<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!--Copyright 2021 Workiva-->
<!--r:de4e2091-4d2b-449d-a69a-2c8f2de58396,g:9db0404a-9cf5-4dd9-b1e2-f1ad43cacc3d-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CoverPage"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_CoverAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_70813ac2-d907-42bc-8364-f936f310a8a7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_70813ac2-d907-42bc-8364-f936f310a8a7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentAnnualReport_cd3db0cf-4354-4f2d-be2a-d1e358c82d12" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentAnnualReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentAnnualReport_cd3db0cf-4354-4f2d-be2a-d1e358c82d12" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_08de13e8-cffb-4430-9d83-ad80d4f329ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_08de13e8-cffb-4430-9d83-ad80d4f329ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_f748f0fa-68e8-4de5-b9cc-0e8533fe9c99" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_f748f0fa-68e8-4de5-b9cc-0e8533fe9c99" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_39d332b2-b7da-48bb-b59f-fd582816e7d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_39d332b2-b7da-48bb-b59f-fd582816e7d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_ca4e76b4-0ec8-479e-b938-0ebd397ebd64" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_ca4e76b4-0ec8-479e-b938-0ebd397ebd64" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_f345c4d4-fd8d-47a1-a9bb-9ad80acba4e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_f345c4d4-fd8d-47a1-a9bb-9ad80acba4e0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_a149c2c3-f680-4ee1-a587-f2056df24a9a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_a149c2c3-f680-4ee1-a587-f2056df24a9a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_c7366128-b7b2-4e2e-9657-f1e65bba144d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_c7366128-b7b2-4e2e-9657-f1e65bba144d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_a2fe13f4-66a1-4dd6-8194-29f980235633" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_a2fe13f4-66a1-4dd6-8194-29f980235633" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_c5884897-c699-4a3d-8a91-19d5bba9a86b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_c5884897-c699-4a3d-8a91-19d5bba9a86b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_52f2f7a0-a1a2-44c6-9599-54df50cbdd7c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_52f2f7a0-a1a2-44c6-9599-54df50cbdd7c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_ca91c13e-9244-4def-8e2b-b8a370c4ed2c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_ca91c13e-9244-4def-8e2b-b8a370c4ed2c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_56575adf-d50f-4003-b002-08cf6562dc06" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_56575adf-d50f-4003-b002-08cf6562dc06" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_e54f0164-f533-44b9-b8a5-0805e8ed79d8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_e54f0164-f533-44b9-b8a5-0805e8ed79d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_32cb9e13-dfc4-412b-84e9-ed0badc6c283" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_32cb9e13-dfc4-412b-84e9-ed0badc6c283" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_31db80d7-542d-4ef3-b697-086ec9f1e0a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_31db80d7-542d-4ef3-b697-086ec9f1e0a0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_32b4b117-a3ae-4aae-b5a7-724cb4c25721" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_32b4b117-a3ae-4aae-b5a7-724cb4c25721" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_8c68cf46-d470-4c24-81cf-bbd53c2aa6a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer_8c68cf46-d470-4c24-81cf-bbd53c2aa6a0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_559bbae1-f425-4ba4-b484-f0c9089342cb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers_559bbae1-f425-4ba4-b484-f0c9089342cb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_3060b9a9-58fb-41c0-a418-c07aa403f553" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_3060b9a9-58fb-41c0-a418-c07aa403f553" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_601babf1-8d86-4036-b84a-e0cbe8e68d06" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_601babf1-8d86-4036-b84a-e0cbe8e68d06" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_62a21d40-055d-4052-9ac7-855f33d39015" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_62a21d40-055d-4052-9ac7-855f33d39015" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_2bdbd312-dfbd-4187-bfd7-d7d3d22a4faf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_2bdbd312-dfbd-4187-bfd7-d7d3d22a4faf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_006444f6-41a7-45f3-8cee-6a344746c5a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_006444f6-41a7-45f3-8cee-6a344746c5a0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_IcfrAuditorAttestationFlag_d8967bec-344b-4225-9715-5d80c9bb4753" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_IcfrAuditorAttestationFlag"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_IcfrAuditorAttestationFlag_d8967bec-344b-4225-9715-5d80c9bb4753" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_016278d8-7419-4729-aa4d-23e786d2dc43" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_016278d8-7419-4729-aa4d-23e786d2dc43" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityPublicFloat_b5e23db1-2d5a-42a0-8b3f-cd47931e534a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityPublicFloat"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityPublicFloat_b5e23db1-2d5a-42a0-8b3f-cd47931e534a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_69212ab3-f0bd-4df4-bbcf-52c708433cf9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_69212ab3-f0bd-4df4-bbcf-52c708433cf9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentsIncorporatedByReferenceTextBlock_4caff72c-d372-4c07-b60e-b0c95f32ba02" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentsIncorporatedByReferenceTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentsIncorporatedByReferenceTextBlock_4caff72c-d372-4c07-b60e-b0c95f32ba02" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_613632d3-1b99-4db0-abb5-a236cd97e8b1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_613632d3-1b99-4db0-abb5-a236cd97e8b1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_8ddbf07e-578e-48ac-9695-3b2caf716a79" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="32" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_8ddbf07e-578e-48ac-9695-3b2caf716a79" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_521558e6-cabd-485c-9479-733f1ed8f1ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="33" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_521558e6-cabd-485c-9479-733f1ed8f1ba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_381ffb1a-c5ca-4a33-8680-437cdd5c3ec0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="34" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_41a62cf7-7cfa-4b1e-a0de-af39decb6d0d" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_381ffb1a-c5ca-4a33-8680-437cdd5c3ec0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETS" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETS"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETS" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_c9153a23-cc1e-4b16-99d5-8e1cef95584d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_20a5a980-14da-4419-ba9e-0bfb64eec6e2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_c9153a23-cc1e-4b16-99d5-8e1cef95584d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_20a5a980-14da-4419-ba9e-0bfb64eec6e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_95f4e763-8fb0-4ae6-bb2a-e5cf047b9c96" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_20a5a980-14da-4419-ba9e-0bfb64eec6e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_95f4e763-8fb0-4ae6-bb2a-e5cf047b9c96" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_835c0dfe-3e24-492e-be0a-765b4c8e04bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_95f4e763-8fb0-4ae6-bb2a-e5cf047b9c96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_835c0dfe-3e24-492e-be0a-765b4c8e04bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent_700d9799-3547-455d-8295-ac2a78a951b3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_95f4e763-8fb0-4ae6-bb2a-e5cf047b9c96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesCurrent_700d9799-3547-455d-8295-ac2a78a951b3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_95bfab78-0e03-479e-9e83-80bbbd99658c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_95f4e763-8fb0-4ae6-bb2a-e5cf047b9c96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_95bfab78-0e03-479e-9e83-80bbbd99658c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_3d3d1427-78b4-48b9-83c6-f6b12bc65017" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_95f4e763-8fb0-4ae6-bb2a-e5cf047b9c96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_3d3d1427-78b4-48b9-83c6-f6b12bc65017" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_d9858611-880a-48bd-b498-1eebcd776344" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_95f4e763-8fb0-4ae6-bb2a-e5cf047b9c96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_d9858611-880a-48bd-b498-1eebcd776344" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_7b435a46-5114-4792-8373-89e9351b03dd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_95f4e763-8fb0-4ae6-bb2a-e5cf047b9c96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_7b435a46-5114-4792-8373-89e9351b03dd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNoncurrent_69138e1f-6918-4cfb-9c5f-01e13c09c8d1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_20a5a980-14da-4419-ba9e-0bfb64eec6e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNoncurrent_69138e1f-6918-4cfb-9c5f-01e13c09c8d1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_4f5bec04-af23-4dbc-bcf6-8e08ec855b9a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_20a5a980-14da-4419-ba9e-0bfb64eec6e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_4f5bec04-af23-4dbc-bcf6-8e08ec855b9a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_afcc420d-6ce1-4c81-a7d4-63568e33f5d6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_20a5a980-14da-4419-ba9e-0bfb64eec6e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_afcc420d-6ce1-4c81-a7d4-63568e33f5d6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent_2030f784-cab7-4075-9142-4a138a23cb2a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_20a5a980-14da-4419-ba9e-0bfb64eec6e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecuritiesNoncurrent_2030f784-cab7-4075-9142-4a138a23cb2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_52eb5378-a4ee-47a6-b0c7-8c7eaa80a420" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_20a5a980-14da-4419-ba9e-0bfb64eec6e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_52eb5378-a4ee-47a6-b0c7-8c7eaa80a420" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_875f593d-d184-4e10-9c54-3fafbc822db4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_20a5a980-14da-4419-ba9e-0bfb64eec6e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_875f593d