The CREST Form – Certificate of Readiness | What is it?
We regularly receive questions about the CREST Form 2024 in regards to application for Postgraduate Speciality Training in the UK. This blog aims to cover key points that you should know. CREST stands for Certificate of Readiness to Enter Speciality Training. This form enables applicants for Speciality Training to demonstrate that they have foundation level competences.
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Which CREST form is valid for Specialty training 2026?
Currently only the new updated CREST 2024 (last updated 2023 or September 2024) form – will be accepted for Speciality application for 2025/26 entry.
For a full overview of getting into UK GP Training read our blog here.
For a full overview of getting into UK Psychiatry Training read our blog here.
For a full overview of getting into UK Radiology Training read our blog here.
For a full overview of getting into UK Emergency Medicine Training read our blog here.
Who needs to fill out a CREST form?
Many International Medical Graduate doctors complete internship in their home country before coming to the UK.
To enter speciality training in the UK, applicants must demonstrate that they have a) achieved foundation level competences and have b) completed accepted clinical experience (usually 24 months in total). By completing the CREST form an applicant (who has the necessary clinical experience) can demonstrate that they have achieved foundation competences and apply directly to speciality training.
The CREST form is NOT for applicants who have:
– Completed a UK Foundation programme (within last 3.5 years) – you would need to submit a copy of your UKFPCC.
– Started but not completed a UK foundation training.
– Completed a Foundation Year 2 standalone post.
If you are in any of the last two categories then you will need to contact the dean of the foundation programme that you participated in and ask them to complete the Dean Support Pro Forma form.
Who can sign a CREST form?
Applicants should note that there is strict criteria regarding the completion of the CREST 2024 form. Failure to meet any of the criteria can result in the form being rejected and therefore impact the applicant’s chances of applying to UK speciality training.
Guidance states that the following people can sign the form:
- Consultants
- General Practitioners (GP)
- Clinical Directors
- Medical Superintendents
- Academic Professors
- Locum Consultants with a CCT/ CESR
- SAS doctors acting in an educational capacity
AND they must have worked with you for a minimum continuous period of three months (whole time equivalent) and within the last 3.5 years of the advertised post (job) start date for which you are applying.
If the person signing the form is not registered with the GMC then they will need to provide evidence of their registration with their respective medical regulation body – and if it is not in English, a certified translated copy must be provided.
If they have previously been registered with the GMC, this will not be acceptable as evidence as the person signing will still need to provide evidence of their registration with their current medical regulation authority.
If the required evidence is not provided or is not accompanied by a certified translated copy (if necessary) the application will be rejected.
Please note the signatory cannot be someone with whom you have a close personal relationship.
Can I use a previous CREST form?
Unfortunately for all speciality training applications only the updated CREST 2024 (updated in 2023 and September 2024) form will be accepted –any older versions of the CREST form will not be accepted.
Do I need to ensure that all the competences are signed?
Yes, an incomplete CREST 2024 form will not be accepted, as you need to demonstrate you have achieved all the foundation competences to be eligible to apply for speciality training.
Sometimes for GP training applicants there is an extended deadline to submit your CREST form. Please go to the GP application website to find these dates if applicable for your round and ensure you tick the box for submitting the form at a later date if you need the extended timeline. For a full overview of getting into UK GP Training read our blog here.
Does my signatory have to witness me for each competency?
No, you may wish to ask senior colleagues to observe you for a competency and ask your signatory to rely on their observations as evidence. Please note their contact details and professional status will need to be filled out in the form to demonstrate that they have witnessed you complete a competency. They may also be contacted to verify they have observed you for a specific area. However, this colleague must be a senior colleague e.g. ST5 or above.
A non-senior trainee e.g. FY2 or ST1 will not be accepted even if they have witnessed you achieve a specific competency.
Will the CREST 2024 form be valid for future rounds?
Yes, as far as we know at the moment the form remains valid for future rounds – provided that there are no changes to the conditions prior to the new intended start date.
What about Advanced Life Support (ALS) training?
This used to be a requirement in older versions of the CREST form. The updated CREST 2024 form makes reference to recognising and managing patients who need urgent intervention.
How we can help with GP and Specialty Application
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Final thoughts…
I would suggest that you print out the CREST form in advance and read through each competency. This will enable you to plan how to get each section completed and make the most of opportunities when they arise. All the relevant forms can be found on the ORIEL website.
If in doubt please check with the relevant recruitment team – eg GPNRO for GP training – to ensure that your form is completed correctly.
Author Bio — Dr Aman Arora
Hi! I’m Dr. Aman Arora, a Portfolio GP with over a decade of clinical and teaching experience, dedicated to helping doctors achieve their goals with confidence. Having had the privilege of supporting more than 50,000 doctors worldwide across exams such as MRCGP AKT, SCA, MSRA, PLAB 2 and PLAB 1, I understand the challenges you face and the strategies needed to overcome them. Through personalised face-to-face sessions, engaging online courses, mocks, audio and a vibrant social media community, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
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Dr Pooja Arora is a GP with a background in Medical Politics, where she passionately focuses on improving the opportunities and working conditions for junior doctors. She is proud to hold FRCGP (Fellow of Royal College of General Practitioners).
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