Plan backwards from Oriel
A realistic Anaesthetics CT1 preparation timeline
There is no scored CT1 portfolio grid. Preparation should build genuine understanding and examples for the person specification and General Interview while protecting enough time for the MSRA.
12+ months: test the career, not the interview script
Arrange theatre and perioperative exposure that includes pre-assessment, induction, maintenance, emergence and recovery. Observe an emergency or obstetric pathway if feasible. Start one small QI, teaching or research activity because it improves your experience, not because CT1 awards a published number of points for it.
6–12 months: collect experiences with usable detail
Seek examples of anticipating deterioration, working with a multiprofessional team, leading under pressure and changing practice after reflection. Complete projects you can explain accurately. Read enough physiology, pharmacology and perioperative care to understand conversations in theatre without pretending to be an anaesthetist already.
3–6 months: map evidence to the official domains
For Clinical Judgement, practise dynamic acute scenarios at an FY2 level. For General Interview, select specific examples for communication, commitment and teamwork. Check your experience limit, CREST or support forms early. Begin structured MSRA work and use official sample material to learn the format.
Before 19 November: submit a complete application
Choose the correct cluster before submission because it cannot be amended later. Upload adjustment evidence and required eligibility forms as instructed. Complete employment gaps and declarations truthfully. Do not leave Oriel submission to the final hour.
December and January: prioritise the MSRA
Eligible applicants are invited by 14 December and test between 5 and 20 January. Practise both components. A strong interview cannot rescue failure to meet the new minimum cut-off or a rank outside interview capacity.
After MSRA: switch to timed spoken work
Prepare paper-note layouts, test your device on Qpercom when instructed and rehearse a five-minute read followed by a 15-minute evolving scenario. Keep General Interview answers conversational and evidence-led. Shortlist-reserve applicants may receive only 24 hours' notice if a slot opens.
Before offers: rank every post you would genuinely accept
Only ranked subpreferences can produce an offer. A post placed in 'Not Wanted' cannot be offered even if lower-ranked applicants receive it. Compare the Core and ACCS route, geography, hospital footprint and on-call pattern before ranking rather than sorting by an unsupported league table.
From understanding to practice
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Use General Interview station for original prompts and an answer structure relevant to this topic.
Explore Anaesthetics CT1 practiceExplore the Question bank and spoken practice coming at launch.Spoken practice is launching soon. Use the free questions and guides to start preparing now.
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