Doing well in your CT1 Anaesthetics interview is a crucial step in securing a training position in anaesthesia in the UK. With the 2025 interview cycle fast approaching, candidates must be aware of key updates to the scoring domains and how they will impact interview preparation. Our course lead summarises the 2025 changes here for you:
CT1 Anaesthetics Interview Structure in 2025
The overall structure of the CT1 Anaesthetics interview remains largely unchanged from previous years. Candidates will still face a two-station interview format:
- Clinical and Situational Judgement
- General Interview
However, a significant modification has been made to the scoring domains, meaning you should adapt your prep and approach to reflect this!
Key Changes for the 2025 Interview Cycle
The primary change for the 2025 CT1 Anaesthetics interview is the reassignment of scoring domains:
- Reflective Practice will now be assessed in the Clinical Interview.
- Team Working will now be assessed in the General Interview section.
What This Means for You
These changes mean that candidates must now demonstrate reflection and critical thinking while discussing clinical scenarios. Previously, Reflective Practice was assessed separately, but it is now integrated into the Clinical and Situational Judgement station. This shift brings the interview format closer to the pre-2024 style, where deep reflection on clinical decisions was expected.
Similarly, Team Working is now assessed in the General Interview. Given the collaborative nature of anaesthesia and theatre work, candidates should expect deeper and more nuanced questions about how they function within a team, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively.
Updated Question Sets
Because of these changes, the interview questions have undergone significant rewrites. Simply swapping previous questions between stations is not sufficient. Candidates should expect restructured scenarios that require:
- Clinical reflection within patient management discussions
- A stronger emphasis on teamwork in the General Interview
How to Prepare for the 2025 CT1 Anaesthetics Interview
1. Strengthen Your Reflective Practice
Since Reflective Practice is now assessed in the Clinical and Situational Judgement section, focus on:
- Demonstrating how past experiences have shaped your clinical decision-making.
- Discussing patient cases with a focus on learning points and improvements.
- Using structured reflection frameworks such as Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle or the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to articulate responses clearly.
2. Develop Deeper Insights into Team Working
Given its new placement in the General Interview, expect more detailed questions on teamwork in anaesthesia. Prepare by:
- Reflecting on examples of multidisciplinary collaboration in clinical settings.
- Discussing how you handle challenges within a team (e.g., disagreements, managing hierarchies).
- Highlighting communication skills, delegation, and leadership within anaesthetic teams.
3. Practise with Updated Mock Stations
Since the questions have been rewritten for 2025, it is crucial to use realistic mock interview scenarios. Our course has updated all mock stations to align with The Anaesthetics National Recruitment Office (ANRO) guidelines, ensuring candidates practice with current and relevant question formats.
Final Tips for Success
- Know the ANRO guidelines: Familiarise yourself with the latest official guidance to understand what assessors are looking for. We summarise all of these and have top tips against each criteria in the course.
- Be concise and structured: Use clear frameworks for answering both clinical and general questions.
- Practise under timed conditions: Simulate the interview environment to enhance confidence and time management – this is what we do as a group in stinterview – join us in getting your reps in, you won’t regret it!
Get Ready with the Most Up-to-Date Interview Resources
Our expert-led interview preparation course is now fully updated for 2025, ensuring you walk into your CT1 Anaesthetics interview feeling prepared and confident. With tailored mock stations reflecting the latest changes, you’ll be equipped to excel in this competitive selection process.
Stay ahead of the competition and secure your place in Anaesthetics training. Sign up for our updated 2025 CT1 Anaesthetics Interview Course today!📱 Join our exclusive WhatsApp group to connect with other candidates, share insights, and get support from peers who are practicing just as hard as you are. Be part of a motivated community that will help you stay on track and boost your chances of success!