-d184-4e10-9c54-3fafbc822db4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_ad8533b7-047b-4410-b8d2-de2eb18ee84d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_20a5a980-14da-4419-ba9e-0bfb64eec6e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_ad8533b7-047b-4410-b8d2-de2eb18ee84d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_f20282fe-808a-40f2-8ec1-472a8ef0e792" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_c9153a23-cc1e-4b16-99d5-8e1cef95584d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_f20282fe-808a-40f2-8ec1-472a8ef0e792" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_d2e57482-1a67-430c-9741-1eaecac5a5b2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_f20282fe-808a-40f2-8ec1-472a8ef0e792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_d2e57482-1a67-430c-9741-1eaecac5a5b2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_0a16df60-9d65-45d4-bae1-ab776580a202" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_d2e57482-1a67-430c-9741-1eaecac5a5b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_0a16df60-9d65-45d4-bae1-ab776580a202" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_AccruedClinicalExpensesCurrent_6bc86e7f-fc7b-47f0-92e7-9854708dc7a8" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_AccruedClinicalExpensesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_d2e57482-1a67-430c-9741-1eaecac5a5b2" xlink:to="loc_cort_AccruedClinicalExpensesCurrent_6bc86e7f-fc7b-47f0-92e7-9854708dc7a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_67c4f96f-9067-463a-bf3b-d6aa55bc0c08" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_d2e57482-1a67-430c-9741-1eaecac5a5b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_67c4f96f-9067-463a-bf3b-d6aa55bc0c08" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_db0094b2-3cfd-47f9-9d72-50a0e4e7ad32" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_d2e57482-1a67-430c-9741-1eaecac5a5b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_db0094b2-3cfd-47f9-9d72-50a0e4e7ad32" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_665b0dd4-b961-4cdb-932f-72053154df76" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_d2e57482-1a67-430c-9741-1eaecac5a5b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_665b0dd4-b961-4cdb-932f-72053154df76" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_a2416b2d-10c1-44ef-b07b-4585bd79f967" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_f20282fe-808a-40f2-8ec1-472a8ef0e792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_a2416b2d-10c1-44ef-b07b-4585bd79f967" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesNoncurrent_36643022-6966-4804-90ba-f857638db4f3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_f20282fe-808a-40f2-8ec1-472a8ef0e792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesNoncurrent_36643022-6966-4804-90ba-f857638db4f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_a1ef8f0e-f1a1-4dea-b2bc-0eecbad41540" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_f20282fe-808a-40f2-8ec1-472a8ef0e792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_a1ef8f0e-f1a1-4dea-b2bc-0eecbad41540" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_b4a9c84d-bc6b-4419-9bd6-9a5780cd394b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_f20282fe-808a-40f2-8ec1-472a8ef0e792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_b4a9c84d-bc6b-4419-9bd6-9a5780cd394b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_2a216ff7-e37b-4969-9cb1-50e1d08b2651" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_f20282fe-808a-40f2-8ec1-472a8ef0e792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_2a216ff7-e37b-4969-9cb1-50e1d08b2651" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_89e22cd7-529a-4059-b9e6-1d0160816bb8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_2a216ff7-e37b-4969-9cb1-50e1d08b2651" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_89e22cd7-529a-4059-b9e6-1d0160816bb8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_b21e873e-119e-493c-a428-403fce0640a8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_2a216ff7-e37b-4969-9cb1-50e1d08b2651" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_b21e873e-119e-493c-a428-403fce0640a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonValue_b13b6172-fe93-4950-90c3-e2df75656ca3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_2a216ff7-e37b-4969-9cb1-50e1d08b2651" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonValue_b13b6172-fe93-4950-90c3-e2df75656ca3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_46e8fcf4-5192-4192-b2b2-889368830236" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_2a216ff7-e37b-4969-9cb1-50e1d08b2651" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_46e8fcf4-5192-4192-b2b2-889368830236" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_f1b3b187-593b-4d74-ac33-83e6dd51980d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_2a216ff7-e37b-4969-9cb1-50e1d08b2651" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_f1b3b187-593b-4d74-ac33-83e6dd51980d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_25b7087f-939a-4b05-abf9-20e2ea70b272" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_2a216ff7-e37b-4969-9cb1-50e1d08b2651" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_25b7087f-939a-4b05-abf9-20e2ea70b272" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_dd4f8b91-af7b-4811-bf8a-ae76158fe93c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_2a216ff7-e37b-4969-9cb1-50e1d08b2651" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_dd4f8b91-af7b-4811-bf8a-ae76158fe93c