Unlocking Your Potential: Points Matter in UK Training Posts

If you’re applying for UK training posts, you already know the reality: points matter. But the applicants who consistently do best are the ones who turn “point-scoring” into clear evidence, confident interview answers, and real teaching impact.

This post gives you both:

1. Clarity on what you can claim (by specialty), and

2. The practical value you’ll gain beyond the certificate, because that’s what makes your teaching evidence stand out.

   
   

Our Course (At a Glance)

• £150

• Interactive live online workshop: 8 hours

• 6 CPD

• Optional complimentary written assignment (free and optional) worth +6 CPD → 12 CPD total if completed

  
  

The Quick Answer: Points/Categories by Specialty

Always check the latest official guidance for your specialty and application year—criteria change.

IMT / ACCS-IM / PHST

What you can claim: 1 point (Training in teaching)

IMT/PHST awards 1 point for training in teaching methods below PGCert/PGDip level, provided it is ≥6 hours live/synchronous and additional to undergraduate teaching training. Our workshop is live and 8 hours, so it fits that requirement.

Core Surgical Training (CST)

What you can claim: Teaching Experience – Indicator D (A–E scale)

CST teaching is graded using indicators. Indicator D includes educational activity focused on learning to teach (including training-the-trainers style events, online or otherwise). A course certificate is acceptable evidence. Final rating is decided by assessors at portfolio review/interview, so the win is: clear evidence + being able to explain what you learned and how you applied it.

Ophthalmology ST1

What you can claim: 0.5 points (Education & Teaching, cumulative)

The Ophthalmology ST1 Evidence Folder awards 0.5 points for completing a “teaching the teachers” course (within cumulative scoring for that domain).

Histopathology ST1

What you can claim: 1 point (Training in Teaching)

Histopathology ST1 self-assessment awards 1 point for brief training in teaching methods lasting no more than 2 days. Our course fits this category.

What Matters Beyond the Points (And Why It Helps Your Application)

Yes, a Teach the Teacher course can unlock points/categories in multiple specialties. But the real advantage is what happens after you get the certificate: how you teach, and how you evidence it.

Here’s what you gain that strengthens applications even when the scoring is modest:

1) A Teaching Structure You Can Reuse Anywhere

You’ll learn how to plan sessions quickly, teach clearly, and keep learners engaged. Whether it’s bedside teaching, small groups, departmental teaching, or online delivery, you’ll turn teaching from “something I occasionally do” into a skill I can demonstrate.

2) Feedback and Evaluation Done Properly (And Efficiently)

A common portfolio weakness is vague claims (“I enjoy teaching”, “good feedback”) without usable evidence. We show you how to collect formal feedback in a simple, sustainable way and present it cleanly, without drowning in admin.

3) Stronger Reflection and Better Interview Answers

In several pathways, teaching evidence isn’t just uploaded; it’s discussed. Applicants score better when they can explain:

• What they changed in their teaching approach

• What they learned

• What impact it had

• What they did next

  
  

That’s why the course focuses on practical teaching behaviours and simple “before/after” improvement narratives (gold for interviews).

4) The Optional Assignment is a Portfolio Accelerator

The complimentary assignment helps you convert learning into applied evidence:

• Plan a session

• Deliver it

• Collect feedback

• Reflect and improve

  
  

That bundle is often stronger—and more convincing—than a certificate alone.

Evidence You Should Keep (So Your Points Are Easy to Claim)

Regardless of specialty, keep a tidy evidence pack:

• Certificate of completion

• Course outline (topics covered, delivery format)

• If you do the optional assignment: session plan + feedback summary + short reflection

  
  

This makes verification smoother and keeps your teaching narrative credible.

FAQs

Does CPD Automatically Equal Application Points?

Not always. CPD proves learning, but different specialties award points based on their own descriptors (e.g., duration, live teaching time, level of qualification). The best approach is to use CPD as supporting evidence and map your course to the specialty’s exact wording.

I Already Teach—Will This Still Help?

Yes. Most people don’t need “more teaching”; they need better structure, better feedback, and better evidence. This course helps you refine your delivery and present your teaching in a way that reads strongly in applications and interviews.

What If My Specialty Changes Its Criteria Next Year?

That happens. Treat any blog (including this one) as guidance, not gospel. Always verify the current official scoring guidance for your specialty and application round before submitting your self-assessment.

Is the Optional Assignment Compulsory?

No, it's optional and free of charge. It’s there for trainees who want extra CPD and a straightforward way to produce applied portfolio evidence.

Summary: What You Can Claim After This Course

• IMT / ACCS-IM / PHST: 1 point

• CST: Teaching Experience – Indicator D

• Ophthalmology ST1: 0.5 points

• Histopathology ST1: 1 point

  
  

Important: Scoring criteria change frequently, so always check the current year’s official guidance for your specialty before submitting your self-assessment.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Teaching and Your Career

In conclusion, investing in your teaching skills is crucial for your career advancement. The course not only helps you earn points but also equips you with the tools to teach effectively. By enhancing your teaching methods, you can create a significant impact on your learners. Remember, it’s not just about the points; it’s about becoming a better educator.

So, are you ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Join us and transform your teaching experience today!