relevant curricula.
- Evidence of skills in the management of acute medical emergencies
- Evidence of skills in the management of patients not requiring hospital admission
Academic skills
Application form Interview/selection centre ReferencesEssential
- Research, Audit and Quality improvement:
- Teaching:
- Demonstrates understanding of research, including awareness of ethical issues.
- Demonstrates understanding of the basic principles of clinical risk management, evidence-based practice, patient safety, and clinical quality improvement initiatives.
- Evidence of involvement in a quality improvement or formal research project
- Demonstrates knowledge of evidence informed practice
- Demonstrates an understanding of clinical governance.
- Evidence of teaching experience and/or training in teaching
Desirable
- Research, Audit and Quality Improvement:
- Teaching:
- Demonstrates an understanding of research methodology.
- Evidence of relevant academic and research achievements, and involvement in a formal research project
- Evidence of relevant academic publications
- Evidence of involvement in a quality improvement project or other activity which:
- Uses recognised QI methodology.
- Focuses on patient safety and clinical improvement.
- Demonstrates an interest in and commitment to the specialty beyond the mandatory curriculum.
- Evidence of exceptional achievement in medicine
- Evidence of involvement in teaching students, postgraduates and other professionals and evidence of participation in a teaching course
Personal skills
Application form Interview/selection centre ReferencesEssential
- Communication Skills:
- Problem Solving and Decision Making:
- Empathy and Sensitivity:
- Managing Others and Team Involvement:
- Organisation and Planning:
- Vigilance and Situational Awareness:
- Coping with Pressure and Managing Uncertainty:
- Values:
- Demonstrates clarity in written/spoken communication, and capacity to adapt language to the situation, as appropriate.
- Able to build rapport, listen, persuade, and negotiate.
- Capacity to use logical/lateral thinking to solve problems/make decisions, indicating an analytical/scientific approach.
- Capacity to take in others’ perspectives and treat others with understanding; sees patients as people.
- Demonstrates respect for all.
- Able to work in multi professional teams and supervise junior medical staff.
- Ability to show leadership, make decisions, organise, and motivate other team members, for the benefit of patients.
- Capacity to work effectively with others.
- Capacity to manage/prioritise time and information effectively.
- Capacity to prioritise own workload and organise ward rounds.
- Evidence of thoroughness (is well prepared, shows self-discipline/commitment, is punctual and meets deadlines)
- Capacity to monitor developing situations and anticipate issues.
- Capacity to operate under pressure.
- Demonstrates initiative and resilience to cope with changing circumstances.
- Is able to deliver good clinical care in the face of uncertainty.
- Understands, respects, and demonstrates the values of the NHS (e.g., everyone counts; improving lives; commitment to quality of care; respect and dignity; working together for patients; compassion)
Desirable
- Management and Leadership Skills:
- Other:
- Evidence of involvement in management commensurate with experience
- Demonstrates an understanding of NHS management and resources.
- Evidence of effective multi-disciplinary team working and leadership, supported by multi-source feedback or another workplace based assessments.
- Evidence of effective leadership in and outside medicine
- Evidence of achievement outside medicine
- Evidence of altruistic behaviour e.g., voluntary work
Probity – professional integrity
Application form Interview/selection centre References- Demonstrates probity (as outlined by the GMC)
Commitment to specialty – learning and personal development
Application form Interview/selection centre ReferencesEssential
- Shows initiative/drive/enthusiasm (self-starter, motivated, shows curiosity, initiative)
- Demonstrable interest in, and understanding of, the specialty.
- Commitment to personal and professional development
- Evidence of self-reflective practice
Desirable
- Extracurricular activities / achievements relevant to the specialty
- Evidence of participation at meetings and activities relevant to the specialty
- Evidence of attendance at organised teaching and training programme(s) relevant to the specialty
Self-Assessment & Scoring
Cardiology ST4 is assessed via shared family. Review the official guidance documents below for the exact scoring breakdown.
Scoring Sections
The self-assessment is structured across 4 sections with 0 scored questions. Each question has variable points — refer to the official self-assessment guidance for exact marking tiers.
Eligibility and certificates
Track uploads and mapping evidence for eligibility and certificates.
Presentation / communication
Track uploads and mapping evidence for presentation / communication.
Clinical scenario preparation
Track uploads and mapping evidence for clinical scenario preparation.
Commitment and suitability
Track uploads and mapping evidence for commitment and suitability.
Interview Format
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. Below is the expected interview structure for Cardiology ST4. Prepare for each station by reviewing the relevant areas of your portfolio and clinical experience.
Presentation
Format: Panel station
Structured communication and route-specific presentation tasks.
Clinical
Format: Panel station
Clinical judgement and scenario handling.
Ethics / professionalism
Format: Panel station
Professional reasoning and judgement.
Suitability / commitment
Format: Panel station
Commitment, trajectory, and specialty fit.
Required or Recommended Courses
Certain courses may be required or strongly recommended for Cardiology ST4 applicants. Check the validity period — expired certificates may not be accepted.
Evidence Packaging & Export
Understanding how to package and present your evidence is just as important as having the evidence itself. Poorly organised submissions can result in lost marks even when the underlying evidence is strong.
Export Mode
bundle
Each scored readiness bundle requires its own file
File Size Limit
MB per file
Compress images and merge PDFs to stay under the limit
Title Page
Not required
Index Page
Not required
Ordering guidance: Track shared readiness evidence and interview material in one bundle.
Evidence Validation Checklist
Before submitting your application, check your evidence against these validation rules. Items marked as errors will block your submission; warnings indicate areas that may cost marks.
Map evidence to a route target
Evidence should be assigned to a section or question before export so the pack builder can assemble the right output.
Check route-specific forms
The route requires supporting forms or certificates in addition to the core evidence uploads.
Evidence Guidelines
General guidance for evidence preparation and organisation for your Cardiology ST4 application.
- Keep uploads mapped to the route targets shown on this dashboard rather than storing undifferentiated files.
- Covered by PHST shared application scoring and specialty overview pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need for Cardiology ST4?
How competitive is Cardiology ST4?
What is the training pathway for Cardiology ST4?
When does Cardiology ST4 2026 recruitment open?
Related Specialties
Compare adjacent specialties that share a recruitment family, training pathway, or portfolio structure.
Ready to Build Your Cardiology ST4 Portfolio?
MedNext Portfolio helps you collect evidence, score your self-assessment, and generate an Oriel-ready submission pack. Start free — no credit card required.