The curriculum identifies the tools that will be used to assess competence and monitor progress. Cardiothoracic training is competence based rather than, as in the past, determined solely by the number of years in training or by the numbers of procedures performed. The competence levels are defined for each key stage and the programme is described in terms of initial, intermediate I and II, and final phases. Upon successful completion of the programme the Cardiothoracic Trainee will be able to demonstrate competence in all aspects of the management (including operative management) of a number of key topics.

Trainees will need to register with ISCP to gain access to the portfolio system. This will allow trainees to begin recording information about training, including a Learning Agreement and Workplace Based Assessments. Your web-based portfolio will be used as the basis of your Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) which assesses your suitability for progression. Lack of adequate evidence in the web-based portfolio may impact on this progression. You will also be required to register gain access to the eLogbook.  This is the surgical trainee’s record of all operative procedures performed on patients and it allows the trainee to build a complete record of their operative experience. Maintenance of an up to date logbook is a mandatory requirement of the curriculum and consolidated reports of the trainee’s logbook will be automatically linked to the trainee’s ISCP portfolio to support appraisal, assessment and audit.

THe JCST have provided Certification guidelines that should be consulted to ensure that all requirements have been met for completing training.