CST Application Overview

Preparing for CST: Guide

Preparing for the Core Surgical Training (CST) application process is a pivotal step towards securing your desired position. With the right approach and adequate preparation, excelling in the CST interview becomes an attainable goal. Commencing your preparations early not only affords you the opportunity to accumulate points for your portfolio but also grants ample time to hone your skills for the Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) and rehearse both clinical and managerial scenarios essential for the interview.

Embarking on the journey to CST demands strategic planning and dedication. As you navigate through this process, initiating your preparation well in advance is paramount. By initiating early, you can expedite the portfolio-building process and dedicate sufficient time to familiarising yourself with the intricacies of clinical and leadership scenarios.

Prior to CST

In your medical school and Foundation Year One (FY1), prioritising your portfolio for Core Surgical Training (CST) applications is key. Here are concise yet impactful goals for your FY1:

• Lead a surgical-focused Quality Improvement (QI) project.

• Initiate a teaching program for medical students.

• Present a poster or oral presentation.

• Take on a representative role in FY1.

• Maintain a detailed surgical logbook.

• Secure affiliate membership with RCS.

• MRCS Part A

Additional goals may include completing surgical courses and pursuing academic achievements like publications or prize presentation entries. These milestones enhance your candidacy for future surgical training.

CST Interview Application

During FY2, prioritise the development of your physical portfolio, a crucial asset for core surgery interviews. Gather evidence from various sources such as teaching sessions, courses, and clinical engagements, ensuring meticulous organisation. Initiating this process well in advance is advisable to alleviate any last-minute document-related anxieties as interview season approaches.

Key interview dates are included below:

Useful Links

1. CST Application Overview (HEE Website)

2. CST Self-Assessment Guidance

Application Opens | (24th October – November 21st)

The application window spans from October to November, presenting a critical opportunity for aspiring candidates to embark on their journey towards securing a CST position. The application procedure for Core Surgical Training across England, Wales, and Scotland operates on a national scale, with Northern Ireland following a distinct process.

Streamlining this process, applications are managed through the Oriel Recruitment Portal to submit their applications. Coordination is managed by the Health Education London and the Recruitment Office for Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.

Throughout the application, emphasis is placed on aligning with the essential criteria outlined in the CST Person Specification. It's imperative to meticulously review these criteria, ensuring a clear understanding of the specific eligibility requirements. Take proactive steps to meet the required examinations and courses within the designated deadlines, setting a strong foundation for a competitive application.

Essential components of the application include sitting for the MSRA exam and submitting your Self-Assessment score. Following this stage, a select group of approximately 1,200 candidates are invited to engage in remote interviews.

Link to Oriel Recruitment Portal

MRSA Exam | (Dates to be Confirmed)

From 2023 interviews onwards candidates have been required to sit the MRSA Exam which contributes to 10% of the final selection score. The MRSA Exam is sat during this exam window and is sat at a specialist centre.

See our MRSA Exam page for further information

Evidence Upload | (7th – 19th Feb)

The evidence upload window opens in February for a short period. During this period, you are required to upload all supporting evidence to substantiate your self-assessment responses provided in the application. As the evidence upload window is short it is important to have all of your evidence ready to upload prior to this.

See the Self-Assessment Score page for further information on self-assessment

Interviews | (24th Feb - 7th March)

These interviews, conducted remotely, serve as a crucial opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their suitability and commitment to pursuing a career in surgery. The interview panel comprises experienced professionals who assess candidates based on various competencies, including clinical knowledge, communication skills, professionalism, and ethical considerations.

See the CST Interview Format page for further information