Candidates applying for the 2021 Core Surgical Training interviews have to complete a set of self-assessment questions during their application. Candidates who are shortlisted will then have the opportunity to upload evidence to support their answers and these will be validated by members of the interview panel prior to your interview date. Your scores for these make up a significant proportion of your overall interview score. You have to provide evidence to support your answers for each question and can get referred to a probity panel if you are suspected of trying to mislead the interviewers.

For the full Self-Assessment scoring and the Applicant Handbook for the 2021 CST application round click the links below:

The major changes in the Self-Assessment scoring for 2021 compared to previous years are summarised below. This can give an idea of where the focus of the scoring system is changing and might help predict what changes will occur in the future:

  • Commitment to specialty – now assessed only on the Self-Assessment questions (rather than at interview), clearer definitions for surgical case numbers required in logbook, courses to attend and length of taster week, 16 points on offer rather than 15
  • Prizes/awards – 8 points on offer rather than 5
  • Publications – down to 7 points rather than 8
To sign up to the CoreSurgicalPrep mailing list and be the first to hear about our mock interview and updates for the 2021 application and interview round, click here.