Use the new domains
The 2027 CST portfolio guidance groups evidence around Knowledge and Skills; Patient, Partnership and Communication; and Safety and Culture. Trust and Professionalism is assessed through the interview process. This differs from older scoring frameworks, so do not build your submission around a previous year’s points table.
Choose strong, verifiable examples
The official guidance asks candidates to submit their highest-scoring eligible achievement for each domain with the mandatory supporting documents. It emphasises personal contribution, impact and, where possible, continuing benefit. Read the rules for combining documents and using an achievement in one domain.
- Identify what you personally did and who can verify it.
- Explain the problem, your contribution and the outcome.
- Use dated evidence and the required signatures.
- Describe limitations honestly instead of overstating impact.
Prepare to discuss the evidence
Create a short explanation for each selected achievement. Explain why the work mattered, how you collaborated and what you would change next time. A neat PDF cannot replace understanding your own project. Ask a colleague to find the evidence for each claim; if it is hard to locate, improve the organisation before submission.
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE
Your next steps
Suggested preparation checklist
- Read the full 2027 domain descriptors.
- Select an eligible example for each domain.
- Check all mandatory supporting documentation.
- Practise explaining your role, impact and learning.
Official sources
Sources checked 26 October 2026. Follow the current guidance for your recruitment year and circumstances.
Independent educational guidance from Coursemia. Preparation suggestions are not official eligibility or ARCP requirements. Where guidance changes, the official provider’s current instructions take precedence.