1

Introduction
Applying for your first job as a doctor can seem like a daunting task. The UK Foundation
Programme Office (UKFPO) has designed this handbook to answer all your questions about
the national application process for both the Foundation Programme and the Academic
Foundation Programme commencing in August 2015. The handbook also explains how to
access the online Foundation Programme Application System (FPAS) and what information
you need to provide to support your application. Our medical student advisor has helped us put
this guide together to ensure all the important points are covered. Further information is
available at www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk.
The sections of this handbook are set out to follow the stages of the national application
process in chronological order as far as possible. However, the table of contents provides the
page numbers for specific sections if you wish to go straight to a particular subject.
The handbook often refers to a Unit of Application (UoA). A Unit of Application consists of one
or more foundation schools that are grouped together for the purposes of processing
applications. When considering Academic Foundation Programme applications, the foundation
school groupings may be different and these are referred to as Academic Units of Application
(AUoA).
For the FP 2015 application process, the situational judgement test will be referred to as the
SJT (selection assessment for FP 2015). The SJT is not a medical school exam. It is an
assessment that forms part of the scoring system for selection to FP 2015 which tests the
attributes needed to work as a foundation doctor, and which is used as part of the selection
process for entry to the Foundation Programme and Academic Foundation Programme.

Cover photo: Photographs taken by Yves Salmon Photography. With thanks to our medical student models
who were all previous members of the UKFPOs Medical Students Board.

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Contents
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................1
OVERVIEW OF THE NATIONAL APPLICATION PROCESS ................................................................2
LOCAL PROCESSES ..............................................................................................................................3
HIGH LEVEL TIMELINE ........................................................................................................................4
BEFORE YOU APPLY ..........................................................................................................................5
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? ..............................................................................................................................5
ACCESSING THE FOUNDATION PROGRAMME APPLICATION SYSTEM (FPAS) ...............................................5
CONTACTING YOU ................................................................................................................................6
PRE-ALLOCATION TO A PARTICULAR UOA BASED ON SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES ...........................................6
APPLYING TO FP AND AFP 2015 ........................................................................................................7
PERSONAL ..........................................................................................................................................7
QUALIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................................8
CLINICAL SKILLS ...................................................................................................................................9
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES ........................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................... 10
EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ............................................................................................................ 12
UOA PREFERENCES ........................................................................................................................... 17
PROGRAMMES ................................................................................................................................... 19
ACADEMIC SELECTION ........................................................................................................................ 19
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR AFP APPLICATIONS ............................................................................... 20
AFP PROGRAMME PREFERENCES ........................................................................................................ 20
DECLARATIONS .................................................................................................................................. 21
SUBMIT ............................................................................................................................................. 21
APPLICATION SCORES ..................................................................................................................... 22
NUMBER OF POINTS AVAILABLE ............................................................................................................ 22
EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE MEASURE (EPM) ................................................................................... 22
SITUATIONAL JUDGEMENT TEST (SELECTION ASSESSMENT FOR FP 2015) ............................................... 22
SITTING THE SJT (SELECTION ASSESSMENT FOR FP 2015)......................................................... 24
W HAT TO BRING WITH YOU .................................................................................................................. 24
IDENTIFYING YOURSELF ...................................................................................................................... 25
AT THE END OF THE TEST .................................................................................................................... 25
REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS ............................................................................................................... 25
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES .......................................................................................................... 26
PROCESSING AFP APPLICATIONS .................................................................................................. 27
AFP INTERVIEWS............................................................................................................................... 27
AFP OFFERS ..................................................................................................................................... 27
TIMETABLE FOR AFP OFFERS .............................................................................................................. 28
PROCESSING FP APPLICATIONS..................................................................................................... 30
PRIMARY LIST ALLOCATION.................................................................................................................. 30
RESERVE LIST BATCH ALLOCATIONS ..................................................................................................... 30
MATCHING TO A FOUNDATION PROGRAMME ........................................................................................... 31
APPEALS ........................................................................................................................................... 32
BEFORE YOU START WORK AS A FOUNDATION DOCTOR ........................................................... 33
PRE-EMPLOYMENT CHECKS ................................................................................................................. 33
YOUR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT ........................................................................................................... 33
STARTING YOUR JOB .......................................................................................................................... 33
TRANSFER OF INFORMATION ............................................................................................................... 33
APPENDIX 1 - LETTER TO CONFIRM ADDITIONAL DEGREE WITH NO DEGREE CERTIFICATE .. 34
APPENDIX 2 - REASONS FOR DISMISSAL FROM THE SJT ............................................................ 35
APPENDIX 3: HOW ARE THE EPM AND THE SJT EQUALLY WEIGHTED WHEN THE SCALES ARE
DIFFERENT? ...................................................................................................................................... 36

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Overview of the national application process

The four UK health departments determine the number of Foundation Programme places
available each year based on workforce planning across the continuum of postgraduate
medical education and training. The national application process aims to allocate the highest
scoring applicants to all available places.
The national application process for the Foundation Programme and the Academic Foundation
Programme commencing in August 2015 (FP and AFP 2015) comprises a number of
components:
- UK medical schools and the UKFPOs Eligibility Office nominate applicants who are
eligible to apply and provide their EPM decile scores
- Applicants register on the Foundation Programme Application System (FPAS) and
verify they are a nominated applicant
- Applicants complete the online application form for FP and AFP 2015
- Educational achievements scores are verified by national panels
- Applicants attend the SJT (selection assessment for FP 2015)
- AFP offers are issued according to a strict timetable
- FP allocation to UoAs takes place.
Applications to AFP 2015 will be submitted at the same time as FP 2015 applications and will
comprise the standard application form, plus additional information required by AUoAs.
Successful AFP applicants will receive offers from AUoAs in advance of the allocation for FP
places. Successful AFP applicants who accept an offer are not included in the FP allocation.
Unsuccessful AFP applicants, or those who decline all offers, will be included automatically in
the FP allocation.
If, at the end of the AFP offers period, there are more eligible FP applicants than places, the n
top scoring applicants will be allocated first (where n equals the total number of FP places
available across the UK). Any applicants who have not been allocated at this stage will be
placed automatically on a reserve list. Applicants on the reserve list will be allocated to UoAs
on pre-determined dates when vacancies arise due to other applicants withdrawing from the
process for personal reasons or because they do not pass final examinations. The highest
scoring applicants remaining on the reserve list will be allocated in each batch.
The national application process is complete once all applicants have been allocated to a UoA,
or when all available places have been filled.

Local processes
The local processes undertaken by AUoAs and UoAs do not comprise part of the national
application process but are, of course, aligned with the national process and in accordance
with a nationally agreed timeline.

Academic Foundation Programme (AFP)

Once AFP applications have been submitted, each AUoA will assess the applications it
receives according to its own short-listing criteria and will invite short-listed applicants to attend
a local interview. The structure of AFP interviews is determined locally by each AUoA and
each AUoA will determine how short-listing and interviews are to be scored. The highest
scoring AFP applicants at each AUoA will receive offers.

Foundation Programme (FP)

Following allocation to a UoA, the relevant foundation school will undertake local processes to
match its allocated FP applicants to individual foundation programmes. UoAs may allocate a
local score to their allocated applicants for the purposes of matching to programmes. UoAs will
also assist employing organisations in completing pre-employment checks, which may include
a structured interview.

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High level timeline

14 Jul 14 Aug
2014
26 Aug 2014
29 Sept 2014
From 29 Sept
2014
1 Oct 2014
6 - 17 Oct 2014

17 October 2014
20 Oct 16 Jan
2015
28 Oct 2014
5 Dec 2014
9 Jan 2015
21 Jan 18 Feb
2014
20 February 2015
5 Mar 2015
By 2 Apr 2015

