CST Interview Format

CST Interview Format

In 2024, the Core Surgical Training (CST) interview process underwent notable changes, with the introduction of the Qpercom video platform to replace Microsoft Teams. Candidates were selected from the top 1200 MSRA candidates. It's imperative to familiarise yourself with Qpercom's functionalities beforehand and ensure the smooth operation of your microphone and camera.

The interview comprises a single 30-minute interview, featuring two distinct sections presented in a sequential order. First, candidates tackle a management, portfolio and clinical station with each lasting 10 minutes. The remote panel comprises a maximum of two consultants and a lay representative ensuring fairness and consistency. Unlike previous years, the 2025 interview includes a portfolio station; instead, which contributes to 30% of the final application score.

Your overall score encompasses:

• 30% Management station

• 30% Clinical station

• 30% Portfolio score

• 10% MSRA score.

Prepare diligently for this online assessment, embodying the qualities sought after in the CST selection criteria. The interview makes up 60% of your overall score so it is crucial to perform as well as possible on the day.

Log in at least 5 minutes before your scheduled interview time. Upon entry, an administrative staff member will verify your identity. Ensure you have a valid photo ID readily available (such as your passport or UK driving licence). It's essential to conduct the interview in a private space, ensuring you are alone in the room throughout the session.

Management Station

The management station is split into two sections .

Section 1 | Management Presentation (5 mins)

The CST interview's management section begins with a 3-minute prepared presentation, focusing on leadership and management. You will receive the presentation topic via email two weeks beforehand, typically related to the CST person specification's leadership and management criteria.

Avoid listing experiences; instead, emphasise 2-4 achievements or specific instances demonstrating leadership and management skills. Examples may include involvement in the junior doctors’ forum or leadership roles within multidisciplinary teams.

Expect a 2-minute Q&A session following your presentation, where interviewers will assess content, delivery, and responses.

Section 2 | Management Scenario (5 mins)

After your presentation, you will confront an unforeseen management scenario encompassing ethical, professional, and personal dilemmas common in surgery. Respond to questions posed by interviewers related to the scenario, focusing on addressing real-time challenges like identifying and managing colleagues with potential issues.

You will have 5 minutes to answer the question, requiring quick thinking on your feet as the scenario will only be revealed during the interview. Employ a structured approach such as SPIES (Seek Information, Patient Safety, Initiative, Escalate, Support) to tackle the scenario effectively.

Expect potential additional information or prompts from interviewers as you navigate through the scenario, allowing them to assess your adaptability and critical thinking skills. Consider utilising any spare time to enhance your responses

You will be scored on the three scoring criteria:

1. Probity, professional integrity, and understanding of safety and ethics.

2. Judgment and prioritisation skills under pressure.

3. Communication effectiveness in conveying your decisions and rationale

See the Management Station: Interview Guide for further exclusive tips on how to excel at interview

Portfolio Station

Important Update for the 2024/25 Application Cycle

For those applying in 2024/25, 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. Instead of the previous self-assessment on Oriel, candidates will:

• Upload an 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.

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.

2025 Domain Summary and Grading System

For 2025, portfolio scoring will reflect a candidate's achievements across the following domains:

• Commitment to Speciality: New scoring for candidates with less than 10 cases.

• Quality Improvement Projects (QIPs):

  • Scoring based on project involvement and the scope of presentations. Divided into two subsections:

    • QIP - Project

    • QIP - Presentation

• Presentations & Publications: Updated scoring criteria emphasising quality over quantity, with specific recognition for case reports and book chapters.

• Teaching Experience: Integration of “Teach the Teacher” courses, with additional emphasis on contributions to local programs.

See the Portfolio station & Self Assessment page for further top tips

Clinical Station

During the Clinical station of the interview, lasting 10 minutes, candidates typically encounter two scenarios, focusing on surgical situations, such as trauma cases or post-operative complications.

Part A | Candidates read a short scenario beforehand, followed by a series of questions from interviewers based on the scenario.

Part B | A clinical scenario is presented during the station, prompting questions on investigation, differentials, etc.

