ABSTRACT
Core surgical training (CST) is a 2-year programme that prepares junior doctors for a career in surgery. By the end of CST a candidate will have completed 24 months of surgical training and should have the necessary experience to apply to specialty training. Recruitment to CST has altered drastically in recent years and further changes may well occur. Checking the Core Surgery National Recruitment Office website will offer the most up-to-date information. All candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are guaranteed an interview. The most important part of the form is the three self-assessment questions. These assess doctors' experience in audit, research and teaching. The whole interview process comprises three 10-minute stations: management, portfolio and clinical scenarios. Generally, two examiners are present at each station and will take turns asking questions. The examiners will have to look at countless portfolios throughout the day and will have no more than 10 minutes to examine doctors' portfolio before they enter the station.
