Portfolio Station & Self-Assessment
CST Interview Guide
Portfolio Station
As part of your application, you'll complete a self-assessment questionnaire, evaluating your surgical experience, project involvement, and personal achievements. Your responses, along with supporting evidence will be evaluated in the Portfolio station (10 minutes), account for 30% of your overall interview score. It's essential to provide accurate information, as attempts to mislead could result in referral to a probity panel.
Following the self-assessment phase, the top 1,200 applicants with the highest scores in the Multiple Surgical Aptitude Test (MSRA) earn invitations to a virtual interview. With a shorter timeline this year, early preparation is key to maximising your chances of success.
Whether you're a foundation year doctor, medical student, or on a training break, thorough preparation is essential. Utilise resources such as the CST Applicant Handbook, Self-Assessment Question guidance, and CST Personal Specification to understand the criteria and expectations. Additionally, access the Question Bank, compiled by successful candidates, to refine your interview skills.
CST Scoring Criteria
30% Portfolio Station (self-assessment score)
30% Clinical Station
30% Management Station
10% MRSA Exam
2025 Important Portfolio Station Update
Important Update for the 2025/26 Application Cycle
For those applying in 2025/26, the self-assessment section has been transitioned to the portfolio station at the interview. This means only those invited to interview will need to self-assess, with final scores determined by interviewers. Building on the multi-station interview format, candidates invited to interview will complete a new portfolio station.
The portfolio scoring has shifted from a numerical to a letter-based system, with evidence assessed by interviewers. Instead of the previous self-assessment on Oriel, candidates will:
Upload a self-assessment index page listing key achievements within designated domains.
Assign a letter grade (A to E) to each domain, representing where their evidence best aligns, with “A” as the highest and “E” as the lowest.
Assessors will determine scores based on completeness and relevance, with a separate score awarded for the interview discussion.
Only two domains will be discussed in-depth, allowing assessors to explore the candidate’s understanding and experience.
Assessment During Interview
An assessor will review the uploaded portfolio during a 10-minute session prior to a virtual interview. Candidates will then discuss two selected domains in a 10-minute interview, during which the assessors will finalize the scores based on evidence and responses. No preliminary scores will be provided before the interview, as the score is determined entirely during the discussion.
Changes to Specific Portfolio Domains for 2026
ITU no longer considered surgical
From this recruitment round, ITU is not recognised as a surgical specialty for portfolio scoring.
Foundation posts not counted as surgical experience
Foundation surgical placements will no longer count as surgical experience. Only electives or taster weeks are accepted.
QI/Audit expectations
Projects must include evidence of being presented within the area where change is intended (for example, a local presentation of the first audit cycle).
Mandatory index page
An index page summarising achievements must be included.
Portfolios without an index will automatically receive a score of zero.
Portfolio assessment
The portfolio will be assessed during the interview as a separate station.
Assessors will question candidates on two domains.
Only one piece of evidence per domain will be reviewed.
Evidence rules
There are four key domains tested each with unique scoring criteria
Commitment to Speciality
Operative Experience
Surgical Experience
Quality Improvement / Clinical Audit
Presentations and Publications
Teaching Experience
Visit the Self-assessment guide link below to help you maximise your score in preparation for the CST interview process. Pay particular attention to the additional notes and evidence required sections. You should have robust evidence to back up your achievements so make sure the evidence is watertight prior to your application.