RCPI Faculty of Pathology · HST Clinical Microbiology
Clinical Microbiology HST in Ireland
Five years of clinical and laboratory infection training, including diagnostics, infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance.
How the length works
Five-year HST after the two-year GIM BST route. Other approved entry backgrounds can have different prior training lengths.
Duration: 5 years of HST after the required basic training.
Applications: July 2027 intake: applications opened 1 October 2026 at noon and close 29 October 2026 at 5pm, Irish time. In-person interview: 9 February 2027.
Entry: BST in General Internal Medicine and MRCPI; alternative training requires RCPI approval under the current equivalence rules. Evidence of Medical Council registration eligibility, English-language competency and permission to work in Ireland is required at application.
Exams: FRCPath Medical Microbiology Parts I and II and the HIS/UKHSA Foundation Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control by the end of HST.
Required pass. Medical Microbiology Parts I and II; confirm the Irish training requirements before choosing an alternative Part I route.
Clinical microbiologists combine laboratory diagnosis with advice on preventing and treating infection. Training covers bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, together with infection prevention and control, antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance and laboratory leadership.
Entry
The usual route is BST in General Internal Medicine and MRCPI. An alternative background requires RCPI approval and the appropriate evidence of equivalence; it should not be treated as automatic eligibility. Check the current HST eligibility rules, including registration, language and permission to work.
The five-year programme
This is a national scheme with clinical and laboratory rotations. The first two years are spent in clinical training posts in Ireland. Virology experience is required; research or other out-of-clinical-programme experience needs advance approval, and any training credit is subject to RCPI's rules.
For July 2027, applications close at 5pm on 29 October 2026, with interviews listed for 9 February 2027. Download the Clinical Microbiology Structured CV, assemble evidence against the published criteria and apply through the portal in RCPI's entry guidance. Read the current examination and equivalence instructions before submitting.
Qualification deadline for 2027 entry
RCPI’s 2027 application FAQ gives 31 December 2026 for the relevant MRCPI Clinical examination, while its entry guidance says before interview. Confirm the applicable deadline with RCPI for your specialty and entry route.
Clinical work
Clinical microbiology combines laboratory diagnosis with advice on treating and preventing infection. Work includes interpreting results, antimicrobial stewardship, infection-control activity and clinical liaison. It requires both laboratory judgement and communication with the teams caring for patients.
How selection is scored
Shortlisting – July 2027max 20
Professional qualifications and education2.5
Publication and audit6
Clinical practice6
Leadership and management3
Teaching2.5
Interview – July 2027max 100
Education, CV and experience25
Leadership and management10
Suitability and specialty knowledge30
Research, audit and publications15
Communication and teamwork20
Where you train
RCPI-approved training posts nationally; required virology experience through a specialist centre or an appropriate clinical microbiology service.
Where this leads
Satisfactory completion of the programme and its assessments leads to CSCST and eligibility to apply for specialist registration. Registration and appointment to a consultant post are separate processes.
Entry and selection guidance checked 26 October 2026.
Facts last verified 2026-10-25. Content updated 2026-10-26.
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