6 Mar 7 Apr
2015
8 Apr 2015
May Jul 2015
Apr - Jul 2015
Jul 2015

From Jul 2015

Aug 2015

Ensure you are eligible to apply. If your medical school is outside the UK, or if
you qualified from a UK medical school prior to 4 August 2013, you must register
on the Eligibility system and submit documentation by post to the Eligibility Office
by midday on 14 August 2014. See Eligibility information for full guidance.
View available Academic foundation programmes. AFPs in each AUoA are
available to view on FPAS.
View indicative programmes. Indicative programmes in each UoA and AUoA are
available to view on FPAS. The final programmes will be available to view in
February 2015.
Register and confirm on FPAS at www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk. You
must register on FPAS and confirm you are a nominated applicant before you can
access the application form. Once confirmed, you will be able to see your EPM
decile score.
Deadline for requests for reasonable adjustments to the SJT.
Complete the online application form for both the Foundation Programme
and Academic Foundation Programme. The application period closes at 12.00
noon (BST) on 17 October 2014. Late applications will not be accepted under any
circumstances.
Deadline for requests for pre-allocation to a particular UoA on the grounds of
special circumstances.
AFP local short-listing and interviews. Deadlines and processes for short-listing
and interviews will vary by AUoA. Each AUoA will communicate with the applicants
who apply to it.
View verified scores for EPM educational achievements. Your verified score
for any educational achievements you listed in your application will be available to
view on your FPAS account.
1st SJT. If you are registered for the SJT on this date you must attend.
2nd SJT. If you are registered for the SJT on this date you must attend.
AFP offers. Successful AFP applicants will receive offers during this period. All
offers must be accepted or declined on FPAS by the stated deadline.
Final programmes available to view on FPAS.
FP primary list allocation. You will be notified via email when you can log into
your FPAS account to see your SJT and overall application score and, if you are
on the primary list, you will be able to see which UoA you have been allocated to.
Applicants on the FP primary list need to select their programme
preferences on FPAS. Deadlines and processes for matching you to your specific
foundation programme will vary by UoA. Check your allocated UoAs website for
further information.
Your referees will be asked to submit a reference for you as part of preemployment checks.
FP primary list applicants notified of programme matches. You will need to log
into your FPAS account to see which foundation programme you have been
matched to by your allocated UoA.
FP reserve list batch allocations. The highest scoring applicants on the FP
reserve list will be allocated to any vacancies that have arisen since the last
allocation.
Pre-employment checks undertaken.
You must have provisional GMC registration with a licence to practise before
your employer will issue a contract of employment. Registering with the GMC
is a different process from applying to the Foundation Programme and you must
apply to them directly. The GMC recommends you apply in May 2015 to ensure
you are registered before the start of your FP shadowing period.
Contracts of employment issued. Your employer will also confirm your salary,
pay banding, location and starting rota.
Foundation Programme starts. Newly appointed F1 doctors are required to
attend a period of shadowing the F1 doctor they are taking over from before the
start of the Foundation Programme. Your foundation school or employer will
contact you with the details of local arrangements and your required start date
which may be late July 2015.

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Before you apply

Are you eligible?
If you qualified or are expecting to qualify from a UK medical school between 4 August 2013
and 4 August 2015, you meet the eligibility criteria for applying to FP/AFP 2015 and will be
nominated by your medical school.
If your medical school is outside the UK, or if you qualified from a UK medical school prior to 4
August 2013, you must complete an online Eligibility application form and submit the required
documentation by post to the UKFPOs Eligibility Office between 14 July 2014 and midday on
14 August 2014. Using the information you provide, the Eligibility Office will assess your
eligibility to apply for FP/AFP 2015. If the information you provide shows you are eligible to
apply, the Eligibility Office will nominate you.
More information about the eligibility checking process is available on the UKFPO website:
www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk.
Military students are required to sit the SJT (selection assessment for FP 2015) along with all
other applicants but are not required to go through the national application process. For more
information on the process you must follow, please contact the Defence Postgraduate Medical
Deanery.

Accessing the Foundation Programme Application System (FPAS)

From 29 September 2014, FPAS is available for registration and enrolment at
www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk.
1. Register as soon as you can from 29 September 2014.
2. Once you have followed the link to FPAS, click on Apply to Foundation Programme
on the left-hand menu and follow the instructions.
3. You will be asked to provide an e-mail address as part of the registration process. This
will become your username for future logins and MUST be the same email address
provided to FPAS in advance by your medical school or the Eligibility Office when they
nominated you. Check with your UK medical school or the Eligibility Office if you are
unsure what email address to use.
4. You will be emailed a password. To access FPAS you need to enter your username
(email address) and the password sent to you. This password is a use once password
and as soon as you use it, you will be prompted to enter a new password of your own
choosing. If you do not receive your password please check your spam/junk mailbox. If
you have still not received it, or misplace it, you will need to contact the technical
helpdesk to request a new password ([email protected]). The UKFPO cannot
provide you with this.
5. You will need to use your username (email address) and the password you have
chosen each time you log in to FPAS from now on. Make sure you keep your
password safe.
6. The next step is to confirm you are a nominated applicant, i.e. that you have been
nominated by either a UK medical school or the Eligibility Office. Select the
Nomination Confirmation option from the right-hand menu.
7. The system will check the personal information you enter against its database of
nominated applicants, i.e. the applicants nominated by UK medical schools and the
Eligibility Office. If the details you enter match those provided by your UK medical
school or the Eligibility Office, you will be able to access the application form from 6
October 2014. The application form will not be available before this date.
8. Once you have confirmed you are a nominated applicant, you will be able to view your
EPM decile score. Select the Scores option from the right-hand menu.

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When confirming you are a nominated applicant, enter your personal details (name, date of
birth, medical school name and email address) EXACTLY as you supplied it to your UK
medical school or the Eligibility Office. When your medical school or the Eligibility Office
nominates you, your data is pre-loaded onto FPAS and when you confirm you are a nominated
applicant the system matches the data you enter with the data provided by your medical
school or the Eligibility Office. If you do not enter your personal data exactly as it was preloaded, the system will not be able to match the information and you may face a delay in
accessing the system. If there are any problems setting up your account, dont panic. Just
contact the organisation that nominated you and they can help you access your account.

Contacting you
Remember to check your email and your FPAS account regularly throughout the application
process. We will use your email address to send you information throughout the entire period.
Emails sent via FPAS are also stored in your FPAS account. If you are expecting important
information and do not receive an email, remember to also check My Messages on your
FPAS account. My Messages is available on the right-hand menu.
If you need to change your email address for any reason, use the Update Contact Details
option on the right-hand menu of FPAS.
Please note: We strongly advise that you DO NOT USE HOTMAIL email accounts as they
regularly block emails from NHS servers. This means you may not get important messages
about your application.

Pre-allocation to a particular UoA based on special circumstances

If you need to be allocated to a particular UoA due to being the primary carer for a close
relative; a parent or legal guardian for a child or children for whom you have significant caring
responsibilities; or have a medical condition for which on-going follow-up in a specified location
is an absolute requirement, then you can apply to your medical school for pre-allocation to a
particular UoA on the grounds of special circumstances. You must rank this UoA first in your
list of preferences during your application to the Foundation Programme. Failure to do so will
result in your special circumstances application not being considered
Details of the special circumstances criteria and the process for requesting pre-allocation are
available on the UKFPO website under Key Documents.
The criteria for being pre-allocated are very strict and you must supply all the required
supporting documentation to your UK medical school or the Eligibility Office by the deadline
(17 October 2014). There is no opportunity to provide additional documentation at a later date.

Every effort will be made to honour approved pre-allocations. However, if you do not score
highly enough to be on the primary list, you will not be included in the initial allocation. If there
are no places available in your requested UoA at the time you are allocated from the reserve
list, you will be allocated elsewhere according to the places available, your score and your
stated preferences. For this reason, it is important that you rank all UoAs in order of preference
on the application form even if you have been approved for pre-allocation on the grounds of
special circumstances.

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Applying to FP and AFP 2015

The online application form will be available from 6 October 2014. The application period
closes at 12 noon (BST) on 17 October 2014.
! IMPORTANT: Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Whether you are applying for the Foundation Programme (FP) or the Academic Foundation
Programme (AFP), you must complete the same application form during the same two-week
period. The application form is divided into nine sections: Personal, Qualifications, Clinical
Skills, Equal Opportunities, Referees, Educational Achievements, UoA Preferences, Academic
Selection and Declarations. Each section is accessed from a list displayed in the right-hand
menu on FPAS. Each section is further explained below.
If you indicate that you wish to apply for AFP 2015 you will be required to provide additional
information to support your AFP application(s) and to rank the academic programmes available
in your order of preference.

Personal
This section of the form will only be used for employment purposes and will not be considered
when scoring your application. If your application is successful, the details in this section will
be passed to your employer.
You will be asked to provide the following:
Your personal contact details (such as name, address, telephone numbers, etc).
Details of any disabilities or health issues you would want your employer to know about
in order for them to make reasonable adjustments for your employment and training.
Details of any unspent and spent convictions and investigations into fitness to practise.
In this section, the GMC has provided guidance that states that you do not have to
declare any road traffic offences where you have accepted the option of paying a fixed
penalty notice. All other Fixed Penalty Notices must be declared.
Linked application request (if applicable).
Name changes
If you have changed your name by marriage or deed poll since qualifying from or during
medical school, it is essential that you indicate this on the application form when asked to
provide details of your previous family name/surname. This is particularly important if you have
an additional degree certificate or provide evidence for a publication that is in a different name
as you will not be awarded the points if this section has not been completed.
Disabilities and personal health
We recommend that you disclose disabilities and personal health issues, such as blood borne
virus infections, in the disability declaration on the application form. This information will be
held in confidence and only authorised foundation school staff members and the HR
department of your employing healthcare organisation will be able to access this information.
If you do not wish to disclose this information on the application form, it is essential that you
inform your allocated foundation school, in confidence, as soon as you are allocated, as it may
affect which programmes you can be matched to. For example, you may need to avoid
exposure prone procedures. Arrangements will be made for you to meet up with a foundation
school staff member to discuss your training.

