Combined Infection Training ST3 — 2026 Application Guide
Complete guide to applying for Combined Infection Training ST3 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 Specialty Training.
Oriel route name: Combined Infection Training ST3 · Route family: specialty-training
Interview preparation guide for Combined Infection Training ST3 →Medically reviewed by MedNext Clinical Team. Last reviewed 27 April 2026. See our editorial policy and correction policy.
About Combined Infection Training ST3
Combined Infection Training ST3 is a specialty training programme entering at higher specialty training at ST3 level, following core training. Selection uses portfolio-scored selection. The full training pathway typically takes 8-10 years total.
Entry Level
ST3
Training Duration
8-10 years total (2yr foundation + 2-3yr core + 4-5yr higher specialty)
Selection Method
Portfolio Scored
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 documentPublished by: Specialty Applications
View original documentKey Dates & Deadlines
Important dates for the Combined Infection Training ST3 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 Combined Infection Training ST3. 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 Combined Infection Training ST3.
Entry Criteria — Person Specification
The following entry criteria are extracted from the official 2026 person specification for Combined Infection Training ST3. 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 by 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 core medical capabilities, for the round of application, via one of the following methods:
- Current employment in a programme which leads to successful completion of year 2 of Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training 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) UK Broad Based Training (medicine route) JRCPTB internationally level 3 accredited equivalent Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training programme 5 UK core medical training or ACCS (acute medicine)
- - UK Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training
- - UK ACCS (Internal Medicine)
- - UK Broad Based Training (medicine route)
- - JRCPTB internationally level 3 accredited equivalent Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training programme 5
- - UK core medical training or ACCS (acute medicine)
- Successful completion of one of the programmes listed above, evidenced by ARCP 6 Eligibility for the specialist register in general internal medicine by time of application 7
- - Eligibility for the specialist register in general internal medicine by time of application 7
- Evidence of achievement of the capabilities required by completion of year 2 of the Internal Medicine Stage 1 curriculum at time of application. Acceptable evidence is only permitted via the Alternative Certificate to Enter Group 2 Higher Physician Specialty Training 8
- Be eligible to work in the UK
Fitness to practise
Application form, references- Is up to date and fit to practise safely
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
- 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 at core level of managing patients with infectious disease.
- Experience of laboratory work (including research) relevant to infection
- Experience of managing patients with severe acute medical disease.
Clinical skills – clinical knowledge & expertise
Application form Interview/selection centre ReferencesEssential
- Demonstrates awareness of the basics of managing patients with infection, including awareness of relevant medical microbiology and virology laboratory techniques
- 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
Combined Infection Training ST3 uses a portfolio-scored selection process. Applicants complete a self-assessment based on official scoring criteria, then upload supporting evidence. Each question has its own point scale — some worth up to 6 points. Understanding the full marking scheme is essential to maximising your score.
Scoring Sections
The self-assessment is structured across 1 sections with 3 scored questions. Each question has variable points — refer to the official self-assessment guidance for exact marking tiers.
Specialty Training Post Adverts
3 extracted questions map to this section.
Self-Assessment Questions
The Combined Infection Training ST3 self-assessment consists of 3 scored questions. Each question has its own multi-tier marking scale (e.g., 0/2/4/6 points depending on your level of achievement). You must provide evidence for each question as a single PDF.
Point scales vary by question — see the official self-assessment guidance document above for exact marking tiers and evidence requirements.
GENERAL
3 questionsInterview Format
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. Below is the expected interview structure for Combined Infection Training ST3. Prepare for each station by reviewing the relevant areas of your portfolio and clinical experience.
Interview
Format: Selection process
Track the route interview flow and supporting evidence.
Required or Recommended Courses
Certain courses may be required or strongly recommended for Combined Infection Training ST3 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
question pdf
Each scored question PDF requires its own file
File Size Limit
10 MB per file
Compress images and merge PDFs to stay under the limit
Title Page
Not required
Index Page
Not required
Ordering guidance: One PDF per scored question with title page, page index, and evidence in the strongest-first order.
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.
Build one pack per scored question
This route has question-based scoring, so exports should be prepared at question level rather than one generic specialty bundle.
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 Combined Infection Training ST3 application.
- Keep uploads mapped to the route targets shown on this dashboard rather than storing undifferentiated files.
- This route appears to use a 3-question or question-banded evidence model in the captured 2026 guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need for Combined Infection Training ST3?
How competitive is Combined Infection Training ST3?
What is the training pathway for Combined Infection Training ST3?
When does Combined Infection Training ST3 2026 recruitment open?
Related Specialties
Compare adjacent specialties that share a recruitment family, training pathway, or portfolio structure.
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