10 Tips for Completing the CREST Form

Here are BDI Resourcing's 10 Tips for Completing Your CREST Form
Embarking on specialty training in the UK requires meticulous planning, especially when it comes to having your CREST form signed. Here are some pivotal strategies:
1. It will be harder to have your CREST form accepted if it is signed by an overseas Consultant so the best route is to start in a non-training FY2 level post (sometimes called a LAS post)
2. Seek out and meet with your Educational supervisor as soon as possible. Let them know that you are intending to complete the CREST form and work with them to come up with a timetable for completing all of the required competencies. Don’t wait for them to raise this with you - be proactive.
3. Everyone is entitled to use the Horus E-portfolio so login and familiarise yourself with it as soon as you start your post. If you’re unsure then the education or academic department will be able to help.
4. Avoid receiving any ‘unable to confirm’ checks by making yourself aware to your Consultants and letting them know which competencies you are working on.
5. Keep a record of all of your work. Whatever procedures and practices you learn, document them for future reference. If you’re aware of the competencies required then you can note them straight away.
6. Regularly Update Your Portfolio: Familiarize yourself with the CREST form and update your e-portfolio as you progress. Tackle it step-by-step to ensure accuracy.
7. Stay Organized: Create a dedicated space for essential documents, links, emails, and contact details. This will streamline your preparation process for the CREST form.
8. Allow yourself plenty of time. It will take a minimum of three months working under a Consultant but, in reality, could be up to a year. Have a timeline in for training application dates in mind and work towards it.
9. Take on your weakest areas earlier on - you’ll need to think about courses, audits, teaching, presentations and procedures so decide which will take most time and start on them early.
10. Non-UK Consultants can act as signatories however they’ll need to include registration documents, translated to English and you might not meet all of the other criteria for training yet anyway. Think carefully about whether it is better to wait until you have some UK experience.
Further Reading
If you’re unsure about taking on a service role in the first instance then you might want to read up on our guide to NHS Service Posts vs NHS Training Posts - www.bdiresourc...
Once you’ve decided on the best route for you, it’s time to think about your job options by reading our IMG Guide to Securing an NHS Job - www.bdiresourc...
And when you get your CREST form signed off you’ll be ready for our guide on How to Get NHS Training Posts for IMGs - www.bdiresourc...
BDI Resourcing - Supporting IMG Doctors
More than 1,500 doctors across the whole range of medical specialisms have trusted BDI Resourcing with their move to the NHS. Having only received 5-star reviews, you know that you’re in safe hands choosing us as your partner for relocation to the UK. If you’re thinking about your options or would like to know more about how we can help then register with us and our expert team will be in touch to guide you - www.bdiresourc...