Core Surgical Training CT1 Interview Preparation — 2026
This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare for the Core Surgical Training CT1 (Core Surgical Training CT1) interview in the 2026 recruitment cycle. The Core Surgical Training CT1 interview consists of 1 station covering Interview. Tracks question-level evidence packaging, slot targeting, and export readiness from the locally captured guidance corpus.
Medically reviewed by MedNext Clinical Team. Last reviewed 27 April 2026. See our editorial policy.
Interview Stations
The Core Surgical Training CT1 interview consists of 1 station. Each station is timed and assesses different competencies.
Interview
Track the route interview flow and supporting evidence.
Portfolio Scoring Breakdown
Your portfolio is scored against these domains. Map your evidence to each section before the interview to maximise your score.
Notes
2 pts2 extracted questions map to this section.
- Notes2 pts
And
2 pts2 extracted questions map to this section.
- And2 pts
Key Dates & Deadlines
Important dates for the Core Surgical Training 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 18 months or less experience (whole time equivalent) in Surgical specialties (not including Foundation placements) at the advertised post start date for the vacancy. All experience in posts at any level count, irrespective of the country the experience is gained. Where placements in surgical specialties are undertaken without enrolment in a UKFPO programme no more than 12 months experience will be accepted as foundation equivalent.
For Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery applicants:
Only surgical experience gained after completion of both medical and dental degrees (whichever was achieved latest) will count towards the 18 months’ experience.
Official Source Documents
Verify all information against the latest published documents before your application.
Core Surgical Training CT1 person specification
Published by: NHS England Medical Hub
Related Specialties
Also in Specialty Training: compare interview formats and scoring criteria across nearby routes.
Connect with other candidates
Find a Core Surgical Training CT1 study buddy
Connect with other candidates preparing for the same specialty. Share resources, practice together, and stay accountable.
Practice Core Surgical Training 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 Core Surgical Training CT1 interview format?
The Core Surgical Training CT1 interview consists of 1 station: Interview. Each station assesses different competencies in a timed format.
How is Core Surgical Training CT1 selected in 2026?
Tracks question-level evidence packaging, slot targeting, and export readiness from the locally captured guidance corpus.
When are Core Surgical Training CT1 interviews in 2026?
Key dates for Core Surgical Training CT1 2026: Application opened — 23 Oct 2025; Application closed — 20 Nov 2025; Interview window — 26 Feb – 13 Mar 2026; Initial offers — 31 Mar 2026. Check official sources for any changes.
What documents do I need for Core Surgical Training CT1 selection?
You need to meet 7 eligibility criteria including: Qualifications, Registration & right to work, Career history, and more. See the eligibility section below for the complete list.
How many points is the Core Surgical Training CT1 portfolio worth?
The Core Surgical Training CT1 portfolio is assessed across 2 scoring sections: Notes, And. Each section has specific criteria and maximum point allocations.
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