About this course
This one-day, live CST Interview Preparation Course is delivered via Zoom by experienced NHS consultants who sit on CST interview panels. The course is tailored exclusively to the Core Surgical Training interview format and covers both station types in depth.
The course is structured around two main stations: Station 1 covers clinical and management scenarios including high-frequency surgical presentations, perioperative and postoperative complications, trauma and emergency decision-making, and communication in clinical context, plus management challenges around teamwork, patient safety, service efficiency, and ethical scenarios. Station 2 focuses on portfolio-related questions, teaching you how to deliver a strong opening presentation and handle follow-up questions on quality improvement, clinical audit, teaching and training, leadership, research, commitment to surgery, professionalism, and multidisciplinary working.
- Live and interactive delivery on Zoom
- Led by experienced CST interview assessors
- Small group format (maximum 8 candidates for personal attention)
- Realistic mock interview circuits with detailed individual feedback
- Clear, stepwise frameworks for answering both station types
- CPD accredited — 6 CPD points awarded
The course is designed to remove guesswork and gaps in preparation. You will learn exactly what CST panels are looking for, the most common mistakes candidates make, and the approaches that create the strongest impression. Taught by practising NHS consultants with insider knowledge of the selection process, this is targeted, focused preparation built around the exact format of the CST interview.