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_ce086d10-4417-4d0b-ac54-ae1afab286ca" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_f20282fe-808a-40f2-8ec1-472a8ef0e792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_ce086d10-4417-4d0b-ac54-ae1afab286ca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSParenthetical"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_d010c671-92fc-4d86-a7b7-03ff28657d55" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_b92e55b6-8a6a-465a-aebc-d8488f464c78" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_d010c671-92fc-4d86-a7b7-03ff28657d55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_b92e55b6-8a6a-465a-aebc-d8488f464c78" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_4aa32dba-a003-4b79-8632-a1d87b1d650a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_d010c671-92fc-4d86-a7b7-03ff28657d55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_4aa32dba-a003-4b79-8632-a1d87b1d650a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_77367cca-9050-4c38-9e92-5939106ec7c9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_d010c671-92fc-4d86-a7b7-03ff28657d55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_77367cca-9050-4c38-9e92-5939106ec7c9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_75b1bbc7-84fa-4e6f-9950-4222ed891638" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_d010c671-92fc-4d86-a7b7-03ff28657d55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_75b1bbc7-84fa-4e6f-9950-4222ed891638" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_24019c1c-ed4b-4a8c-bcd0-46d2343b8cb9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_d010c671-92fc-4d86-a7b7-03ff28657d55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_24019c1c-ed4b-4a8c-bcd0-46d2343b8cb9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_10ab72e4-0f1a-4c3c-8d11-bdad27ce8020" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_d010c671-92fc-4d86-a7b7-03ff28657d55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_10ab72e4-0f1a-4c3c-8d11-bdad27ce8020" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_2fd192c8-5e44-403e-83d8-65355ef3ec44" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_d010c671-92fc-4d86-a7b7-03ff28657d55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_2fd192c8-5e44-403e-83d8-65355ef3ec44" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonShares_08252d02-4927-42bd-a8c3-cc2b50478d2a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonShares"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_d010c671-92fc-4d86-a7b7-03ff28657d55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockCommonShares_08252d02-4927-42bd-a8c3-cc2b50478d2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOME" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOME"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOME" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_ee3bb536-b3d3-4ce1-ace7-b611874db52b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_5536668b-097d-495a-8db2-bc9220dd69b5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_ee3bb536-b3d3-4ce1-ace7-b611874db52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_5536668b-097d-495a-8db2-bc9220dd69b5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8f0f7039-9d96-41de-a40c-8980a5960b88" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_ee3bb536-b3d3-4ce1-ace7-b611874db52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8f0f7039-9d96-41de-a40c-8980a5960b88" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_69a9b28c-1aea-478e-9237-ae26fa13250b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8f0f7039-9d96-41de-a40c-8980a5960b88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_69a9b28c-1aea-478e-9237-ae26fa13250b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_4513ff7f-c0c0-4195-bd80-77dd5ee1a801" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8f0f7039-9d96-41de-a40c-8980a5960b88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_4513ff7f-c0c0-4195-bd80-77dd5ee1a801" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_cf21d02b-108d-47cd-bbeb-69890d368f3a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8f0f7039-9d96-41de-a40c-8980a5960b88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_cf21d02b-108d-47cd-bbeb-69890d368f3a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_4c716617-5481-4cb6-9147-08384b41e70d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_8f0f7039-9d96-41de-a40c-8980a5960b88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_4c716617-5481-4cb6-9147-08384b41e70d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_26cfbcb2-8338-4f31-88e9-5a6bc3bd1ce4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_ee3bb536-b3d3-4ce1-ace7-b611874db52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_26cfbcb2-8338-4f31-88e9-5a6bc3bd1ce4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_InterestAndOtherIncomeExpense_bf348770-9616-4f9c-a906-13d0733c3428" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_InterestAndOtherIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_ee3bb536-b3d3-4ce1-ace7-b611874db52b" xlink:to="loc_cort_InterestAndOtherIncomeExpense_bf348770-9616-4f9c-a906-13d0733c3428" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_adf3e810-d550-44de-afea-5fcaef8d8637" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_ee3bb536-b3d3-4ce1-ace7-b611874db52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_adf3e810-d550-44de-afea-5fcaef8d8637" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_1d5d6633-aef0-46fe-a91d-c11655400668" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_ee3bb536-b3d3-4ce1-ace7-b611