What happens in the Public Health (ST1) interview
The UK Public Health ST1 National Recruitment selection centre interview consists of three 12-minute online interview stations on Qpercom Recruit, each assessed by two panellists. Each station asks two strictly timed 6-minute questions (six questions in total) mapped to essential criteria in the Public Health ST1 person specification, with two of the six questions supported by advance briefing material.
Checked against the official sources on 5 November 2026.
The parts, in order
Two strictly timed 6-minute panel questions (no introductions) assessing essential criteria from the Public Health ST1 person specification, such as communicating complex or uncertain information and multi-agency partnership working.
Two strictly timed 6-minute panel questions assessing analytical and data reasoning, dealing with uncertainty, and population prioritisation and resource allocation.
Two strictly timed 6-minute panel questions assessing health inequalities, ethical tension in population health, and leading across systems without formal authority.
How it is marked
Two assessors independently score each 6-minute question against the essential criteria in the Public Health ST1 person specification. Material outside the criteria mapped to the question is not scored.
Passing
Candidates must first pass all three computer-based Assessment Centre tests (Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking, RANRA Numerical Reasoning, and the Public Health Situational Judgement Test) to be invited to the Selection Centre, and must achieve the minimum appointability score across the three interview stations.
Worth knowing
- Recruitment is open to both medical doctors (post-Foundation / FY2 competencies) and qualified non-medical applicants meeting the academic and experience eligibility criteria.
- Two of the six questions across the circuit use short advance briefing material; there is no candidate presentation and no portfolio review at the Selection Centre.
Sources
- NHS England Medical Hub: Public Health ST1 Specialty Training Recruitment Guidance
- NHS England: Public Health ST1 Person Specification
Formats change. MedMock is not affiliated with any examining body; always check the current regulations on the official site before you apply.
Practise the Public Health (ST1) out loud
MedMock runs spoken Public Health (ST1) practice with AI and marks every session. Start with a £5 taster: 30 credits: 30 minutes of speaking practice. One-off payment, no subscription.
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