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Linked applications
You can link your FP application to that of another applicant to ensure you will both be
allocated to the same UoA, provided you are both on the primary list.
Please note that you can only link to one other person. That person can be a partner, friend,
sibling, etc any two applicants who want to link can do so. Links will not be considered if
either of you accepts an AFP offer. Please note that only two FP applications can be linked.
You cannot link with a military applicant, or someone applying for specialty or other medical
training.
Keep in mind that the link only allows for you to be in the same UoA and group (if used), not
the same programme, employing organisation or town. Some UoAs will try to place linked
applicants within an hours commute of each other, others will not. Check the UoAs websites
for their local policies on linked applications when matching to programmes.
If you and another applicant want to link your applications, you can do so in this section of the
form by choosing yes when asked if you wish to link your application. More information will
then appear, along with a box for you to type in the email address of the applicant with whom
you are linking. The process of linking works in this way:
1. You must enter the email address of the person you want to link to, ensuring it is
the same one they are using for the application process.
2. For the link to be complete, the other person must enter the email address you are
using for the application process on their application form.
3. Both of you must rank all of the UoAs in the same order of preference. If you do not
both do this, the link will be broken.
4. You must both score highly enough to be on the primary list for the link to work. If
either or both of you are on the reserve list, the link will be broken.
5. WARNING: The score of the lower scoring applicant will be used to allocate both
linked applicants to a UoA and programme group (if used). The result of your link
may be that either:
a. you will be allocated to a UoA which is lower in your order of preference than
would have been the case had you not linked your application;
OR
b. the other individual will be allocated to a foundation school lower in their order
of preference than would have been the case if they had not linked their
application to yours.
The link will only be honoured if:
all the information required is provided on both of your forms;
neither you nor the other individual has been pre-allocated to a particular UoA on
the grounds of special circumstances;
you both score highly enough to be on the primary list;
you have both ranked the UoAs in the same order of preference;
neither you nor the other individual has accepted an AFP offer; and
there are two places available in a UoA when it is your turn to be allocated based
on the lower of both scores.
! IMPORTANT: You cannot un-link your application once you have submitted your
application form under any circumstances.

Qualifications
In this section, you will indicate whether you are currently a final year medical student or, if not,
indicate your GMC registration status. If you are not a final year medical student, you will also
be required to give details of your postgraduate experience.

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This part of the form will only be used for employment purposes. If your application is
successful, the details in this section will be passed to your employer.
GMC registration status
If you already have provisional registration with a licence to practise, you must provide details
of the name you are registered under with the GMC.
Primary medical degree
You must enter details of your medical degree and medical school/university. If you have not
yet graduated, you must enter your expected date of qualification; this is the date on which you
expect to graduate.
Post-qualification experience
This section is for those applicants who have already completed medical school and may have
had some experience working as a doctor prior to applying for the Foundation Programme. We
would expect to see up to your last five years of experience.
Other educational qualifications
This section is for applicants who have completed additional higher qualifications. This section
of the form is not scored and has no links to the Educational Achievements section.
! IMPORTANT: If you have a qualification that can gain points in the Educational
Achievements section, you must also list it in that section of the form. If you do
not, you will not get any points for it.

Clinical skills
The assessment of your clinical skills is made primarily throughout your time at medical school.
By passing your final exams, it is expected that you will be clinically prepared to proceed with
foundation training and you are asked to confirm this in this section of the form. It lists the
clinical and practical skills that the GMC requires you to have attained by the end of medical
school. You are asked to select if you have attained, expect to attain or do not expect to attain
each skill listed by July 2015.
This section is not scored, so be honest in your answers. Selecting that you do not expect
to attain a specific skill will not prevent you from securing a foundation training post.
This section of the form will be sent to employers once they have successfully completed preemployment checks in order to ensure that you receive the training and support you need
during your foundation programme. So, please say if you will not have one or more of the skills
listed.

Equal Opportunities
This section includes the equal opportunities monitoring information required by the health
service to monitor their recruitment practices. This section asks you to provide your age,
gender, ethnic origin, religious beliefs and whether you consider yourself to have a disability
under the Equality Act 2010. You may choose to leave the date of birth fields blank. All other
fields are mandatory, but you may choose the option I do not wish to disclose.
The information you provide in this section will only be accessed by authorised individuals
involved in the application process to ensure that the process adheres to equality and diversity
legislation. Anonymised reports will be produced to analyse recruitment practices.

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References
You are required to provide details of two referees: one clinical and one academic. The
referees you select do not have to be the most senior people in an organisation, it is more
important that they are able to comment on your medical school and clinical performance.

! IMPORTANT: References and their content are not taken into account when
allocating you to a UoA or matching you to a particular foundation programme.
They are collected on behalf of your employer as part of pre-employment
checks and have no bearing on your application.

Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references.

You will need to provide names and contact details of two referees:
One referee must be a practising hospital consultant, GP or associate specialist who is
able to give an opinion of your clinical skills.
One referee must be from your medical school. This might be a professor, senior
lecturer, lecturer, reader, director of clinical studies or a person holding an honorary
medical school contract as advised by your medical school. The referee should be
someone who has ideally known you for one year, but for a minimum of six months,
and should be aware of your performance during ALL years spent at the medical
school.
You may use referees from outside the UK as long as the referee is able to comment
on your performance.
If you are currently employed as a doctor, or have been employed as a doctor any time during
the last six months, one of your referees must come from that employer.
Make sure that you ask your referees if they are happy to provide a reference before you
complete this section, and ask that they provide you with an email address that they access
regularly. It is best if this is NOT a Hotmail account.
You will be able to see your references once they are submitted by selecting Returned
References from the right-hand menu of your FPAS account. You can change your referee
details online (even after you submit your application form) until the reference period is closed,
or until the referee has submitted a reference, whichever comes first.
Your referees will be sent an email on 6 March 2015 asking them to register and complete a
structured online reference for you by 7 April 2015. Each reference form will take referees
approximately five minutes to complete.
Please note it is important that your referees use the exact email addresses that you enter on
FPAS or they will not be able to register and complete your reference.
The reason that your references must be submitted by 7 April 2015 is that the foundation
schools send all of your data (including the full application form and references) to your
employing organisation during April. References received after that date will not be included in
the information sent.
If either of your referees fails to submit the online reference by the deadline, then your
employing healthcare organisation will contact you before you start work and arrange with you
for the missing reference(s) to be provided. Please keep in mind that you are responsible for
ensuring that two referees provide references for you before you start work as a foundation

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doctor. A contract of employment will not be issued until satisfactory references have been
received.

Helping your referees

If your referee has forgotten or lost their password, they should go to
www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk and click on the Referee Login link in the middle of the
screen. They should then click on Retrieve password. From here, they will need to enter their
FPAS username (their email address) and a new password will be emailed to them.
If they are still having trouble, they must send an email to the e FPAS technical helpdesk to
resolve the issue ([email protected]). There is no contact telephone number for the
FPAS helpdesk.

The reference form

Your referees will be asked to give their assessment of your present knowledge and skills
under the headings provided below. Referees will choose either satisfactory, cause for
concern or unable to comment in answer to each question. If they choose cause for
concern, they will be required to provide an explanation. If they choose satisfactory or
unable to comment, no further explanation is required.
Clinical knowledge and skills
Can show evidence of having achieved the outcomes for qualification set out in
Tomorrows Doctors (2009).
Clinical communication skills
Has demonstrable skills in written and spoken English that are adequate to enable
effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues.
Personal skills
Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of the patient as the central focus
of care
Demonstrates an ability to prioritise tasks and information appropriately
Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of working effectively with others
Demonstrates initiative and the ability to deal effectively with pressure and/or
challenge.
Probity
Demonstrates appropriate professional behaviour, i.e. integrity, honesty,
confidentiality.
Other
Is attendance/timekeeping satisfactory?
Have they been subject to any disciplinary procedure, formal or otherwise, during
the time that you have known them?
Additional comments
The referee is invited to provide other comments.
Referee details
Name, position held, name of employing organisation, contact telephone number, GMC
reference number (if applicable) and whether they are providing a clinical or medical school
reference.

! IMPORTANT: The UKFPO cannot accept references by fax post or email. They
must be submitted via FPAS during the reference period.

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Educational Achievements
This section provides all the information you require to complete the educational achievements
section of the application form. It is up to you to decide if your achievements meet the criteria.
You may also find it useful to read the Frequently Asked Questions on our website.
Please note that if you include something on your form that the verification panel later decides
does not meet the stated criteria, the provisional score calculated by FPAS will be revised but
will not incur further penalties.
In this section of the application form, there are two categories from which you can gain a
maximum of seven points:

Additional degrees (maximum 5 points)

Publications (maximum 2 points)

You must complete all of the required information and upload evidence to support your
achievement(s) in each of the categories, or a score of zero will be allocated.
FPAS will use this information to calculate a provisional score for your educational
achievements. The provisional score for degrees will be verified by UKFPO staff. The
provisional score calculated by FPAS for publications will be verified by a national panel
consisting of administrative staff from medical schools and foundation schools. The verifiers
will not have access to any other part of your application form. If there is no evidence
uploaded, or the evidence that is submitted does not meet the following requirements, then the
provisional score awarded by FPAS will be revised.

! IMPORTANT: The educational achievements section is the only section

of your application form that the verification panel will see.

Rules for supporting evidence

These rules apply to the evidence you provide for any of your educational achievements.
Specific criteria for each category can be found in the relevant sections. Please note the
UKFPO cannot review evidence on an individual basis before you submit it with your
application. It is your responsibility to read the guidance and ensure your evidence meets the
requirements. There is no opportunity to provide additional or updated evidence once your
application form has been submitted.