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Each scenario is marked separately and lasts for 5 minutes, with interviewers assessing:

1.     Clinical skills and knowledge demonstrated.

2.     Judgment and prioritisation abilities under pressure.

3.     Communication skills in conveying decisions and rationale effectively.

When facing an acutely unwell patient scenario, it's crucial to follow a structured approach. Begin by gathering pertinent information, prioritising tasks based on urgency, and seeking relevant background details and observations. Assess the situation's urgency, considering immediate actions like initiating a cardiac arrest call if necessary, and delegating tasks to nursing staff where feasible.

Utilise the ABCDE approach for clinical assessment, addressing prompts from interviewers and formulating a working diagnosis accordingly. Identify immediate interventions required and decide on contacting relevant healthcare professionals for assistance. Stay abreast of common post-operative scenarios, tailoring revision to match surgical experience and understanding potential complications.

Anticipate follow-up questions from examiners and maintain a comprehensive understanding of key topics. Practice efficient time management, ensuring responses are fluent and concise to allow for further exploration of complex topics.

See the Clinical Station: Interview Guide for further top tips

Interview Tips | Performing well on the day

1. Ensure Adequate Rest

   • Establish a consistent sleep pattern in the weeks leading up to the interview.

   • Prioritise rest to ensure mental clarity and alertness on the day.

2. Plan Ahead

   • Take time off before the interview to dedicate to preparation and relaxation.

   • Avoid scheduling conflicts with work commitments to minimise stress.

3. Technical Preparation

   • Test your video conferencing equipment well in advance to avoid last-minute glitches.

   • Ensure your microphone and webcam are functioning optimally for seamless communication.

4. Dress Appropriately

   • Choose professional attire, such as suits for men and formal attire for women.

   • Present yourself confidently with a polished appearance.

5. Organise Documents

   • Prepare all necessary documents and portfolio materials ahead of time.

   • Double-check completeness and organisation to facilitate a smooth interview process.

6. Stay Calm and Focused

   • Take moments to relax and mentally prepare before the interview.

   • Approach each interview station with confidence, focusing on the task at hand.

7. Maintain Professionalism

   • Acknowledge and engage with all individuals present in the interview room.

   • Demonstrate professionalism and courtesy throughout the interview process.

Sign up for our largest CST Interview online question bank

Interview Tips | Online Interview Set Up

Using an online platform can be daunting, so practice extensively with the system before the interview day. To ensure a smooth experience, start by securing a stable internet connection to avoid disruptions. Test all your equipment—computer, camera, and microphone—to ensure they are working properly. Choose a quiet environment with a neutral background to maintain professionalism. Make sure you have good lighting, either natural or well-placed artificial lights, for a clear image. Lastly, test the acoustics and microphone quality to ensure your audio is clear and free from echoes or distortion.

Interview Tips | Presentation and Communication

To perform well in your interview, it's crucial to focus on both your body language and verbal communication. Consistent practice will help you refine your technique and boost your confidence. Below are detailed tips on each aspect:

Body Language

• Smile: A smile conveys confidence and can help calm your nerves.

• Posture: Sit slightly forward with your feet on the ground and your hands on your knees. Comfort is key.

• Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with the interviewers or the camera.

• Active Listening: Show engagement by nodding and tilting your head.

• Hand Gestures: Use hand gestures sparingly to emphasise points without overdoing it.

Verbal Communication

• Clarity & Confidence: Focus on speaking clearly and confidently.

• Pacing: Balance your speech speed to avoid talking too quickly or too slowly.

• Pauses: Use pauses strategically to avoid filler words and give yourself time to think.

• Concise Answers: Avoid rambling; keep your answers concise and to the point.

• Enthusiasm: Express enthusiasm through your voice and facial expressions.

Consistent practice is essential to mastering your interview technique. Prepare structured answers in advance and practice them regularly to ensure you can deliver them confidently and coherently. Additionally, refine your leadership presentation daily, focusing on efficiency and clarity, to make a strong impression. By dedicating time to these practices, you'll enhance your readiness and poise for the interview.