What is the CST portfolio station?

After the presentation, the panel asks two questions drawn from two different portfolio domains — around five minutes each. Domains include commitment to the specialty, quality improvement and audit, research, teaching, leadership, training and courses, and career insight.

What are you marked on in the portfolio questions?

The evidence you bring, the depth of your examples, and your reflection. There is no single right answer — concrete, personal examples framed with STAR land far better than general statements.

How do I prepare for the portfolio station?

Map your portfolio to each domain and prepare a strong, specific example for each, ready to tell concisely with reflection. Rehearse being probed on the detail, and be honest about what you learned.

The CST Portfolio Station

The portfolio questions close the Portfolio station in the Core Surgical Training interview. The panel asks two questions, drawn from two different portfolio domains, around five minutes each. This is where your evidence and reflection matter most.

How the station runs

The panel picks two domains and asks you about them in turn, probing for specifics: what you did, your personal role, the outcome, and what you learned. There is no correct answer — they are testing the strength of your evidence and the honesty of your reflection.

The portfolio domains

Commitment to the specialty — why surgery, evidenced by what you have done.
Quality improvement and audit — a project and its measurable impact.
Research and publications — your involvement and understanding.
Teaching — what you have taught and how you improved it.
Leadership and management — leading a team, a rota, or a change.
Training, courses, and the logbook — your operative and course record.
Career insight and progression — realistic reflection on your path.

How to prepare

Go through your portfolio and prepare one strong, specific example per domain, each ready to tell in a couple of minutes using STAR and ending on reflection. Rehearse being pushed on the detail — the follow-up questions are where marks are won or lost. You can rehearse the portfolio station with an AI panel on Reviva.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CST portfolio station?: After the presentation, the panel asks two questions drawn from two different portfolio domains — around five minutes each. Domains include commitment to the specialty, quality improvement and audit, research, teaching, leadership, training and courses, and career insight.
What are you marked on in the portfolio questions?: The evidence you bring, the depth of your examples, and your reflection. There is no single right answer — concrete, personal examples framed with STAR land far better than general statements.
How do I prepare for the portfolio station?: Map your portfolio to each domain and prepare a strong, specific example for each, ready to tell concisely with reflection. Rehearse being probed on the detail, and be honest about what you learned.

Sources. Based on the Core Surgical Training selection format modelled by Reviva and the official HEE national recruitment guidance. Educational only — confirm the current format against the official national recruitment portal.