Documents in languages
other than English

All evidence provided must be in English. If the original

document is not in English, you must provide a copy of
the original document together with the official
translation. If a translation is not provided you will be
awarded zero points.

Format of document

Evidence can be in any of the following formats:

.doc
.docx
.pdf
.rtf
.jpg.

The maximum size is 2Mb.

Evidence must be uploaded as one file per achievement

- 12 -

(which can contain more than one document). If you

need to provide two pieces of evidence, e.g. an original
degree certificate and an official translation, you will
need to scan them into one file before uploading.
Please note that documents produced on an Apple Mac
are not compatible.
Documents in a different
name

If any of your supporting evidence is in a different name

to the name on your application, the other names you
are known by question on your application will be
verified so you must ensure you complete this section on
your application form.

Date of achievement

All educational achievements must have taken place, or

in the case of degrees must have been ratified by the
examination board, by the close of the application
process (12 noon BST 17 October 2014).

! IMPORTANT: If you do not upload evidence that meets the criteria above
you will not receive any points. If you need evidence from an awarding
body or your Dean, organise this now. Do not leave it until the application
period opens as you cannot submit evidence after the application deadline.

Additional degree (up to a maximum of five points)

Points awarded in this section are for a degree in addition to your primary medical degree that
you either have, or for which you are currently studying. Postgraduate certificates (such as a
PGCE) or diplomas do not count.
If you indicate that you have an additional degree, the form will display additional sections
where you will be required to enter the subject of qualification, educational institution and year
of qualification.
You must choose one of the options listed in the table below. If you have more than one
additional degree (e.g. BSc and PhD), you should choose the one that will give you the most
points (see the table on page 15).

! IMPORTANT: You can only be awarded points for a degree if the degree and,
if appropriate, the degree classification, has been ratified by the Examination
Board before you submit your application (i.e. by 17 October 2014 at the
latest) and you can submit the required evidence. Please see the table below
for the evidence required to support this.

- 13 -

Evidence required for an additional degree

To support your degree, you must upload a copy of your degree certificate with the class of
degree (where applicable) and your name clearly displayed.

Degree
certificate does
not show
classification
No degree
certificate
available

Cambridge
degrees

If your degree certificate does not display the class of the degree, you
must provide the original certificate together with an official letter from
the Registrars office that confirms the classification.

If no degree certificate is available, e.g. if you have lost it or have not

yet graduated, you must provide a degree confirmation letter. This
must be printed on university headed paper and include the official
stamp of the university and the signature of the Dean (or authorised
official in the Registrars office) that confirms the award of the degree
by the University and the date. See Appendix 2 for a pro-forma of the
letter. If you do not provide all the required information as shown in
Appendix 2, you will not be awarded the points.
The additional guidance below has been provided from Cambridge
University Clinical School to recognise the award of undergraduate
degrees from Cambridge University, which are not given an overall
degree classification on the degree certificate.
For the purpose of FPAS application, the degree classification will be
recognised as that obtained in the Part II Tripos. The points for
degree class in the educational achievement section will be awarded
on this basis. All evidence will be verified and Cambridge degrees will
be recognised in accordance with this guidance.
For those students who have not done a Part II Tripos, and instead
undertaken an additional Part Ia or Part Ib, the degree classification
that will be recognised for the FPAS application will be the
classification of the MVST Part 1b year, and not the classification of
the second Part 1a or Part 1b year.
To evidence this, students should upload their degree certificate and
official University transcript. Students should ensure that the evidence
provided states the classification of the part II Tripos, or the MVST
Part Ib year, which can be highlighted on the transcript before the
evidence is uploaded.

! IMPORTANT: Your score for additional degrees will be determined from

the information supplied in this section of the application form, not from the
"Qualifications" section. Therefore, if you have put information relating to
additional degrees in the "Qualifications" section, you must repeat it in this
section or you will not be awarded the points.

- 14 -

Points awarded
(maximum = 5)
0
1
2
3

4
5

Degree category

Primary Medical Qualification only

3rd class BMedSci awarded at University of Nottingham
3rd class honours degree
Unclassified honours degree
2.2 class BMedSci awarded at University of Nottingham
2.2 class honours degree
2.1 class BMedSci awarded at University of Nottingham
2.1 honours degree
1st class BMedSci awarded at University of Nottingham
Postgraduate Masters degree
1st class honours degree
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Bachelor Veterinary Medicine (B Vet Med)
Doctoral degree (PhD, DPhil, etc)

Notes

The BMedSci honours degree awarded by the University of Nottingham is integrated

during the five-year BMBS and is therefore awarded fewer points.

Honours degrees are any type of undergraduate honours degrees with a classification
e.g. BSc, BEng.

Honours MA degrees, including those from some Scottish Universities, are

undergraduate degrees and therefore classed as honours degrees, not Masters
degrees.

Some undergraduate degrees are called Masters degrees, e.g. MPharm, MEng, but
these are undergraduate honours degrees, not Masters degrees.

Honours degrees from Oxford and Cambridge can be converted to a Masters degree
after a period of time, but these do not require a further year of study and are therefore
classed as honours degrees and not Masters degrees.

Some international medical schools (e.g. the USA) award an MD or similar as part of
their basic medical qualifications. This qualification does not attract any additional
points in this section.

Points for a postgraduate Masters degree can only be awarded where the degree
represents a further year of study taken in addition to an undergraduate degree (whether
as an intercalation or other), and there is an entry requirement of a previous degree or
equivalent.
If you have undertaken an exchange programme of study as part of a degree course or
are a graduate from an overseas university where they provide Grade Point Average
(GPA) points the following procedure must be used:
You must take the cumulative (i.e. all years) grade point average (GPA) and calculate
the equivalent degree level and select the most appropriate. The evidence you provide
MUST show the cumulative GPA and specify on what scale your degree was scored,
otherwise you will be awarded zero points.

- 15 -

For a 4-point scale:

a GPA of 3.6 4 should be scored as equivalent to a 1st class degree;
a GPA of 3 or more but less than 3.6 is a 2.1;
a GPA of 2 or more but less than 3 is a 2.2; and
a GPA of 1 or more but less than 2 is a 3rd class degree.
For a 5-point scale:
a GPA of 4.4 5 should be scored as equivalent to a 1st class degree;
a GPA of less than 4.4 but 3.8 or more is a 2.1;
a GPA of less than 3.8 but 3 or more is a 2.2; and
a GPA of 2.9 or lower is a 3rd class degree.
If the scale is not a 4- or 5-point scale, then you must get your score officially calculated. The
UKFPO is unable to provide a list of companies/websites that can do this for you. It is your
responsibility to locate a suitable company/website. As evidence, you will need to upload your
degree certificate and transcript, plus the official document showing its UK classification
equivalent.
! IMPORTANT: Ensure you choose the correct classification for your degree. If you
choose a lower classification from the drop-down list than you actually achieved,
your score will NOT be increased by the verification panel i.e. if your evidence
shows you were awarded a 2.1 but you choose a 2.2 from the drop-down list, you
will still only be awarded 2 points for a 2.2.

Publications (up to a maximum of 2 points)

All the information provided in this section must relate to activities you have undertaken since
you began your university education. Please do not enter any publications from your time in
school or college or any non-academic publications.. There is space on the application form for
you to enter details of up to two publications, for which a maximum of two points are available.
In order to gain a point for a publication, your work must have been published and must have a
PubMed ID number (PMID). If there is no PMID, you will not be awarded the point. DOI,
ISBN or PCMID numbers are not sufficient.
If you select that you have a publication, the form will display further sections which must be
completed:
Authors

Please list all authors in the order they appear in the publication. Your
name must be in CAPITALS

Publication title

State the title as it has been published

PubMed ID/ (PMID) Please insert the PMID. If the PMID number does not link DIRECTLY to
the paper where it can be confirmed that you are an author, it will not
gain any points. Therefore, if your abstract is published as part of
conference proceedings that have a PMID number, but the PMID does
not link directly to a paper listing the title and author which you have
recorded in the previous boxes, you will not gain a point for the
publication.
Year

Year of publication

Journal/book title

State the full title of the journal or book

- 16 -

Volume/page

State both the volume and page numbers

Evidence required

Publications

You must upload evidence that confirms the title, authors name,
publication title and volume/page numbers.

! IMPORTANT: The PMID number you supplied on your application form will
automatically take the verifier to the PubMed database. If the PMID does not link
directly to your paper, no further searches will be done and the point(s) will not be
awarded. You are advised to double check the PMID you input before submitting
your application form as amendments cannot be made later.

