ACCS Interview Qbank

The Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) programme is the core training route for doctors aiming to specialise in Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, Acute Internal Medicine, or Intensive Care Medicine.

It provides a structured four-year programme: the first two years focus on core acute specialties (Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, and Acute Medicine), followed by two years of specialty-specific training.

Applications are made via the Oriel recruitment system during the national window (usually October-November).

• Applicants can apply for ACCS (Emergency Medicine) or ACCS (Anaesthetics) as separate programmes.
• The Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA) is used for shortlisting in ACCS Emergency Medicine but not for Anaesthetics.
• Invitations to interview are based on MSRA scores (EM) or application longlisting (Anaesthetics).

Scoring categories may include:

• Clinical decision-making and prioritisation.
• Communication and professionalism.
• Ethical reasoning and governance.
• Commitment to specialty.
• Reflective practice and teamwork.

ACCS Emergency Medicine

• Format: Virtual interview with three stations, each lasting about 10 minutes.
• Duration: Around 35-40 minutes total.

Stations:

1. Prioritisation - triaging patients or managing multiple acute scenarios safely.
2. Clinical / Ethical Scenario - decision-making under pressure and professional judgement.
3. Communication - simulated discussion with a patient, relative, or colleague.

• Each station is scored independently by two assessors using standardised criteria.
• The total interview score combines with the MSRA score to form your final rank.

ACCS Anaesthetics

• Format: Online, two-station interview (approximately 40 minutes total).

Stations:

1. Clinical Scenario - assessing your approach to acute presentations, e.g. airway emergencies or perioperative problems.
2. Motivation and Suitability - exploring your insight into the specialty, teamwork, reflection, and personal attributes.

• Assessors focus on logical reasoning, communication, and understanding of anaesthetic practice rather than detailed specialist knowledge.
• No portfolio review is required.

Scoring and Appointability

• Each domain/station is marked against a national scoring framework.
• Scores are combined to determine a national ranking.
• Appointment depends on your final rank and programme preferences.

1.Understand the process

• Read the official applicant guides from the RCoA and RCEM websites.
• Check whether your route (EM or Anaesthetics) includes the MSRA.

2.Practise interview scenarios

• Simulate prioritisation and communication tasks.
• Rehearse common clinical and ethical situations relevant to acute and perioperative care.

3.Structure your answers

• Use frameworks such as ABCDE, SBAR, CAMP or SPIES for structured, safe responses.
• Reflect on your reasoning, patient safety, and teamwork.

4.Build your evidence

• Prepare concise examples demonstrating leadership, reflection, and commitment to the specialty.

5.Prepare your setup

• Ensure a stable internet connection, quiet setting, and functioning camera and microphone.
• Dress professionally and test your setup in advance.

For detailed timelines, applicant guides, and scoring frameworks, visit:

• RCEM Recruitment - ACCS Emergency Medicine
• RCoA - Anaesthetics Recruitment