Whether your specialty is coupled or uncoupled will influence whether you have to go through a competitive process to apply for ST3 or beyond.
Throughout the specialty training programme you will also need to demonstrate you are making appropriate progress at assessments to continue with specialty training.
There will be an Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) that will need to be met in order to progress through training and ultimately to the award of Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
Some specialty trainees do find that for a number of reasons they may have chosen the wrong specialty or they are not progressing in the specialty as they hoped. The two case-studies on the medical careers website should demonstrate that it is possible to switch specialties during your training, if you are unhappy with your initial choice. If you are in this situation it is very important to go through a comprehensive career planning process, such as the four-stage framework in the Road to Success book and the Health Careers Website. You might also want to discuss your alternatives and careers guidance may help. Contact the HEE NW Careers Team via your trusts to arrange an interview.
Useful Resources