What Examiners Look For in a CST Interview

18 August 2026 · 7 min read

CST interviews can feel overwhelming for doctors that are applying to Core Surgical Training. Especially, when you’re unsure what CST interview expectations are, and how each answer is scored. The interview is a structured assessment, and can be learned. Candidates who understand the structure of the interview are able to prepare better, have clear communication and can prevent losing marks. This guide will break down each station, what interviewers score, highlights common mistakes that doctors make, and offers a simple, practical preparation framework.

Key takeaways

Examiners use public domains to score each question, rather than general impressions.
Effective communication and good structure carry marks in each scenario.
The portfolio station gives credit for evidence that candidates are able to explain confidently, not just what they have listed

How the CST interview is structured

Station	What happens	Time	Panel
Station 1 — Management & Clinical	One management scenario, then two clinical scenarios.	15 minutes (5 + 5 + 5)	2 interviewers
Station 2 — Portfolio	Pre-prepared 3-minute presentation, 2 minutes of questions on it, then two portfolio questions from different domains.	15 minutes (3 + 2 + 5 + 5)	3–4 panel members, may include a lay representative

The core surgical training is delivered via the Qpercom platform, as a part of national selection. It contains 2 tightly timed CST interview stations, each lasting 15 minutes. Station 1 is assessed by 2 interviewers. It begins with one 5 minute management scenario, and two clinical scenarios, lasting 5 minutes each. Given that there is only 5 minutes per scenario, it is important to have a clear structure from the beginning, since that is what the interviewers will be looking out for. Station 2 covers your portfolio, and it involves a larger panel of 3-4 members, and can include a lay representative. In this station, you will deliver a pre-prepared 3 minute presentation, answer questions for 2 minutes, and go over 2 portfolio questions from different domains. The full station format is set out in NHS England’s interview guidance.

CST interview expectations: what each station is really testing

Question type	Scored domains
Management scenario	Probity and professional integrity · judgement under pressure · communication
Clinical scenarios	Clinical knowledge · judgement under pressure · communication
Portfolio station	Skills and knowledge, evidenced across your portfolio domains

The management scenario

A CST management scenario can involve a ward level or team level dilemma, that requires you to approach with professionalism. For instance, you might come across a struggling colleague, consent difficulties, or pressure with a rota you are assigned to. The three domains that will be examined in this station are, probity and professional integrity, judgment under pressure, and communication. For this scenario, begin by identifying the safety issue, and appropriately escalating it. You should maintain honesty, and close the loop by confirming that the issue has been resolved. Using logic, and statements, such as “because” and “therefore” rather than a memorised script is recommended.

The clinical scenarios

CST clinical scenarios consist of two 5-minutes scenarios, back to back. The scenario is scored based on clinical knowledge, judgment under pressure, and communication. Safe, structured clinical prioritisation is key in this scenario, therefore, it is wise to immediately state your immediate priorities. For example, a candidate could say: “I would start this scenario with an A–E assessment, ensuring that I address any urgent threats, and then escalating it to a senior colleague early on”. A common mistake to avoid is diving into the management plan before addressing the patient’s immediate priorities. Remaining organised and structured is key in managing this scenario.

The portfolio station and 3-minute presentation

The CST portfolio station begins with a pre-prepared 3-minute presentation, followed by 2 minutes of questions, and two 5-minute portfolio questions from a variety of domains. The CST portfolio station is done in front of a larger panel of interviewers, and can include a lay representative. The domains that candidates will be scored on are skills and knowledge, and every claim requires evidence. Ensure that you know your portfolio very thoroughly, including audits, teaching, commitment to surgery, and practice the presentation to be exactly 3 minutes.

How the 0–6 CST interview scoring works

Score	Anchor
0	No evidence
1	Very poor
2	Weak
3	Satisfactory
4	Good
5	Excellent
6	Outstanding

Every question is marked against the 0-6 CST interview scoring scale. A score of zero reflects no evidence, and a score of six, reflects outstanding response. It is important to note that even a robust answer can lose marks if it does not address an area that is being assessed. You should try to cover each domain with the answers you give, for instance, state the probity point out loud, and specifically name the step of escalation you would take in a scenario, instead of assuming that it is implied. This is crucial in understanding and meeting the CST interview expectations. Being able to demonstrate the competencies that are being assessed is ultimately what the CST interview scoring is ultimately about. The exact weighting and ranking mechanics can vary between recruitment rounds, hence, candidates are encouraged to regularly check the current applicant guidance.

Common CST interview mistakes that lose marks

Mistakes that candidates make during their CST interview does not stem from their lack of ability, it is commonly caused by not knowing what examiners look for in CST interviews, being nervous, or rushing answers. These can be easily avoided with practice and by understanding expectations. We have listed common CST interview mistakes that make candidates lose marks.

Answering without having a structure: having a structured response will make it easier for the examiner to follow your reasoning, as well as helping you state your answers within the time you are given.
Using knowledge only without prioritising safety: avoid listing every management option and investigation without addressing safety risks and priorities.
Failing to escalate or escalating without stating to whom: instead of simply saying that you would escalate, explain your reasoning and state clearly to whom and why.
A portfolio presentation that exceeds 3 minutes: since the portfolio section is very tightly timed, it is essential to practice consistently to stay within the 3 minute time that you have. Exceeding the limit can leave you unable to finish mentioning your key points.
Listing achievements without having a clear link to surgical training: You should be able to explain the skill you have learned, what the experiences have taught you, and their relevancy in supporting your suitability for core surgical training.

How to prepare: a five-step framework

Understanding CST interview expectations is definitely important, however, turning knowledge into practice is key in the CST interview preparation. Candidates should focus on what examiners look for in CST, and aim to demonstrate those qualities in their interviews. Here is a 5-step framework that you can use to build your preparation around:

Understand the station format and the scored domains: knowing what examiners look for in CST, including the format of each station and what domains are assessed must become second nature to you. This will help you focus building your answers, instead of trying to remember the mark scheme.
Build a repeatable answer framework for each type of question: practice building a structure for your answers without making them sound memorised. For instance, “recognise the urgent concern → prioritise and address safety → take required action → escalate to the appropriate colleague if needed → communicate effectively”. Instead of trying to memorise a script, you should try to adapt to this scenario.
Practice timed scenarios each week under interview conditions: when rehearsing for your interview, you should implement interview conditions. The aim of this is to help you become familiar with what examiners look for in CST, and helps you stay calm under pressure even when met with an unexpected scenario.
Rehearse your portfolio presentation until it is consistently within the 3 minute time: you can script the presentation, to make sure it clearly highlights key evidence that supports your CST application, and practice it until you can confidently deliver it exactly within 3 minutes.
Complete a mock interview at least once before your actual CST interview day: a mock interview is supposed to replicate exactly how the interview will be, including the stations, the time in each station and the format. Completing a mock interview will provide you with the opportunity to identify your weak areas, and improve on them before your real interview.

If you want structured practice, our CST interview preparation resource has 40+ scenarios with model answers and frameworks for every station type. For timed practice, head to the ExamsClinic dashboard.

Key takeaways and next steps

The CST interview is a domain-scored, structured assessment. Preparing for this interview involves understanding each station, practising in accordance with the mark scheme, and rehearing the portfolio presentation until you are able to deliver it confidently within the 3 minute limit. Candidates should focus on building a clear, consistent structure that helps them demonstrate the skills that are being assessed. With an understanding of the CST interview expectations, and frequent practice, you can complete the interview confidently, with a focused plan. To prepare, we would suggest doing timed practice this week, and aiming to make your key points in a clear, concise manner.