UoA Preferences
Before submitting your application, you must rank ALL the UoAs in order of preference. You
must do this even if you have been approved for pre-allocation to a particular UoA on the
grounds of special circumstances. You must also do this if you intend to apply for an
Academic Foundation Programme because if your AFP application is not successful you will
automatically be included in the FP allocation process.
You will be allocated to a UoA in score order, so the higher your score the more likely you are
to be allocated to a higher preference UoA. This is the same way applicants were allocated
last year and the table below shows the competition ratios in each UoA for FP 2014. The ratio
is calculated by dividing the number of applicants who selected the UoA as their first
preference by the number of vacancies available in that UoA. Any percentage over 100%
shows over-subscription, i.e. the UoA was selected as first choice by more applicants than
there were places available.
Please note that ratios for last year are not an indication of the popularity of UoAs for this year.
Competition will vary, depending on which UoAs other applicants choose to list as their first
preference. It is not possible to predict what scores your fellow applicants will achieve or
which UoA they are going to choose as their first preference. You do need to be realistic about
your expectations though. If your medical school performance is in a lower decile, it is unlikely
that you will be allocated to a very competitive UoA. It is not advisable to assume what score
will assure you a place in any particular UoA. It depends entirely on the number of vacancies in
each UoA and the order of preference of those applicants who score more highly than you.
Do not make your decisions based on these competition ratios alone as you will be allocated to
a UoA in score order. Choose your order of preference based on the locations you really would
like to go to.

- 17 -

Map of UoA geographical areas

The map below shows you the geographical areas for each UoA (the reference number in the
table shows you the relevant region on the map). Click on the UoA name in the table to take
you to the UoAs website for more information.

Competition Ratios for FP 2014

Reference
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

Unit of application
Coventry and Warwick
East Anglia
LNR
Mersey
North Central Thames
North East Thames
North West Thames
North Western
Northern
Northern Ireland
Oxford
Peninsula
Scotland
Severn
South Thames
Staffordshire
Trent
Wales
Wessex
West Midlands Central
Yorkshire and Humber

No.
choosing
UoA as first
Vacancies preference
85
88
275
180
150
116
306
302
315
448
324
331
261
912
511
450
389
310
239
252
217
325
194
140
790
715
265
440
798
849
101
43
296
196
318
232
295
242
417
297
568
481

Competition ratio
103.5%
65.5%
77.3%
98.7%
142.2%
102.2%
349.4%
88.1%
79.7%
105.4%
149.8%
72.2%
90.5%
166.0%
106.4%
42.6%
66.2%
73.0%
82.0%
71.2%
84.7%

- 18 -

Programmes
Applications to the Foundation Programme are to a generic programme and rotations are
designed to ensure all foundation doctors undergo a balanced programme which enables them
to meet the competences and outcomes set by the GMC as described in the Curriculum.
Important! Information on programmes: To meet evolving healthcare and patient needs, the
medical education framework and UK-wide NHS services are subject to constant review. In
England, the health and social care landscape is being radically reshaped in response to many
challenges. One of the most recent reviews by Health Education England has produced
Broadening the Foundation Programme. This report mandates that at least 80% of foundation
doctors will undertake a community/integrated placement as part of their Foundation
Programme by August 2015 (England only). Over the next year, LETBs will be working
towards achieving this requirement. Consequently, there will be a delay in UoAs uploading
their finalised FP 2015 programmes to FPAS.
To provide FP 2015 applicants with as much information as possible, an example list of
programmes will be available for applicants to view on 29 September 2014 when FPAS opens
for registration and enrolment. This list is representative of programmes which are typically
available at a particular UoA (based on previous years) and will be subject to change. Some
UoAs may be able to provide a finalised list at this stage; if so, this will be clearly indicated on
FPAS. All UoAs will provide a final list of all FP 2015 programmes viewable on FPAS by 20
February 2015, before the primary list allocations take place, and before applicants are
required to rank their programmes
It is important to note the NHS is a constantly changing world and even after being matched to
an individual programme, on rare occasions placements within that programme may change
as a result of service redesign, working time directive regulations or national directives (UKwide).

Academic selection
In this section of the form you will asked to indicate whether or not you wish to apply for the
Academic Foundation Programme commencing in August 2015 (AFP 2015). The vast majority
of applicants will indicate they do not wish to apply for AFP 2015.

I
Do you wish to apply for an Academic Foundation Programme?
If you see yourself as a researcher, a healthcare leader or a medical educator, an
Academic Foundation Programme (AFP) may be for you.
Academic foundation doctors are required to follow the same curriculum and to
meet the same foundation outcomes as other foundation doctors, but must also
complete additional academic work within the same two-year period. Therefore,
AFP applicants should have excellent clinical skills and a strong record of
academic achievement.
There are approximately 450 AFPs offered across the UK each year.
MPORTANT: If you do not upload the required evidence you will not receive any
If you indicate that you do wish to apply for an AFP, you will be asked to select which AUoA(s)
you wish to apply to. You are able to choose a maximum of two AUoAs. If you apply to two
AUoAs, they do not need to be listed in preference order and neither of them will know which
other AUoA you applied to. To help you choose which AUoAs you wish to apply to, the UKFPO

- 19 -

publishes a document which contains lots of helpful information such as how many academic
programmes are available in each AUoA, interview dates, whether the AUoA accepts Skype or
telephone interviews and a weblink for more information. This document will be available on
the UKFPO website at the end of August.
Once you have selected which AUoA(s) you wish to apply to you will be required to enter
details of any further educational achievements you wish to record. These are achievements
above and beyond the ones you have recorded in the Educational Achievements section.
You will be able to enter details of multiple degrees, publications, presentations and prizes.
The criteria from the Educational Achievements section do not apply to these further
achievements in your academic application (e.g. publications do not require a PMID etc.).
If you are invited to an interview, you will be expected to provide evidence to support any
further achievements you have included on your AFP application.
Having selected the AUoA(s) you wish to apply to and entered details of any additional
educational achievements you wish to record, you will need to complete additional sections of
the application form specific to the AUoAs you have selected. These additional sections refer
to your AFP application(s) only and the content will depend on which AUoA(s) you have
selected.

Additional information for AFP applications

Depending on which AUoA(s) you selected, you may be required to upload a copy of your CV
and provide up to six items of information to support your AFP application.
If the AUoA(s) you select require a copy of your CV, it may specify what information it requires
you to include in your CV. The section where you upload your CV will include any instructions
from your selected AUoA(s). Make sure you check these instructions before uploading your CV
to ensure it contains the information required. If you have selected to apply to two AUoAs and
they both require a copy of your CV, you will need to upload it twice. You may also need to
change the content of your CV for each AUoA depending on what they require you to include.
You will be asked for up to six items of information to support your AFP application. In some
instances, the two AUoAs you are applying to may use common items.
If this is the case, you may wish to use the same answer for both. However, it is important to
note that even if you provide exactly the same answer for two AUoAs, the scores awarded by
each AUoA may differ. This is because the answers are scored according to individual AUoA
criteria, therefore you could be short-listed for one AUoA, but not the other.
The information requested in this section may refer to your academic clinical experience to
date or may simply ask you to describe why you wish to apply for an AFP. FPAS will display
the items of information that are required for each AUoA you selected. You will have space to
write a maximum of 200 words for each item.

AFP programme preferences

If applying for an AFP, you will be required to rank the academic programmes available in each
of the AUoAs you have selected in order of preference before you can submit your application.
You do not have to rank all of the available programmes if you are not prepared to accept
offers for some of them. However, you should consider this carefully since not ranking them all
may affect your chances of being offered an academic programme.
For example, if you only rank certain programmes and these programme are all offered to and
accepted by applicants who scored higher than you, you will not receive an offer. You will only

- 20 -

get a chance to receive an offer for one of your preferenced programmes if the higher scoring
applicants decline the offer.

Declarations
This section includes several declarations that you are required to confirm you have read and
understood.

Submit
FPAS will prevent you from submitting your application if you have not clicked the Complete
Section option in each individual section. When you click the Complete Section option, FPAS
checks the information you have entered to ensure that it is complete and valid; if everything is
OK, it displays a green tick next to the section on the right-hand menu. You will not be able to
submit your application if there is not a green tick next to each section.
IMPORTANT: Once your application form has been submitted, it cannot be changed. Make
sure you double check everything. We advise you print out a copy of your completed
application.
Once your application is accepted, you will receive an email confirming it has been submitted
successfully.

IMPORTANT: You should submit your application a few days before the
deadline to avoid any last minute problems with your internet connection or
your local PC.
Technical assistance is available via e-mail only from Monday to Friday, 8.00
am to 6.30 pm (BST). This is of particular relevance if you are submitting
your application from overseas where there may be a significant difference
between British Summer Time (BST) and local time.

- 21 -

Application scores
Number of points available
Applications will have a maximum score of 100 points and this will consist of two components:
1. Educational Performance Measure (EPM) - 50 points maximum
2. SJT (selection assessment for FP 2015) - 50 points maximum

Educational Performance Measure (EPM)

The EPM is a measure of clinical and non-clinical skills, knowledge and performance up to the
point of application. The EPM comprises two elements: medical school performance in deciles
for which 34-43 points are available, and educational achievements, which are worth up to 7
points. A maximum of 50 points is available.

Medical school performance (34 to 43 points)

Your medical school performance score will be calculated by your medical school, which will
divide your year group into 10 equal groups (deciles) based on performance in a number of
assessments. Each UK medical school has agreed with its students which assessments will be
included in this measure. This element of the EPM is known as the EPM decile score. If you
are in the first decile (the top 10% of your year), you will receive a score of 43; if you are in the
second decile your score will be 42; the third decile 41 and so on. Students in the tenth decile
will be awarded 34 points.
If you are graduating from a UK medical school, these scores will be supplied by your medical
school and uploaded into the system.
If you are applying through the Eligibility Office, your EPM decile score will be calculated from
the medical school ranking information provided on your Deans Statement. The Eligibility
Office will upload your EPM decile score.
Your EPM decile score will be available on FPAS once you have registered and confirmed you
are a nominated applicant. If the score is not as you expect, contact your UK medical school or
the Eligibility Office as soon as possible and they will correct any discrepancies.

