Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 Interview Preparation — 2026
This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare for the Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 (Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1) interview in the 2026 recruitment cycle. The Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 interview consists of 2 stations covering MSRA, Interview. Tracks eligibility, MSRA status, and downstream selection steps instead of a portfolio points table.
Medically reviewed by MedNext Clinical Team. Last reviewed 27 April 2026. See our editorial policy.
Interview Stations
The Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 interview consists of 2 stations. Each station is timed and assesses different competencies.
MSRA
Primary ranking signal for the route.
Interview
Track the stage that follows MSRA.
MSRA — Dual-Phase Preparation
Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 uses the Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) as the first phase of selection. The MSRA is a computer-based exam testing professional dilemmas and clinical problem solving. Your MSRA score determines whether you are invited to interview. Focus on MSRA preparation first, then shift to interview station practice once shortlisted.
Key Dates & Deadlines
Important dates for the Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 2026 recruitment cycle. Dates may change — check official sources for updates.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all essential eligibility criteria. These are assessed at the application stage.
Qualifications
You must hold a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS, MBBS) degree or other equivalent medical qualification.
Registration & right to work
You must: Be eligible to work in the UK. Hold full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) at the time of application, **and** hold a current licence to practise on the date your post commences.
GMC registration details or licence evidence.
Career history
You must be able to provide complete details of your employment history, including any gaps.
Disclosure
<!-- --> You must complete all sections of the application form fully and truthfully, in accordance with written guidelines. You must disclose in your application if you are subject to any ongoing fitness to practise proceedings or are subject to any fitness to practise conditions.
CAPABILITY/Competences FOR ST1/CT1 ENTRY
You must have evidence of achievement of foundation competences in the three and a half years preceding the advertised post start date for the vacancy, via one of the following four methods: Current employment in a UK Foundation Programme Office (UKFPO) affiliated foundation programme; **or** Current employment in a GMC approved Specialty Training Programme holding either a National Training Number (NTN) or Deanery Reference Number (DRN); **or**
GMC registration details or licence evidence.
Experience
You must have 24 months or less experience (Whole Time Equivalent) in Anaesthetics (not including Foundation modules) by the advertised post start date for the vacancy. All experience in posts at any level in this specialty count, irrespective of the country the experience is gained.
Official Source Documents
Verify all information against the latest published documents before your application.
Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 person specification
Published by: NHS England Medical Hub
Related Specialties
Also in Anaesthetics: compare interview formats and scoring criteria across nearby routes.
Connect with other candidates
Find a Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 study buddy
Connect with other candidates preparing for the same specialty. Share resources, practice together, and stay accountable.
Practice Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 mock interviews
Find a partner to practice interview stations. Give and receive feedback to sharpen your technique before the real thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 interview format?
The Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 interview consists of 2 stations: MSRA, Interview. Each station assesses different competencies in a timed format.
How is Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 selected in 2026?
Tracks eligibility, MSRA status, and downstream selection steps instead of a portfolio points table.
When are Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 interviews in 2026?
Key dates for Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 2026: Application opened — 23 Oct 2025; Application closed — 20 Nov 2025; Interview window — Feb–Mar 2026; Initial offers — 31 Mar 2026. Check official sources for any changes.
What documents do I need for Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 selection?
You need to meet 6 eligibility criteria including: Qualifications, Registration & right to work, Career history, and more. See the eligibility section below for the complete list.
Does Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 use the MSRA?
Yes. Anaesthetics and Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) Anaesthetics CT1 uses the Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) as part of its selection process. Your MSRA score determines whether you are invited to interview and may contribute to your final ranking.
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