Histopathology ST1 scores your application out of 71 marks across ten self-assessed domains, from the published self-assessment scoring guidance for 2026 entry. Two rules do the most damage: only the first item of evidence uploaded per domain is assessed, and each achievement can be used in one domain only. The self-assessment cannot be amended after submission, and assessors mark scores down where the evidence does not support the claim.
What the sections are
- Additional undergraduate degrees — 3 marks. Full marks looks like: "1st class honours degree gained before medicine."
- Postgraduate degrees and qualifications — 4 marks. Full marks looks like: "PhD/DPhil, or MD by 2-year research programme, or MPhil."
- Presentations and posters — 8 marks. Full marks looks like: "Histopathology oral at national/international meeting, or multiple histopathology posters at national/international meetings."
- Publications — 5 marks. Full marks looks like: "First or joint-first author of 2 or more original research papers, PubMed-cited."
- Teaching experience — 10 marks. Full marks looks like: "Worked with local tutors to design and organise a teaching programme, regular contribution over 3+ months with formal feedback."
- Training in teaching — 5 marks. Full marks looks like: "Masters-level teaching qualification."
- Quality improvement — 10 marks. Full marks looks like: "Leading role in sustainable change (multiple PDSA cycles), with presentation."
- Leadership and management — 8 marks. Full marks looks like: "National leadership or management role, in healthcare or non-medical voluntary work."
- Commitment to histopathology — 10 marks. Full marks looks like: "Foundation programme or extended period of training in histopathology, or experience exceeding 2 days (e.g. taster week)."
- Histopathology-related activities — 8 marks. Full marks looks like: "Research project in histopathology, or histopathology presentation/poster at a national or regional meeting."
What costs people marks
- Only the first item of evidence uploaded per domain is assessed — pick your single strongest item for each domain.
- Each achievement can be used in one domain only, so plan where each project or presentation scores most before you claim it.
- The self-assessment cannot be amended after submission, and assessors mark scores down where the evidence does not support the claim.
- All presentations must have been invited, and leadership roles need 6 or more months in post with evidence of positive impact.
Check the official document
This page is a plain-English summary of the framework as Docrr models it — it is not the framework itself. Before you rely on any number here, check the official source: NHSE histopathology ST1 self-assessment scoring guidance.
Scoring frameworks change annually, sometimes substantially, and the version that matters is the one attached to the round you are applying in. Last checked against the source on 2026-08-17.