Educational achievements (up to seven points)

There are two parts to educational achievements: additional degrees worth up to five points
and publications worth up to two points.
Educational achievements will be machine-marked initially. FPAS will allocate a provisional
score based on the information you provide in the relevant boxes.
A national verification day will then be held to confirm educational achievements scores as
described in the Educational Achievements section on page 12.

Situational Judgement Test (selection assessment for FP 2015)

The SJT is a measure of meeting the attributes required to be a foundation doctor, as defined
in the FP 2015 national person specification. The SJT is taken under invigilated conditions,
and consists of 70 questions in 2 hours 20 minutes, including 10 pilot questions. The pilot
questions will be distributed randomly throughout the test and will only be used for future
development of the test; they will not count towards your score. A maximum of 50 points
is available.

- 22 -

There are two question formats:

Rank in order five possible responses
Choose three from eight possible responses.
The paper will consist of approximately two-thirds ranking questions and one-third multiple
choice questions. There is no negative marking, and you should therefore attempt all
questions. Below you can see how each type of question is scored.

Ranking questions

A maximum of 20 marks is available for each question

For each of the five response options up to four marks are available
Marks are awarded for near misses
Tied responses are not allowed; if you tie two response options, you will receive zero
marks for each of the response options you tied
There is no negative marking (i.e. marks will not be deducted from your overall score
for any incorrect answers).

Your rank choice

Ideal
rank

3
4

3
4

3
4

The ideal rank shows how the options would be ranked in the ideal answer. Your rank choices show the points you
will be awarded for the rank you select compared to the ideal rank for that response option. For example, if the ideal
rank for an option is 1 and you rank it 1, you will receive 4 points. If you rank it 2, you will receive 3 points and so
on (as shown in the first row of the table).

Multiple choice questions

A maximum of 12 points is available for each question

Four points are available for each of the three correct response options
You must only choose three response options; if you choose more than three, you will
score zero for that question
There is no negative marking (i.e. marks will not be deducted from your overall score
for any incorrect answers).

Once all answer sheets have been marked, the SJT scores are translated to a 0-50 point
scale. There are three stages to calculating your SJT points:
1. Calculating the raw marks achieved on the question paper (the sum total of all the
marks i.e. maximum of 20 marks for ranking items and maximum of 12 marks for
multiple choice items).
2. Test-equating (this is the process of placing the marks from the different papers on the
same scale i.e. taking account of small differences in difficulty of items between papers
across all SJT dates).
3. Scaling to a 0 50 point scale which has the similar properties to the EPM scale.
The SJT scores are scaled to match the EPM scale in terms of the mean and standard
deviation (spread) of scores. This means that the two scores can be combined into an equally
weighted sum. For further information please see Appendix 3.

- 23 -

As in previous years, applicants with exceptionally low SJT scores will have their applications
reviewed, with the possibility that they may be withdrawn from the national application process.
Details of the process for reviewing low scoring applications and withdrawing affected
applicants will be published as soon as possible, and no later than 1 December 2014 (i.e. prior
to the date of the first SJT).
For more information, read the SJT Frequently Asked Questions on the UKFPO website.

Sitting the SJT (selection assessment for FP 2015)

The SJT is an invigilated test designed to assess the aptitudes expected of you as a
foundation doctor, as set out in the FP 2015 person specification. All applicants to the
Foundation Programme and the Academic Foundation Programme 2015 (including applicants
to the Defence Deanery) are required to take the SJT in the UK on either:

Friday 5 December 2014, 2pm

Friday 9 January 2015, 10am

Your UK medical school or the Eligibility Office will provide details on which date/s is/are
available to you and how to book a place once you have been deemed eligible to apply.
You will be presented with scenarios typical of those that doctors in the first year of the
Foundation Programme (F1 doctors) may encounter. For each question, you need to consider
how an F1 doctor should respond to the given scenario and answer accordingly. There are
two question formats: rank five possible responses in order and choose the three most
appropriate responses (see the previous page for more information about each question
format and how they are scored).
Note: The SJT is an assessment of the professional attributes expected of a foundation doctor
and not your clinical knowledge/skills. You can prepare for the SJT by reading the SJT
monograph, which includes the research evidence for what the SJT is testing and tips around
how to approach the SJT; the job analysis of a Foundation Doctor, and Good Medical Practice
2013. There is a practice paper and answer sheet available on the UKFPO website to help you
familiarise yourself with the format of the test and the type of questions you will encounter. The
practice paper is available both as an online test, and a PDF which you can print off and
complete manually. Although the practice paper mimics the SJT in terms of style and timings,
the difficulty of these items may differ from those in the actual test. There are many
commercial courses and books available which offer to prepare you for the SJT; however the
UKFPO does not endorse any of these resources. The UKFPO practice paper is the only
official resource that will prepare you to take the test.
The test will be sat under invigilated conditions. If you fail to comply with standard assessment
procedures and invigilators' instructions then your application will be withdrawn from the
process. Please see Appendix 2 for more details.

What to bring with you

You need to bring the following items with you on the day of the SJT:

Two HB or 2B pencils (other pencil types, including mechanical pencils, do not scan so
do not use them)
An eraser
A pencil sharpener
Current photographic ID
Your SJT booking confirmation email (if you applied through the Eligibility Office).

- 24 -

You may also wish to bring with you a transparent ruler as an aid for completing the answer
sheet.

! IMPORTANT: No other materials, including dictionaries and electronic devices, are

permitted in the SJT venue.

Identifying yourself
Your ID will be checked at the SJT venue. The following are the only forms of identification
that will be accepted. Whichever you bring, it must be original, current and bear your full name
and photograph.
Passport
UK driving licence
EU identity card
UK university ID card, only for applicants taking the SJT at the university they attend
Documentation to support a name change (if applicable).
If you choose to wear a niqab you will be asked to remove the veil to have your identity
confirmed. A female-only environment will be provided to ensure privacy. If this identity check
has not taken place before the SJT, then you will be asked to remain at the venue until an
invigilator is available.

! IMPORTANT: If you are unable to provide suitable ID on the day of the SJT,
or the invigilator is in any doubt about the validity of your documentation, you
will be required to present valid photographic ID to the organiser of your SJT
no later than one working day after the date you sat the test. Failure to do so
will result in you being withdrawn from the application process.

At the end of the test

You must ensure that you comply with the invigilators instructions at the end of the test. It is
extremely important to hand in both your answer sheet and the question paper. If you do not
hand in your answer sheet, you will receive a score of zero for the SJT.
WARNING: Removal of question papers is strictly forbidden. If you fail to return your question
paper, your application will be withdrawn. The national FP 2015 person specification requires
that applicants demonstrate appropriate professional behaviour (i.e. integrity, honesty and
confidentiality).

Reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments are the practical arrangements made to provide access to the SJT, in
order to ensure that no applicant is at a disadvantage on the grounds of disability or health,
without changing the demands of the assessment. Applicants may apply for reasonable
adjustments to the format of the SJT on the following grounds:
A known and long-standing learning disability
A long term or permanent physical disability, health condition or impairment
A temporary health condition or impairment, or acute flare-up of a long-term health
condition
Other, e.g. religious observance.

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You must apply for reasonable adjustments to your UK medical school or the Eligibility Office
by 1st October 2014. For full details refer to the SJT Reasonable Adjustments Guidance
document and form available on the UKFPO website.

Extenuating circumstances
Extenuating circumstances are considered to be events which are:
severe and exceptional;
unforeseen;
unavoidable;
occur close to the date of the SJT; and
which seriously affect your ability to undertake the SJT on the date for which you are
registered.
Such events include bereavement, serious short-term illness or accidents.
If you believe that extenuating circumstances have seriously affected your ability to take the
SJT on the date you are registered for, you must submit an Extenuating Circumstances claim
form along with supporting medical evidence at the earliest opportunity, and usually in advance
of the SJT. Applicants with approved extenuating circumstances will be able to take the SJT on
the next SJT date as a first-attempt. Your SJT score will not be changed in any circumstance
as the result of a claim of extenuating circumstances. You may only claim extenuating
circumstances once.
By starting the SJT, you are declaring yourself fit to sit. If you are taken severely and
suddenly unwell during the SJT, you must alert an invigilator at the time and subject to their
decision, you will be asked to leave the test hall and submit an Extenuating Circumstances
claim form with supporting medical evidence. If you are well enough to continue the SJT, your
sheet will be marked and no extra time will be permitted Claims of extenuating circumstance
cannot be made retrospectively after taking the SJT. For more information, refer to the SJT
Extenuating Circumstances Guidance document and form available on the UKFPO website.

! IMPORTANT: It is your responsibility to know the time, location and venue

of your SJT and ensure you arrive at the venue on time, regardless of the
form of transport you use. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late or fail to
turn up, and do not have extenuating circumstances, you will not be allowed
to sit the SJT and will be withdrawn from the application process.

