In This Section

Examination structure

Information about the structure of the Cardiothoracic Surgical Sciences and Principles (CSSP) Examination.

MCQ examination

The written component of the Cardiothoracic Surgical Sciences and Principles (CSSP) Examination consists of two examinations, each of 100 multiple choice Type X questions (true/false), both covering all aspects of the curriculum and held on consecutive days.

The CSSP examination is delivered electronically (no paper will be used).

Please see the dates and locations page for further information of when and where these examinations take place.

Anatomy viva

Successful candidates in the multiple choice question (MCQ) exam, will be invited to attend the anatomy viva component of the examination which takes place approximately three months after the MCQ exam. It is held in only one city and has a 25 minute duration examining gross anatomy.

Please see the dates and locations page for further information of when and where this component will take place.

Full information regarding the anatomy viva will be sent to candidates approximately two weeks after the MCQ exam.