874db52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_1d5d6633-aef0-46fe-a91d-c11655400668" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_df97bf85-53e3-441f-9bad-71e50e055cf3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_ee3bb536-b3d3-4ce1-ace7-b611874db52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_df97bf85-53e3-441f-9bad-71e50e055cf3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_3bc0d436-3a9e-4eba-a2b8-1ba6d422c73f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_ee3bb536-b3d3-4ce1-ace7-b611874db52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_3bc0d436-3a9e-4eba-a2b8-1ba6d422c73f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_8a8e1433-53cc-4167-b14d-0304365df45f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_3bc0d436-3a9e-4eba-a2b8-1ba6d422c73f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax_8a8e1433-53cc-4167-b14d-0304365df45f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_c0e7442e-fabc-46a1-9721-3104e8a86a4b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_3bc0d436-3a9e-4eba-a2b8-1ba6d422c73f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_c0e7442e-fabc-46a1-9721-3104e8a86a4b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_565a8c3d-9944-4b7d-8f97-2cf0ad5d8164" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_3bc0d436-3a9e-4eba-a2b8-1ba6d422c73f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_565a8c3d-9944-4b7d-8f97-2cf0ad5d8164" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_b6d89a05-d610-4115-8447-bb8025e1cea5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_ee3bb536-b3d3-4ce1-ace7-b611874db52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_b6d89a05-d610-4115-8447-bb8025e1cea5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_7e14a8a6-a41d-477c-a864-68ba6c2b239d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_ee3bb536-b3d3-4ce1-ace7-b611874db52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_7e14a8a6-a41d-477c-a864-68ba6c2b239d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_b6fb7f04-c427-4199-ae4a-d651a45106f2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_ee3bb536-b3d3-4ce1-ace7-b611874db52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_b6fb7f04-c427-4199-ae4a-d651a45106f2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_063b63da-2248-4f30-a292-b293fa2a0f7a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_b6fb7f04-c427-4199-ae4a-d651a45106f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_063b63da-2248-4f30-a292-b293fa2a0f7a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_0894d904-a331-46cc-a3f3-e14d29f9d19d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_b6fb7f04-c427-4199-ae4a-d651a45106f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_0894d904-a331-46cc-a3f3-e14d29f9d19d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMEParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMEParenthetical"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMEParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_88292b63-fdba-4de1-a43a-35329bf00707" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodTax_2f81404b-bd4f-47e1-9f50-40ed9089353e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_88292b63-fdba-4de1-a43a-35329bf00707" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodTax_2f81404b-bd4f-47e1-9f50-40ed9089353e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_dc0070f5-597d-4461-870b-9d5b110c6408" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3dcb2eef-ed3c-4754-9307-e50e4837309e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_dc0070f5-597d-4461-870b-9d5b110c6408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3dcb2eef-ed3c-4754-9307-e50e4837309e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_5cb85859-e48a-47a6-9cdf-25a803465b8f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3dcb2eef-ed3c-4754-9307-e50e4837309e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_5cb85859-e48a-47a6-9cdf-25a803465b8f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_64137c6c-ef46-41c5-b411-51cf7129896a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3dcb2eef-ed3c-4754-9307-e50e4837309e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_64137c6c-ef46-41c5-b411-51cf7129896a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_76cd8378-a53b-4ba7-b652-6eed646b65c8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_64137c6c-ef46-41c5-b411-51cf7129896a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_76cd8378-a53b-4ba7-b652-6eed646b65c8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_AccretionExpenseIncome_87153b59-c788-41a0-a3a0-51f9c170975e" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_AccretionExpenseIncome"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_64137c6c-ef46-41c5-b411-51cf7129896a" xlink:to="loc_cort_AccretionExpenseIncome_87153b59-c788-41a0-a3a0-51f9c170975e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_e44d93d2-afd8-4d5b-80c4-a492f9cf676a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_64137c6c-ef46-41c5-b411-51cf7129896a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_e44d93d2-afd8-4d5b-80c4-a492f9cf676a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_6b3e002d-5d29-458d-90c5-03611c1f8159" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_64137c6c-ef46-41c5-b411-51cf7129896a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_6b3e002d-5d29-458d-90c5-03611c1f8159" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_447a79a7-bf2c-488e-adbd-fd84cfe3bbb0" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_64137c6c-ef46-41c5-b411-51cf7129896a" xlink:to="loc_cort_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_447a79a7-bf2c-488e-adbd-fd84cfe3bbb0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_eb767c54-5007-4d5c-a411-943a6bf94580" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_64137c6c-ef46-41c5-b411-51cf7129896a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_eb767c54-5007-4d5c-a411-943a6bf94580" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_805dd5ba-3560-443f-9e1f-13490d316e43" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_64137c6c-ef46-41c5-b411-51cf7129896a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_805dd5ba-3560-443f-9e1f-13490d316e43" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_b9fcd07e-222f-41fb-a1ac-f6a1aa42e0f1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_805dd5ba-3560-443f-9e1f-13490d316e43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_b9fcd07e-222f-41fb-a1ac-f6a1aa42e0f1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_d7cc6dd8-1a71-4092-a4e1-2779dd927d0a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_805dd5ba-3560-443f-9e1f-13490d316e43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_d7cc6dd8-1a71-4092-a4e1-2779dd927d0a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_74e8ed20-5355-4e6d-b91c-5dc14b1996c6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_805dd5ba-3560-443f-9e1f-13490d316e43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_74e8ed20-5355-4e6d-b91c-5dc14b1996c6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_55c584cf-fe45-4435-a2bc-85292f986681" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_805dd5ba-3560-443f-9e1f-13490d316e43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_55c584cf-fe45-4435-a2bc-85292f986681" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_ac68e6da-2aab-4968-adf9-aa0929efd761" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_805dd5ba-3560-443f-9e1f-13490d316e43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_ac68e6da-2aab-4968-adf9-aa0929efd761" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_fdae7b06-732e-4402-a795-28fc4da0a521" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_805dd5ba-3560-443f-9e1f-13490d316e43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_fdae7b06-732e-4402-a795-28fc4da0a521" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentLiabilities_38d9b957-3659-474c-8734-699bf8cf8383" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_805dd5ba-3560-443f-9e1f-13490d316e43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentLiabilities_38d9b957-3659-474c-8734-699bf8cf8383" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities_823fa60c-fd72-413b-b1e5-fd62d67dca23" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_805dd5ba-3560-443f-9e1f-13490d316e43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities_823fa60c-fd72-413b-b1e5-fd62d67dca23" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable_dec29de0-51f9-487b-82ed-ea7ee398610a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_805dd5ba-3560-443f-9e1f-13490d316e43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable_dec29de0-51f9-487b-82ed-ea7ee398610a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiability_e4339494-a574-489b-86cc-79ac6897807e" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_805dd5ba-3560-443f-9e1f-13490d316e43" xlink:to="loc_cort_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiability_e4339494-a574-489b-86cc-79ac6897807e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_2edf9430-4565-4a09-98fb-0df2508fac82" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_3dcb2eef-ed3c-4754-9307-e50e4837309e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_2edf9430-4565-4a09-98fb-0df2508fac82" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1175bdf5-427b-4729-ae5e-1b22b536879b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_dc0070f5-597d-4461-870b-9d5b110c6408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1175bdf5-427b-4729-ae5e-1b22b536879b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_b09acf5d-a2e6-49b1-9099-e8ed21d5ed7b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1175bdf5-427b-4729-ae5e-1b22b536879b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_b09acf5d-a2e6-49b1-9099-e8ed21d5ed7b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_1b476e1f-8a53-42a6-9447-6831d0add963" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfAvailableForSaleSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1175bdf5-427b-4729-ae5e-1b22b536879b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_1b476e1f-8a53-42a6-9447-6831d0add963" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_88c01d4e-bcc9-4e87-9a1f-5b30845bbbc2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1175bdf5-427b-4729-ae5e-1b22b536879b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebt_88c01d4e-bcc9-4e87-9a1f-5b30845bbbc2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3f534cef-4513-4e62-96c1-c7b2d4e3c63d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_1175bdf5-427b-4729-ae5e-1b22b536879b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_3f534cef-4513-4e62-96c1-c7b2d4e3c63d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_99780b78-361f-4dad-9a0a-b1404d9197da" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_dc0070f5-597d-4461-870b-9d5b110c6408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_99780b78-361f-4dad-9a0a-b1404d9197da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity_79891fd6-639e-428f-8eb6-9aec61ac067a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_99780b78-361f-4dad-9a0a-b1404d9197da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity_79891fd6-639e-428f-8eb6-9aec61ac067a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_b3aa64bb-5abf-4ce2-a33b-0cfa0b967782" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_99780b78-361f-4dad-9a0a-b1404d9197da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_b3aa64bb-5abf-4ce2-a33b-0cfa0b967782" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_9f516e96-7b9c-4f81-a049-b1a1428d54cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_99780b78-361f-4dad-9a0a-b1404d9197da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_9f516e96-7b9c-4f81-a049-b1a1428d54cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_4e4f6ebd-ff51-4801-a389-1b4ed8b468cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_99780b78-361f-4dad-9a0a-b1404d9197da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_4e4f6ebd-ff51-4801-a389-1b4ed8b468cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_5d478a52-9527-4a6d-b8fa-bae159a8a4c3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_dc0070f5-597d-4461-870b-9d5b110c6408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_5d478a52-9527-4a6d-b8fa-bae159a8a4c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_b92f69e6-f6e2-4e4f-8939-d08a2f2bd37c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_dc0070f5-597d-4461-870b-9d5b110c6408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_b92f69e6-f6e2-4e4f-8939-d08a2f2bd37c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_ec721ecc-bc6d-40b2-9317-da36dc411df2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_dc0070f5-597d-4461-870b-9d5b110c6408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_ec721ecc-bc6d-40b2-9317-da36dc411df2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_20857134-df2b-4584-9c4f-e9e41044d367" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_dc0070f5-597d-4461-870b-9d5b110c6408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_20857134-df2b-4584-9c4f-e9e41044d367" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_4a49042d-f13e-4242-8c5b-dbbfcbb2c822" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_20857134-df2b-4584-9c4f-e9e41044d367" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_4a49042d-f13e-4242-8c5b-dbbfcbb2c822" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_SharesRepurchasedInNetSettlementOfCashlessOptionExercise_7c47b9eb-f0fb-460a-944c-ba2d5a73ac41" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_SharesRepurchasedInNetSettlementOfCashlessOptionExercise"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_20857134-df2b-4584-9c4f-e9e41044d367" xlink:to="loc_cort_SharesRepurchasedInNetSettlementOfCashlessOptionExercise_7c47b9eb-f0fb-460a-944c-ba2d5a73ac41" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_NonCashTransactionRecognitionOfRightOfUseAssetAndLeaseLiability_61efdc3f-89b7-47e0-b756-ad8f57a818c9" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_NonCashTransactionRecognitionOfRightOfUseAssetAndLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_20857134-df2b-4584-9c4f-e9e41044d367" xlink:to="loc_cort_NonCashTransactionRecognitionOfRightOfUseAssetAndLeaseLiability_61efdc3f-89b7-47e0-b756-ad8f57a818c9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_2e54e2f8-fc59-4809-9bd8-05f4785feab0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_152a93d3-0408-437b-a06e-544bb795fd10" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_2e54e2f8-fc59-4809-9bd8-05f4785feab0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_152a93d3-0408-437b-a06e-544bb795fd10" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_3fda94fc-e3a6-4732-84ea-224cd24aae2d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_152a93d3-0408-437b-a06e-544bb795fd10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_3fda94fc-e3a6-4732-84ea-224cd24aae2d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2485530c-ee54-46ad-a5e5-93ffdcc41caa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_3fda94fc-e3a6-4732-84ea-224cd24aae2d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2485530c-ee54-46ad-a5e5-93ffdcc41caa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_f83c5b20-2812-4484-8405-4b5072212ba0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2485530c-ee54-46ad-a5e5-93ffdcc41caa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_f83c5b20-2812-4484-8405-4b5072212ba0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_8b302e76-abae-4db4-9fe8-1d0f100ae174" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2485530c-ee54-46ad-a5e5-93ffdcc41caa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_8b302e76-abae-4db4-9fe8-1d0f100ae174" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_c6a20172-af5b-4c78-a6cc-caa34caeb376" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2485530c-ee54-46ad-a5e5-93ffdcc41caa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_c6a20172-af5b-4c78-a6cc-caa34caeb376" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_8310582d-f3c4-4f9c-986b-ffac1f28de58" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2485530c-ee54-46ad-a5e5-93ffdcc41caa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_8310582d-f3c4-4f9c-986b-ffac1f28de58" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_fa310a0a-36eb-45c1-9f88-c95ee8ff7224" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2485530c-ee54-46ad-a5e5-93ffdcc41caa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_fa310a0a-36eb-45c1-9f88-c95ee8ff7224" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_afa4d48d-f8d8-4655-b70f-93571038b1fc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_152a93d3-0408-437b-a06e-544bb795fd10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