Further information
If you would like to read more about the SJT, visit the UKFPO website where further
information is available, including frequently asked questions, a practice SJT paper and a
monograph.
More information about the design and development of the EPM and SJT for selection to the
Foundation Programme, including pilot results, is available on the Improving Selection to the
Foundation Programme (ISFP) project website (archived).

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Processing AFP applications

AFP Interviews
Each AUoA will undertake its own short-listing and will invite short-listed applicants to attend
an interview. Some AUoAs will invite their short-listed applicants to login to FPAS and select
an interview slot from those available, whereas others will send a specific interview date and
time to each applicant.
The interview period for each AUoA will be available on the UKFPO website from 26 August
2014. Some AUoAs may accept telephone or video interviews, whereas others will require you
to appear in person. The AUoAs websites will have more information about interview
requirements. You should check this information before you select AUoAs to ensure you are
available for interview during the relevant interview period.
Following interviews, each AUoA will allocate a score for each interviewed applicant. This
AUoA specific score will be added to your EPM score to provide your overall ranking score for
your AFP application. Each AUoA will decide locally on the weighting of the AUoA and EPM
score. The highest scoring AFP applicants (AUoA score + EPM score) will receive offers.
Although your SJT score will not be used to calculate your AFP ranking score for the purposes
of AFP offers, all AFP offers are subject to a satisfactory SJT score. This means that you are
not withdrawn from the national process due to an exceptionally low SJT score. Applicants
who are withdrawn due to an exceptionally low SJT score will receive an email to inform them
on 5 March 2015. If you do not receive an email then you have achieved a satisfactory SJT
score and your AFP application can progress.
As previously mentioned, the process and criteria for reviewing exceptionally low SJT scores
will be made available by 1 December 2014 at the latest.

AFP offers
On 21 January 2015, you will receive an email to inform you that your AFP application results
are available on FPAS.
You will need to login to your FPAS account and select each AFP application from the right
hand menu and then select Track Application for each application in turn to see the result of
your application.
The result of your application will be either:
an offer of a programme;
notification that you are on the AUoAs reserve list; or
notification that you have not been successful.
If you have received an AFP offer, you must accept or decline the offer on FPAS within two
working days of receiving it, i.e. by midday (GMT) on 23 January 2015.
If you have been lucky enough to receive two AFP offers, you must decide which one you wish
to accept. The system will prevent you from accepting both offers so make sure you accept the
right one.
Please note that if you decline an offer, you will not be placed on the AUoAs reserve list, nor
will you be reconsidered for the post later in the process.
Failure to accept or decline your offer on FPAS by the deadline will result in the offer being
withdrawn and you will not receive another offer from the same AUoA.

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Cascade process for AFP reserve list applicants

Following the deadline for accepting or declining initial offers, a cascade process will run
whereby AUoAs will offer any unfilled places to the next highest scoring applicant on their
reserve lists. Cascade offers will only be made to applicants who have not previously received
an offer from the AUoA and who have not already accepted an offer at another AUoA.
If you receive an offer made via the cascade process, you will have two working days to accept
or decline it on FPAS. The timetable for the cascade process is as shown below (all times
given are GMT).
After the third cascade of offers, each AUoA will have three days to offer any remaining unfilled
places to applicants still on their reserve list who have not already accepted an offer
elsewhere. If you are contacted during this three-day period, you may be offered a programme
that you did not rank as one of your preferences and you will have a limited amount of time to
accept or decline the offer. It is likely that the AUoA will contact you by phone or email.

Timetable for AFP offers

21 Jan 2015 at 9:00

AFP initial offers date. AUoAs send emails via FPAS. You have two
working days to accept or decline the offer.

23 Jan 2015 by 12:00

noon

Deadline for you to accept or decline the offer on FPAS.

28 Jan 2015 at 9:00

AFP first cascade offers date. AUoAs send emails via FPAS. You
have two working days to accept or decline the offer.

30 Jan 2015 by 12.00

noon

Deadline for you to accept or decline the offer on FPAS.

4 Feb 2015 at 9:00

AFP second cascade offers date. AUoAs send emails via FPAS.
You have two working days to accept or decline the offer.

6 Feb 2015 by 12:00

Deadline for you to accept or decline the offer on FPAS.

11 Feb 2015 at 9:00

AFP third cascade offers date. AUoAs send emails via FPAS. You
have two working days to accept or decline the offer.

13 Feb 2015 by 12:00

Deadline for you to accept or decline the offer on FPAS.

16 18 Feb 2015

Final offers. If at the end of the cascade process an AUoA has any
unfilled places they may approach you directly, via email or
telephone, with an offer. You will have a very limited amount of time
to accept or decline the offer.

All times are GMT

! IMPORTANT: It is important to familiarise yourself with the AFP offer dates and
deadlines for accepting or declining offers. MAKE A NOTE OF THE DATES IN
YOUR DIARY.
At exactly midday GMT on each deadline date the system will prevent you from
accepting or declining an offer. If you have not responded by the deadline, it will
be assumed that you have declined the offer.
Do not miss your opportunity to undertake an Academic Foundation Programme
because you were too late to accept the offer!

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If you accept an AFP offer at any stage during the offers process, you will automatically be
excluded from the FP allocation.
If you do not receive an AFP offer or decline the offer(s) you receive, you will automatically be
included in the FP allocation.

Case study: How AFP offers work

Sinead dreams of pursuing an academic medical career in Wales but decides to apply to two
AUoAs: Wales and South West. She does well in short-listing and is invited to attend an
interview by both AUoAs. Following the interviews, she is placed on the reserve list by Wales
and offered a place by South West on 21 January. She now has until 23 January to make a
decision.
She is perfectly at liberty to decline South Wests offer and hope that enough applicants with
higher AFP scores in Wales drop out following the initial offers process in order for her to be
offered a place during the cascade process. But she must remember that if this doesnt
happen, she will be left with no AFP offers because if she declines the South West offer she
will not receive another offer from South West. She would then be included in the FP
allocation.
Sinead decides to decline the South West offer and, luckily for her, receives an offer from
Wales during the cascade process. She accepts Wales offer within two working days and is,
therefore, excluded from the FP allocation.

For more information about AFPs and the opportunities available in academic medicine after
your foundation years, download the Rough Guide to the Academic Foundation Programme
and Compendium of Academic Competences or look at the relevant AUoAs website.

- 29 -

Processing FP applications
If you have not accepted an AFP offer, your FP application will automatically be processed.
Your FP application will be given a total score comprising your EPM score plus your SJT
score. Your total application score will be used to allocate you to a UoA.
If there are more eligible applicants than places, the n top scoring applicants will automatically
be placed on the primary list, where n is the total number of FP vacancies available across
the UK. If there are a number of applicants with the same score at the bottom cut-off point,
they will be randomly allocated with some being placed on the primary list and others on the
reserve list.

Primary list allocation

Applicants on the primary list will be allocated to UoAs in order of their total score (EPM +
SJT), starting with the highest scoring applicant. When it is your turn to be allocated, you will
be allocated to your highest preference UoA where a place is available. If your first choice is
not available, the system will look at your second choice, and so on down your list of
preferences until it finds your highest preference which still has a space available. Where
applicants have the same score, the system will randomly select the order for allocation of
applicants with that score.

Case study: How allocation to UoA works

Conrads top five UoA preferences were: Wales, Severn, Peninsula, Wessex and Mersey. He
scored a total of 70 (EPM+SJT) out of a possible maximum of 100. This placed him 4000th in
the score list, as 3999 other applicants had higher scores than him.
When it was Conrads turn to be allocated, all the vacancies in Wales, Severn and Peninsula
UoAs had been filled with higher scoring applicants. A vacancy was still available in Wessex
and so Conrad was allocated to Wessex as this was his highest preference that still had an
available place. If Conrads score had been higher, he would have been more likely to have
been allocated to a UoA that was higher on his list of preferences.

If you are on the primary list, you will be allocated to a UoA on 5 March 2015. You will receive
an email to let you know when your allocated UoA and your total application score (EPM +
SJT) are available to view on FPAS.
If you have not already completed the online survey, you will be required to complete it before
you can access your allocation results. The survey will be available from 30 January 2015
February 2014 and can be accessed from the right-hand menu on FPAS.
! IMPORTANT: If you do not complete the online survey you wont be able to see
what next steps are required of you. It is important that you complete the survey at
the earliest possible opportunity to ensure you meet subsequent deadlines.

Reserve list batch allocations

Applicants on the reserve list will be allocated in batches on predetermined dates. The number
allocated on each date will depend on the number of vacancies that have arisen since the last
allocation.

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You will be notified if you are on the reserve list by email on 5 March 2015. The e-mail will tell
you how many applicants are on the reserve list and will illustrate the range of scores. You will
also be reminded of the dates for the reserve list batch allocations.
After each reserve list batch allocation, applicants will be contacted by email to confirm
whether or not they have been allocated to a UoA. Those who have not been allocated will be
given updated information regarding the number of applicants remaining on the reserve list
and the range of scores. They will also be given the name of the pastoral contact at their
medical school that they can approach for support and advice.

