Core Surgical Training interview
The current national CST format has two 15-minute stations: a Management and Clinical station, and a Portfolio station that includes a three-minute presentation. The simulator keeps to those timings, interrupts and moves you on as a real panel would.
Format based on published 2026 recruitment guidance. Last checked: January 2026. This is general information, not advice about your application — always confirm details with the official source for your round.
Structure
The stations, reproduced with real timings.
The simulator keeps to these durations and moves you on when the clock runs out.
Management and clinical
Prioritisation on a busy take, escalation, and safe management of an unwell surgical patient.
Portfolio
A three-minute presentation followed by questions on commitment to specialty, audit, teaching and research.
Weighting
Where the marks sit.
Practice is weighted the same way, so your time goes where it counts.
What candidates work on here
- Answering under a strict 15-minute clock
- Structured prioritisation language
- A portfolio presentation that survives follow-up questions
Example questions
Original scenarios, written with clinicians.
Each question is mapped to the domains it assesses, so the summary you receive is specific rather than generic.
Management scenario
“You are the surgical registrar on call. Three patients need you at once: a hypotensive post-operative patient, a nurse asking about analgesia, and a consultant asking for a theatre list update. Talk me through your approach.”
A panel would listen for
A systematic approach, safe prioritisation and knowing when to escalate
Clinical scenario
“A 34-year-old presents with 12 hours of right iliac fossa pain and a temperature of 38.1°C. How do you assess and manage this patient?”
A panel would listen for
A systematic approach, safe prioritisation and knowing when to escalate
Portfolio
“Take three minutes to present why you are suited to Core Surgical Training, then be ready for follow-up questions.”
A panel would listen for
Specific, honest reasons backed by your own evidence
Practise this interview until it feels routine.
One free mock interview, no card required. Scores describe your practice performance only.
Start a free mock interview