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UK PACES Prioritisation criteria for 2025/1 assessment period

There will be four broad prioritisation categories for allocating candidates living and working in the UK to available PACES places.

All candidates, irrespective of their prioritisation category are encouraged to apply.

Category 1

  • In IMY3/ACCS CT3/ST3 (with a National Training Number (NTN)).
  • 2024/3 candidates in UK centres that were cancelled (irrespective of whether they hold an NTN).

Category 2a

  • In IMY2/ACCS CT2 with an NTN and a pass in Part 2 Written at time of application.
  • Completed CMT/IMT at any time with a pass in Part 2 Written at time of application (irrespective of whether they hold an NTN).
  • Those who are not in a recognised UK training post, with a Pass in Part 2 Written at time of application but who are intending to apply for Higher Specialty Training in 2025 with a valid Alternative Certificate* (irrespective of whether they hold an NTN). Please note that candidates will be required to provide evidence of their alternative certificate before they are allocated a place in the examination.**

Category 2b

  • In IMY2/ACCS CT2 with an NTN but without a pass in Part 2 Written at time of application.
  • Completed CMT/IMT at any time without a pass in Part 2 Written at time of application (irrespective of whether they hold an NTN).
  • Those who are not in a recognised UK training post, without a Pass in Part 2 Written at time of application, but who are intending to apply for Higher Specialty Training in 2025 with a valid Alternative Certificate* (irrespective of whether they hold an NTN).  Please note that candidates will be required to provide evidence of their alternative certificate before they are allocated a place in the examination.

Category 3

  • In IMY1/ACCS CT1 with an NTN

Category 4a

  • Other UK applicants who have previously applied but not been offered a UK PACES place (irrespective of whether they hold an NTN).

Category 4b

  • All other UK applicants

 

Notes

It is intended that candidates applying for Higher Specialty Training who fall in Categories 1 and 2a/2b will be automatically allocated an examination place prior to 25 March 2025 to ensure receipt of results by 15 April 2025. This is subject to your application for an examination place being accepted.

*See the NHS Physician Higher Specialty Training Recruitment website for full details of the requirements for the alternative certificate.

**If applying to sit the PACES examination with a valid Alternative Certificate, the form (2024 or 2025 version) will be required to be submitted to your college of entry by 5pm on Friday 29 November 2024. This is subject to your application for an examination place being accepted.