We all have been there, panicking whether we are going to make it with CREST form for 2025 MSRA exam. Questions such as who can sign it, how to fill it or how to upload it on Oriel are very uncommon. I will also link the latest CREST form 2025 for download in PDF form in this blog so you don’t have to worry finding it.
Basics first: The MSRA (Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment) is a crucial step for doctors aspiring to enter various specialty training programs in the UK.
Among the many requirements for MSRA and subsequent training applications, the CREST (Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialty Training) form often causes confusion for international medical graduates (IMGs) and UK-trained doctors alike. This post will help you navigate the CREST form—what it is, who needs it, and how to complete it.
Do Check out our FAQs section at the bottom to resolve common issues if you your form is rejected.
What is the CREST Form?
It is a document that certifies you possess the competencies equivalent to a UK Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctor. Essentially, it is proof that you are ready to enter specialty training in the UK.
The form is used to ensure that all applicants have met a standard baseline of clinical competencies and professional skills before progressing further in their medical careers.
If you are still not in the NHS, you may try out our blog on CPD courses that can help you enhance your CV.
Who Needs the CREST Form?
You need this form if you:
- Have not completed a UK Foundation Programme.
- Are an IMG or have gained medical experience outside the UK.
- Have worked in non-training posts in the UK and want to enter specialty training.
You do not need the CREST form if you have completed a UK Foundation Programme or are applying for a training pathway that doesn’t require it (e.g., some GP training programs may waive this requirement if competencies are demonstrated through other means).
Requirements to Complete the CREST Form
To fill out the form, you need a supervising consultant who:
- Has directly observed your work for 3 months wholly within 3½ years prior to the advertised post start date for which you are applying
- Can confirm you’ve demonstrated all the competencies listed in the form.
- Is registered with the GMC (General Medical Council) with a licence to practice.
Where Consultant means: General Practitioners, Clinical Directors, Medical Superintendents, Academic Professors, and locum Consultants with a CCT/CESR and who are on the specialist register.
You must:
- Work in a clinical role where you can demonstrate FY1-level competencies.
- Provide evidence of your work, such as logbooks, feedback, and assessments.
For 2025, note what HEE has to say: The 2024 CREST form was updated in September 2024 to include an applicant checklist. Either version of the 2024 CREST form (last updated 2023 or 2024) will be accepted for 2025 recruitment rounds.
Signature: Digitally or Physically signed?
Ideally, Physical signatures win the game. But if you need the digital ones, then you must:
- Valid registration certificate of the Consultant signing it
- Letter from the Hospital stating the consultant signing is employed on consultant grade
Detailed Guide With Images
In total, there are 6 pages. Usually, you only have to upload the first 4 but it is recommended to upload all 6.
The last one is a checklist which you do not need to upload.
The 5th one stating: List of people whose evidence I have used in signing this certificate- You only fill this if you have asked other than the consultant to fill some remaining parts for evidence.
The form includes the following key areas:
- Professionalism and Governance
Demonstrate good clinical judgment, patient safety awareness, and effective communication. - Practical Procedures
Show proficiency in performing essential procedures, such as venepuncture, cannulation, and catheterization. - Clinical Care
Confirm your ability to assess, diagnose, and manage patients effectively. - Teamwork and Leadership
Provide evidence of working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and leading when necessary. - Time Management and Prioritization
Showcase your ability to manage workloads and prioritize tasks efficiently.
Cutting off the slack, I will put the images and explain thourougly how to fill the CREST form correctly:
Page 1
This is merely the instructions page and you do not have to fill it anyways. Read carefully and upload this page as well.
Page 2
Unfilled Version Page 2
Filled Version Page 2
The conflict I face while filling the CREST form 2024 was what to put in the post end date? Well, I put till date. You can also write your contract end date. Either way, it worked.
Page 3
Unfilled Version Page 3
Filled Version Page 3
It is identical to page 2 to be honest. However, key point to note is that if for some reasons: on page 2 and 3, you are unable to tick mark any competency as ‘Personally witnessed’, and have to pick ‘Evidence received’.
In that case, you are moving to page 5 of the CREST form.
Page 4
Unfilled Version Page 4
This page of the CREST form is one of the crucial ones where mistakes are frequently common.
A fairly common error is not getting the hospital stamp at the bottom of the page.
Like it says, if you are unable to get it stamped, you can provide a copy of hospital letterhead confirming the same from your hospital.
Filled Version Page 4
Page 5
Personally, I did not have to fill this page as my consultant signed off all the competencies which is usually the case with most.
However, if you are stuck and need to get this signed, then you need to get these countersigned on this page by different colleague, who can be another consultant or if trainee, then a minimum ST5.
Page 6
This is merely a checklist and does not need to be uploaded. This is for your own sake to see if there is anything missing from the CREST form and make any corrections if needed.
Download CREST Form Latest Version
If you have got the previous version signed, they are acceptable too sometimes, given the HEE has mentioned the same.
You can find this information as well as the link to latest CREST form in PDF version by clicking the below link:
Do not download from anywhere else other than the HEE website I have linked above.
Common Challenges and Tips
- Challenge: Supervisors unfamiliar with the CREST form.
Tip: Explain the purpose of the form and provide guidance from the official documentation. - Challenge: Gaps in competencies.
Tip: Proactively seek opportunities to fill these gaps during your clinical work. - Challenge: Time constraints with supervisors.
Tip: Schedule meetings early and ensure you’ve prepared all necessary evidence beforehand.
FAQs
Do I need to upload all 6 pages?
Yes, it is recommended to upload all 6 pages. However, if you upload the first 4, given you do not need page 5, then you are good as well.
Where do I check whether my CREST form is approved or not?
No, a single signed CREST form is valid across different specialty applications if competencies remain relevant. It is typically approved before the invitations are sent, so relax and keep an eye on this tab.
My CREST form was rejected as consultant is not on specialist register?
This is one of the key requirements for consultant signing the CREST form. In such a case, you will have to seek another consultant for signature.
I am getting it signed from an IMG consultant as I do not work in the NHS yet.
In such a case, you will have to attach two additional files:
- Valid registration certificate of the consultant.
- Letter from the hospital stating that the consultant is employed with them at consultant grade.
What evidence should I provide to support my CREST form?
Evidence can include logbooks, patient case records, assessments, and feedback.
Do I need a new CREST form for every specialty application?
No, a single signed CREST form is valid across different specialty applications if competencies remain relevant.
How long do I need to work with a supervisor before they can sign the form?
Typically, you need to work with your supervisor for at least three months.
I made an error while filling out the form, what to do now?
Mail and seek advice. Most likely, it will be rejected and you will be asked to submit it again and you can rectify the error in that case.
I am unable to get the hospital stamp?
You will have to provide a copy of hospital letterhead confirming the same from your hospital and attach it with the form as an evidence.
Have additional questions?
We’re here to help. Let’s talk.
