Core Surgical Training Interview Website
Our revision website is designed to comprehensively equip you for the CST interview. Dive into a wealth of resources and discover the Largest Collection of Core Surgical Training Interview Questions. Whether you're aiming to enhance your knowledge or sharpen your interview skills, our platform offers the essential tools to succeed.
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CST Revision
Core Surgical Interview Website
CST Revision adopts an innovative approach for CST interview preparation. With utilisation of a subspeciality based approach covering relevant clinical stations including the most commonly asked interview questions. Alongside preparation for both sections of the management station. and a comprehensive CST interview guide to navigate you through the process.
The aim of this is to consolidate knowledge as readers tackle each of the different stations in one area. This website will teach you how to apply a systematic approach to clinical stations and a reproducible framework that can be applied to commonly asked questions. Each topic has a structured question and answer format throughout to enable candidates to assess their CST interview knowledge.
About
CST Interview Application
Core Surgical Training (CST) is one of the most competitive surgical training programmes in the UK, with competition ratios increasing significantly over recent years. In 2019, the competition ratio was just 2.93 applicants per post, rising to a record 8.57 in 2025 and remaining high at 6.91 in 2026. With thousands of applicants competing for a limited number of training posts each year, the pressure to perform well in the CST interview has never been greater.
The aim of the CST interview is to assess whether candidates possess the clinical knowledge, professional skills and competencies required to work safely as a day-one CT1. Key attributes assessed include clinical decision-making, management of common surgical emergencies, communication, leadership and prioritisation.
For 2027, the interview consists of two 15-minute stations: a Clinical and Management station and a Portfolio station, each contributing 45% towards the final selection score, with the remaining 10% determined by the MSRA examination. Candidates will also have their surgical portfolio assessed against the updated 2027 scoring criteria.
Securing a Core Surgical Training post requires thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the interview structure and scoring criteria. We recommend approaching the CST interview as you would a major postgraduate examination, with structured revision beginning 3–6 months in advance. Regular practice of clinical and management scenarios, alongside mock interviews with other candidates, is essential for developing the knowledge, confidence and communication skills required to perform well.
CST Revision provides a comprehensive, structured approach to preparing for the Core Surgical Training interview, with clinical and management question banks, interview guidance and revision resources designed to help you maximise your performance and secure a CST training post.
About
Interview Structure
Selection
For 2027, the Core Surgical Training (CST) recruitment process continues to use the Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) to shortlist candidates for interview. The MSRA contributes 10% towards the final selection score, with the 2027 recruitment cycle also introducing prioritisation status during shortlisting. Interviews are scheduled for 1–10 March 2027 and will be conducted remotely via the Qpercom video platform. Candidates invited to interview must upload their portfolio evidence and self-assessment index, with achievements assessed using the A–E scoring criteria.
Structure of the Interview
The CST interview consists of a 30-minute online interview divided into two 15-minute stations. The Clinical and Management station comprises one five-minute management scenario and two five-minute clinical scenarios. The Portfolio station includes a three-minute prepared presentation, two minutes of presentation questions and two five-minute portfolio questions. These questions focus on the Patients, Partnership and Communication and Colleagues, Culture and Safety domains. Candidates may complete the stations in either order, with interviewers assessing their clinical knowledge, communication, professionalism and suitability for surgical training.
Scoring System
The final CST selection score for 2027 is calculated as follows:
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45% – Clinical and Management Station
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45% – Portfolio Station
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10% – MSRA Examination
Portfolio evidence is assessed against three updated domains aligned with the GMC’s Good Medical Practice framework. Candidates are awarded scores based on their submitted evidence and performance during the portfolio interview.
Preparation
Thorough preparation is essential to performing well in the CST interview. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the updated interview structure, practise common clinical and management scenarios, and prepare to discuss their portfolio achievements, personal contributions and reflections. Regular mock interviews and structured revision will help develop the confidence, communication and clinical decision-making skills required.
Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Qpercom platform, test their microphone and camera in advance, and ensure they have valid photographic identification available. Interviews should be conducted in a quiet, private environment, free from interruptions.