Core Surgical Training (CST) Interview Course
With over 2,000 applicants for CST last year, every mark matters. Master the knowledge, skills and frameworks that secure top-ranked offers.
Key Features
70+ Clinical Topics
Over 200 Questions
New 2026 Updates
Member Only Discussions
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About
Every year, over 2,000 applicants compete for fewer than 600 Core Surgical Training posts – and while many have similar portfolios and clinical experience, it’s the interview that decides who secures a post and who gets their first-choice deanery.
Some candidates may know content and clinical topics, but most struggle to deliver concise, structured, high-scoring answers under pressure.
That’s where we come in. The Medset CST Interview Course gives you everything you need to excel on interview day: clear frameworks for each station, step-by-step guidance from recent high-scoring trainees, and practical tools to refine your delivery. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to approach every scenario, communicate with confidence, and stand out as a polished, well-prepared future core trainee.
Each module mirrors the real CST interview, so your preparation feels focused, relevant, and realistic. You’ll develop the mindset and techniques that set top-ranking candidates apart at National Selection, focusing on the domains that carry the most marks and make the greatest impact on your overall score.
What You'll Learn
- Understand the CST interview format and scoring domains
- Structure clear, high-scoring answers using proven frameworks
- Strategies to manage time pressure and follow-up questions
- Insider tips from recent top-scoring top-ranking CST candidates
- Refine your delivery, timing and confidence with realistic CST scenarios
- Focus your preparation efficiently on the areas that score the highest
Course Content
Overview & General Strategy
Introduction
How The Interview Is Structured
How To Prepare For The Interview
Key Knowledge & Reading
Communication
Interview Practice
Common Issues & Pitfalls
CST Interview Score Sheet
Clinical Stations
Introduction
Overview, Strategy & Tips
How The Station Is Structured
How To Approach Clinical Scenarios
Question Domains
Dealing With Follow Up Questions
ATLS Approach – ‘CABCDE’
CCrISP Approach – ‘ABCDE’
Frameworks
Sepsis – Definitions & Assessment
Wound Classification & SSIs
WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
Haemorrhage & Transfusion
Emergency Thoracotomy
Massive Haemothorax
Crush Syndrome
Trauma
Head Injury
Crush Injury
Abdominal Pain I
Burns Injury
Post-Op Chest Pain
Abdominal Pain II
Testicular Pain
Post-Op Shortness Of Breath
Loin Pain
Melaena
Post-Op Shortness Of Breath II
Acute Leg Pain
Upper Limb Trauma
Abdominal Pain III
Groin Pain
Abdominal Pain IV
Management Stations
Introduction
Answer Framework
NCEPOD Categories
P-Possum
ASA Classification
Clinical Audit
Audit vs Research
VTE Risk Assessment
WHO Checklist
DATIX
PALS
Capacity (Previous Station)
Unsupported In Theatre
Wrong Patient
Emergency Theatre Delay
Bed Pressures
Incomplete VTE Risk Assessment
Dismissive Registrar
Absent Colleague
Wrong Site Surgery
Bullying
Wrong Consent Form
Unequal Distribution Of Work
Leadership Presentation
Introduction
Delivering A Good Speech
Leadership Questions
Good Leadership Example
Poor Leadership Example
Leadership vs Management
Good Followership
Flexible Learning
Mock Interview Dates
Choose your preferred date then select Mock Only or Pro Bundle
Authors
Leo is a widely published and internationally prize-winning Plastic Surgery Registrar at Guys’ and St Thomas’ Hospital, London. He has a passion for teaching, mentoring, and career development.
Why Medset?
Speciality interviews are competitive – and we know what it takes to succeed. Since 2013, we’ve helped thousands of doctors secure training posts by mastering the frameworks, question styles, and high-yield topics that lead to top-ranked offers.
Next-Gen Learning
Our next-generation learning platform combines expert content with progress tracking, personalised stats, smart notes, podcasts, and discussion boards – giving you everything you need to get that competitive edge.
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FAQ
What is the structure of the 2026 Core Surgical Training Interview?
The CST Interview 2026 will be held online via Qpercom and includes two 15-minute stations:
- A combined Management and Clinical station, featuring three questions (one management and two clinical scenarios).
- A Portfolio station, which replaces the self-assessment element previously submitted on Oriel.
Each question lasts around five minutes, and interviews will take place between 2–11 March 2026.
What happens in the Management and Clinical Station?
This 15-minute station assesses your ability to think critically, prioritise, and communicate under pressure.
- Management scenario: Tests leadership, decision-making, and professionalism
- Clinical scenarios: Focus on emergency or post-operative situations, testing your clinical judgement, escalation, and prioritisation.
What does the Portfolio Station involve?
You’ll no longer complete a self-assessment form on Oriel. Instead, shortlisted applicants must upload an index page showing the evidence category (A–E) they believe applies to each domain.
During the 15-minute virtual station:
You’ll give a 3-minute presentation on an achievement or project.
This is followed by 2 minutes of questioning about your presentation.
Finally, you’ll answer two 5-minute questions based on randomly selected portfolio domains.
The assessors will assign your final score based on evidence and interview performance.
When will the 2026 CST interviews take place?
The Core Surgical Training interview window runs from Monday 2 March to Wednesday 11 March 2026. Candidates will receive their times via Oriel, and all interviews are conducted virtually on Qpercom. Offers are released on 24 March 2026.
How is the CST interview scored for 2026?
The portfolio and interview now account for the majority of your total score, replacing the old self-assessment model. Performance across Management, Clinical, and Portfolio stations is assessed on:
Judgement under pressure
Professionalism and probity
Communication and reasoning
Your MSRA score still plays a key role in determining who is invited to interview, but final ranking depends heavily on interview performance.
What are the key dates for the 2026 Core Surgical Training application?
Applications open: 23 October 2025
Applications close: 20 November 2025
MSRA window: 6–19 January 2026
Interview invites sent: 13 February 2026
Interview window: 2–11 March 2026
Initial offers released: 24 March 2026
What’s the best way to prepare for the 2026 CST interview?
Success depends on structured, realistic practice. Focus on:
Applying frameworks to management scenarios
Revising emergency and post-op clinical topics using ABCDE and escalation principles
Refining your portfolio presentation and ensuring all evidence categories are clearly uploaded
Practising under timed conditions to simulate the 15-minute format
Our CST Interview Course replicates this exact structure – combining expert teaching, mock stations, and personalised feedback to help you perform confidently on the day.
£89
Key Features
- 70+ expert written topics
- Over 200 clinical questions
- Common & curveball stations
- New 2026 interview updates
- Mock Interview with Pro Bundle
£329
Key Features
- Full online mock interview
- Led by top-scoring trainees
- Personalised feedback
- Common & curveball stations
- Online course with Pro Bundle