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Self-Assessment Evidence Pack 2026: The Template That Works Across Specialties

Build one evidence system that maps to Oriel self-assessment domains (QI, teaching, leadership, research) and survives verification.

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IMG pathwayThis guide is updated for 2026 regulations (UK/US/Aus/Can). Always verify with official bodies.

Key points

  • Self-assessment scoring is driven by what you claim—and what you can evidence. Every claim must be supported by verifiable documentation.
  • Your goal is a portable “evidence pack” that maps to common domains (QI/audit, teaching, leadership, research/publications, prizes, degrees).
  • Upload the minimum evidence required to verify your score—extra files increase assessor workload and can backfire.

The most common failure mode

People do the work but cannot evidence it: no signed letters, no dates, no role description, no proof of impact. Evidence is not “nice to have”—it is the currency of self-assessment.

A universal rule across specialties

While scoring matrices differ by specialty, the evidence logic is consistent: select the statement that matches your achievement, then provide documentation that an assessor can verify quickly. Some specialties explicitly advise that you should upload the minimum evidence required for the score you claim.

Build your evidence pack (the “one binder” system)

1

1) Create domain folders that match how applications are scored

Use stable domains: QI/Audit, Teaching, Leadership & Management, Research & Publications, Prizes/Awards, Degrees & Courses, Presentations, Commitment to Specialty (where applicable).
2

2) For each claim, collect “proof + verification”

Proof shows the activity happened; verification shows your role and dates. The best evidence is signed, dated, and on letterhead or from an official system.
3

3) Convert everything into assessor-friendly PDFs

One claim = one PDF. Use a cover page that states: what you’re claiming, which scoring statement it supports, your role, dates, and the verifying contact (if appropriate).
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4) Keep it minimal

If a specialty says “upload minimum evidence,” follow it. Avoid “portfolio dumping.”
5

5) Rehearse verification: can someone else understand it in explainable minutes?

Give your pack to a colleague and ask them: “What is the claim? What is the evidence? Where is the date? Who confirms it?” If they struggle, revise.

Evidence templates that consistently verify well

  • Signed letter confirming role + dates + responsibilities (teaching/leadership).
  • Certificate + course syllabus/agenda (courses; where scoring requires content).
  • Audit/QI: project summary + your role + supervisor sign-off + measurable change (where available).
  • Presentations: programme page + your name + title + date (or certificate).
  • Publications: PubMed/DOI page or acceptance letter (as required by specialty guidance).
  • Prizes: award letter/certificate + context (local/regional/national).

Use official scoring guidance (don’t guess)

Different specialties have different domains, thresholds, and definitions. Use the official self-assessment/scoring guidance for your target specialty and map your evidence accordingly. IMT, CST, Radiology and others publish explicit guidance on scoring/evidence expectations.

Official Sources

Medical Hub — 2026 self-assessment guidance (example: Clinical Radiology ST3)
IMT Recruitment — Application scoring
IMT Recruitment — Evidence documents
Medical Hub — CST Portfolio guidance
Medical Hub — Evidence principle (psychiatry example)
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  • Use stable domains: QI/Audit, Teaching, Leadership & Management, Research & Publications, Prizes/Awards, Degrees & Courses, Presentations, Commitment to Specialty (where applicable).

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  • Proof shows the activity happened; verification shows your role and dates. The best evidence is signed, dated, and on letterhead or from an official system.

    Return to this section
  • One claim = one PDF. Use a cover page that states: what you’re claiming, which scoring statement it supports, your role, dates, and the verifying contact (if appropriate).

    Return to this section
  • If a specialty says “upload minimum evidence,” follow it. Avoid “portfolio dumping.”

    Return to this section
  • Give your pack to a colleague and ask them: “What is the claim? What is the evidence? Where is the date? Who confirms it?” If they struggle, revise.

    Return to this section
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United Kingdom · Applications · Article 9 of 11