Matching to a foundation programme

As this part of the process is managed locally by each UoA, it is very important to check the
website of your allocated UoA to see what process they use for matching you to a particular
programme.
Each UoA will decide if it wishes to add a locally determined score to your total application
score for the purposes of matching to programmes. Information regarding the scores used for
the local matching process should be available on each UoAs website.

Two-stage match
UoAs that have a large number of programmes available may decide to cluster programmes
together into groups. If a UoA decides to use programme groups, the process to match you to
a particular foundation programme is in two stages.
Stage 1: Match to a programme group
Stage 2: Match to a particular programme
If your allocated UoA is using programme groups, you will first be required to rank the
programme groups in order of preference. The UoA will then match you to a programme group
based on your score and your group preferences.
Once you have been matched to a programme group, you will be invited to rank the
programmes within that group in order of preference. The UoA will then match to you to a
particular programme, again using your score and your preferences.

One-stage match
If your allocated UoA is not using programme groups you will be invited to rank the
programmes in order of preference without having to first rank programme groups. The UoA
will then match you to a particular programme based on your score and your stated
preferences.
Whether UoAs are using a two-stage or one-stage matching process, it must be completed by
8 April 2015 when you will be notified via FPAS which programme you have been matched to.
Some UoAs may let you know before this date.
! IMPORTANT: Failure to submit your group/programme preferences by the
deadline will result in you being randomly matched to a group/programme. Late
preferences cannot be submitted under any circumstances so ensure you give
yourself sufficient time to complete this stage.

Allocation to programmes
It is important to note that after being matched to an individual programme, placements within
that programme may change as a result of service redesign, working time directive regulations
or national directives.

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! IMPORTANT: Successful applicants will be allocated to one unit of

application (UoA) only, and then matched to one programme only. Declining
your allocated UoA or matched programme will mean you are withdrawing
from the application process. There is no system for swaps between UoAs
or individual foundation schools. If you are not allocated to your first
choice, you cannot begin working in your allocated foundation programme
whilst re-applying for the following year.
If you withdraw from the process, you will be unable to apply to the twoyear Foundation Programme until the following year. Vacancies that arise
after the end of the national application process are normally service posts,
for which doctors must have full GMC registration.

Appeals
Appeals against the national elements of the process will be dealt with centrally by the
UKFPO. This includes appeals relating to:
Your verified EPM/educational achievements outcome
Prejudice, bias or inappropriate diligence in handling your application(s)
Faults or unavailability of the UKFPOs application website (FPAS) which you
believe disadvantaged your application.
Information regarding the national appeals processes will be published on the UKFPO website
throughout the year.
Appeals against locally managed elements of the application process will be dealt with by the
relevant organisation.
Foundation schools will manage, in accordance with local policies, appeals relating to:
The process of matching you to a group and/or programme.
Medical schools will manage, in accordance with local policies, appeals relating to:
Approval of reasonable adjustments
Awarding of EPM decile points
Approval of extenuating circumstances.
The Lead Invigilator for each SJT venue is expected to manage issues as they occur, for all
applicants equally and at the same time. Appeals relating to sitting the SJT locally cannot be
directed through the national appeals process.
Applicants are not permitted to appeal against their SJT score.

- 32 -

Before you start work as a foundation doctor

Pre-employment checks
Pre-employment checks include Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, occupational
health checks and may, in some cases, include an interview. You must ensure that both of
your references are provided, as your employer cannot offer you a contract of employment
without them.

Your employment contract

Your formal offer of employment will be made by your employing healthcare organisation
(hospital, trust or health board). They will offer you a contract only after they have successfully
completed pre-employment checks, you have qualified from medical school and you have
attained provisional registration with a licence to practise with the GMC in the UK. The preemployment checks include DBS checks, references and occupational health checks. Please
note, these checks are unrelated to the information provided in the Transfer of Information
forms (see below), and questions may be duplicated.
Your employing organisation is responsible for all contractual issues such as pay, banding,
rotas and accommodation, and they will also confirm your start date, and shadowing and
induction arrangements.

Starting your job

As a newly appointed foundation doctor, the health service in the UK requires you to undertake
a period of shadowing/induction prior to the start of the Foundation Programme to shadow the
F1 doctor you will be taking over from. This period will also include an induction into the NHS
and your particular place of work. Your allocated UoA or employer will provide details of the
shadowing/ induction period and when you need to make yourself available.This is likely to be
the week(s) preceding your start date.
Please note that you will need to arrange registration with the GMC to cover the shadowing/
induction period.

! IMPORTANT: If anything should happen which would prevent you taking up

your post on the expected date (such as illness or finals failure), it is vital
that you let your foundation school know as soon as possible to allow them
to fill the vacancy.

Transfer of Information
Tomorrows Doctors, Paragraph 121, places an obligation on UK medical schools to ensure
you meet the outcomes required and to transfer information to those who may need it during
your foundation training:
. . . medical schools should also make arrangements so that graduates areas of relative
weakness are fed into their Foundation Programme portfolios so they can be reviewed by the
educational supervisor. This information should draw on assessments in relation to the
outcomes and including graduating transcripts.
In applying for the Foundation Programme, applicants accept that such a transfer of
information will take place.
Your UK medical school or the Eligibility Office will give you more details about the Transfer of
Information (TOI) process. The national process and forms can be found on the UKFPO
website under Transfer of Information Process.

- 33 -

Appendix 1 - Letter to confirm additional degree with no

degree certificate
If you are claiming points for an additional degree in the Educational Achievements section of
the application form but do not have a copy of your degree certificate for any reason, you must
provide a degree confirmation letter for the points to be awarded. The degree confirmation
letter is particularly relevant in circumstances where the degree has not yet been conferred at
a degree ceremony. For the degree confirmation letter to be accepted, the relevant
examination board must have ratified that you have successfully completed your degree
course by the application closing date (17 October 2014).
The degree confirmation letter must be printed on University headed paper, include the official
stamp of the University and be signed by the Dean or authorised official in the Registrars
office.

**You must include ALL the information in the letter below or it will not be accepted as
evidence of your degree**

To be written on university headed paper

Date of letter*

Dear <<insert name of applicant>>

This letter confirms that following the recent examination ratification board meeting attended by
external examiners, your degree has been awarded. As you have not yet graduated, please
find below the details as required for your FPAS application.
Name of student: <<insert name of applicant>>
Course title and degree: <<insert name of course and degree level>>
Degree classification/pass level: <<insert classification of degree if relevant>>
Date of qualification: <<insert meeting date of examination ratification board>>

Yours sincerely
(Signature and name of dean or authorised official in the Registrars office)

Official stamp of the university

* Date letter is issued

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Appendix 2 - Reasons for dismissal from the SJT

(and subsequent withdrawal from the FP application
process)
Exam conditions will apply at all times during the SJT. If you fail to comply with standard
assessment procedures you will, after receiving a warning from the invigilator, be dismissed
from the test venue and have your application withdrawn from the national application process,
for any of the following:

Giving or receiving help from another applicant during an assessment

Using notes, books, any unauthorised notations or other aids

Possession or use of photographic, recording or transmission devices

Writing on any material other than that provided

Removal of assessment materials or notations of any kind from the assessment room
or making and removing copies of any part of such papers, answer sheets or
assessment materials

Refusal to comply with time allotments or assessment administration procedures

Disruption of the assessment for other applicants

Reproduction or disclosure of assessment content in any manner (including

unauthorised notations, engaging in discussion of assessment content with anyone
other than assessment personnel during or after an assessment)

Providing and/or disseminating information about the assessment content with a view
to assisting current or prospective applicants, whether before or after the assessment

Failure to follow an invigilators instruction.

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Appendix 3: How are the EPM and the SJT equally weighted
when the scales are different?
An applicant can score anywhere between 34 and 50 points for the EPM and anywhere
between 0.00 and 50.00 points for the SJT. The scores from each of these measures are
combined to provide a total score and this is what determines the applicants ranking. It is the
distribution of scores across this scale which affects the weighting of the two
measures, not the scale itself. In fact, the two measures could be on completely different
scales and still exert an equal weighing, providing the scores were similarly distributed across
the scales.

The transformation of the SJT raw scores on to the 0.00-50.00 scale takes into account the
distribution of the EPM scores from that year to ensure that each measure exerts an equal
weighting on the total score for the majority of applicants. The graphs below show the
distribution of scores for both the EPM and the SJT for FP 2014.

Figure 1: Distribution of EPM and SJT scores from FP 2014

EPM points

SJT points

Figure 1 demonstrates that whilst the minimum score on the EPM is 34 and the minimum
score on the SJT is 0.00, only a very small proportion (approximately 10%) of applicants
received a score below 34 on the SJT. This means that for the vast majority of applicants the
EPM and SJT each exert an equal weight on the total score. In other words, a high score on
the EPM is just as likely to result in a high rank position as a high score on the SJT.
However, because it is possible to receive an extremely low score on the SJT which it is not
possible to receive on the EPM, those that receive the lowest scores on the SJT are more
likely to get a lower rank position than those who receive the lowest EPM score.
More information about the design and development of the EPM and SJT for selection to the
Foundation Programme, including pilot results, is available on the Improving Selection to the
Foundation Programme (ISFP) project website (archived).

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