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Cracking the ACCS Interview: Structure, Preparation and Practice Tips
Introduction
The Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) interview is the gateway to entering training in Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, Acute Internal Medicine or Intensive Care Medicine. Competition is intense, and candidates need to demonstrate clinical aptitude, ethical reasoning and commitment to the specialty.
This guide outlines the ACCS training pathway, details the interview format and scoring, and provides preparation strategies to help you stand out.
Understanding the ACCS Training Pathway
The ACCS programme is a four‑year training route that forms the foundation for acute specialties. The first two years focus on:
Emergency Medicine
Anaesthetics
Acute Internal Medicine
The final two years provide specialty‑specific training.
Application Process:
ACCS (Emergency Medicine): Apply via Oriel. Shortlisting includes the MSRA.
ACCS (Anaesthetics): Long‑listed via the application form. No MSRA required.
Interview invites are based on MSRA (Emergency) or application scores (Anaesthetics).
Interview Structure and Scoring
ACCS Emergency Medicine:
Virtual interview (~35–40 mins)
Three stations, ~10 mins each:
Prioritisation (e.g. triage, multiple acute scenarios)
Clinical/Ethical Scenario (e.g. professional judgement)
Communication Task (e.g. counselling a patient or relative)
Each station has two examiners using standardised criteria
Final score = Interview + MSRA
ACCS Anaesthetics:
Online interview (~40 mins)
Two stations:
Clinical Scenario (e.g. airway emergencies, perioperative care)
Ethical/Communication Scenario
Core scoring categories:
Clinical decision‑making
Communication and professionalism
Ethical reasoning and governance
Commitment to specialty
Reflective practice and teamwork
Build a Strong Portfolio
Though the interview structure is standardised, a strong portfolio shows commitment and experience. Include:
Audits and QI projects
Teaching and leadership roles
Courses (ALS, ATLS)
Reflections on clinical learning
Keep your portfolio up to date and ready to present if requested.
Prepare for Common Scenarios
Systematic scenario practice is key. Common examples include:
Managing a crowded ED with multiple priorities
Leading a cardiac arrest resuscitation
DNACPR discussions with families
Anaesthetic induction in a difficult airway
Responding professionally to a medication error
Practice strategy:
Rotate roles (candidate, patient, examiner)
Focus on structure:
Identify the problem
Gather information
Communicate clearly
Plan and justify decisions
Reflect using STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Master Communication and Professionalism
Communication is critical. To improve:
Speak clearly and maintain eye contact
Listen actively and use empathetic language
Avoid jargon—use lay terms
Respect autonomy, confidentiality and duty of care
In ethical situations:
Show honesty and ownership
Offer solutions and acknowledge responsibility
Practise delivering bad news sensitively
Use High‑Quality Interview Resources
A question bank can fast-track your prep. Quesmed’s ACCS Interview Qbank includes:
50+ realistic scenarios
Model answers and walkthroughs by high‑scoring trainees
Videos demonstrating tone, body language, pacing
Progress tracking across domains
Offline mobile access
Group study features for collaborative prep
Develop a Strategy for the Day
Before the interview:
Ensure strong Wi‑Fi and a quiet space
Dress smartly and test tech early
Keep your portfolio and certificates handy
During the interview:
Read each scenario carefully
Plan your response before speaking
Use signposting to guide examiners
Apply core values: safety, evidence, empathy, professionalism
If you make a mistake, acknowledge it and recover
After the interview:
Reflect on performance
Identify what went well and what to improve
Use feedback to grow regardless of the outcome
Conclusion
The ACCS interview is a competitive but rewarding step toward acute care training. You can excel by:
Understanding structure and scoring
Building a strong, reflective portfolio
Practising scenarios systematically
Honing communication and professionalism
Quesmed’s ACCS interview resources offer realistic preparation, detailed answers and structured feedback to boost your confidence.
With thorough preparation, self-reflection and calm execution, you can secure your place in an acute care specialty.
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