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.
ABOUT
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.
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About
CST Interview Application
Core Surgical Training is the one of the largest surgical training programmes. Competition ratios vary depending on the number of applicants and the number of available jobs released that year. This has varied significantly in the past 5 years ranging from 2.9 in 2019, to 4.2 in 2023. Due to the high competition ratios the pressure to perform well during the core surgical interview is substantial.
The aim of the CST interview is to ensure candidates are safe to perform as a day one CT1. Key attributes tested include communication and handover skills, clinical knowledge and management of common surgical conditions. Alongside this, candidates will undergo assessment of their surgical portfolio via the self-assessment scoring process. The score of which will be allocated prior to the interview following an evidence upload window.
To obtain a Core Surgical Training number adequate preparation is key, candidates should have a good understanding of the interview process and what individual stations will involve. A key piece of advice is to treat the CST interview like an exam, with robust and intensive revision for 3-6 months prior to the interview, as well as ensuring group practice with other candidates also sitting the interview.
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This website is a comprehensive guide to obtaining your core surgical training number.
About
Interview Structure
Selection
In 2024, the Core Surgical Training (CST) interview process underwent notable changes, with candidates selected from the top 1200 MSRA candidates. Scheduled between February 19-28th, interviews are conducted via the Qpercom video platform, replacing Microsoft Teams. To excel, familiarise yourself with Qpercom's functionalities and ensure smooth microphone and camera operation. From 2025 the portfolio station was reintroduced with a prior self-assessment score (A-E grade) submitted by applicants prior to interview.
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Structure of the Interview
The interview, conducted remotely, comprises a single 30-minute interview featuring two distinct sections. Qpercom facilitates this process, allowing candidates to sit the management stationfollowed by portfolio and clinical stations for 10 minutes each. The remote panel consists of a maximum of two consultants and a lay representative, ensuring fairness and consistency in evaluation. Unlike previous years, the interview includes a portfolio station, integrating self-assessment, which contributes to 30% of the final application score.
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Scoring System
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30% Management section
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30% Clinical section
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30% Portfolio Station (self-assessment score)
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10% MSRA score.
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Preparation
Prepare diligently for this online interview, embodying the qualities sought after in the CST selection criteria. Your performance in each section, along with self-assessment and MSRA scores, collectively determines your final score.
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Log in at least 5 minutes before your scheduled interview time, with a valid photo ID (passport or UK driving license) for verification. Conduct the interview in a private space to ensure uninterrupted focus.