_afa4d48d-f8d8-4655-b70f-93571038b1fc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredBonusAndProfitSharingArrangementIndividualContractTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_b3880cee-1029-4497-a25b-38cfef704ee6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredBonusAndProfitSharingArrangementIndividualContractTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualExcludingShareBasedPaymentsAndPostretirementBenefitsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_afa4d48d-f8d8-4655-b70f-93571038b1fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredBonusAndProfitSharingArrangementIndividualContractTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_b3880cee-1029-4497-a25b-38cfef704ee6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_EmployeesAndDirectorsMember_104b6ffc-fc15-47a3-8c92-263c4198f6b6" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_EmployeesAndDirectorsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredBonusAndProfitSharingArrangementIndividualContractTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_b3880cee-1029-4497-a25b-38cfef704ee6" xlink:to="loc_cort_EmployeesAndDirectorsMember_104b6ffc-fc15-47a3-8c92-263c4198f6b6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_NonEmployeeMember_ae54f6f6-747b-42f9-9d84-d904173c9a4f" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_NonEmployeeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredBonusAndProfitSharingArrangementIndividualContractTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_b3880cee-1029-4497-a25b-38cfef704ee6" xlink:to="loc_cort_NonEmployeeMember_ae54f6f6-747b-42f9-9d84-d904173c9a4f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_fb9e69b5-52aa-4a09-b1b7-ababe223e957" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_152a93d3-0408-437b-a06e-544bb795fd10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_fb9e69b5-52aa-4a09-b1b7-ababe223e957" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_fb9e69b5-52aa-4a09-b1b7-ababe223e957" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_0cb48f95-9159-4ff6-8ae6-66f30e9bd282" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_0cb48f95-9159-4ff6-8ae6-66f30e9bd282" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_09fef09e-7858-42a9-96ce-d95ea656b426" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_09fef09e-7858-42a9-96ce-d95ea656b426" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_808e0427-6eb1-49dc-a30f-7efac30828e9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_808e0427-6eb1-49dc-a30f-7efac30828e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_7a9c296c-96ab-433a-a4ad-45c715d4dd5e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_7a9c296c-96ab-433a-a4ad-45c715d4dd5e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_132619dc-777f-40ab-8acc-e54d7737f8a8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_132619dc-777f-40ab-8acc-e54d7737f8a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_e6069fe0-998a-4799-ac6e-3147c96a8e3c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_e6069fe0-998a-4799-ac6e-3147c96a8e3c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_5b99e1bc-f910-4e5d-acc3-48e965072775" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_5b99e1bc-f910-4e5d-acc3-48e965072775" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_6d8e9c32-f0bb-46b2-8b66-6df57d323d78" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_6d8e9c32-f0bb-46b2-8b66-6df57d323d78" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_e04dc26b-b458-427d-817e-b0495d6a6141" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_e04dc26b-b458-427d-817e-b0495d6a6141" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_72982d84-394f-4376-ba2a-5fe0538e3674" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_72982d84-394f-4376-ba2a-5fe0538e3674" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_3968b6cd-068b-48c2-b54d-c748703d2cdc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_3968b6cd-068b-48c2-b54d-c748703d2cdc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_be95afb4-bc9a-49db-90a7-bd776e7c9df0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_be95afb4-bc9a-49db-90a7-bd776e7c9df0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_88dc70dd-17d7-4138-b76c-850b052a3a71" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_0f97c98a-21d9-4c3f-acaf-9723dcc1a2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_88dc70dd-17d7-4138-b76c-850b052a3a71" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_b0a13b72-91e9-431d-9d83-e42bb946181c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_9db946fc-c8b8-4d94-8f25-5b2091157d96" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_b0a13b72-91e9-431d-9d83-e42bb946181c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_9db946fc-c8b8-4d94-8f25-5b2091157d96" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_b36f1d11-0d4a-4f15-8849-9966efe7500e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_b36f1d11-0d4a-4f15-8849-9966efe7500e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_75edfe3f-ec1f-4204-afd2-d7db0ce2c517" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_75edfe3f-ec1f-4204-afd2-d7db0ce2c517" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_7f13438a-a1e3-4d4e-93f1-581189e9df80" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UseOfEstimates"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_7f13438a-a1e3-4d4e-93f1-581189e9df80" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_e0beebe5-5f16-43e3-8f0f-08279ee2c443" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_e0beebe5-5f16-43e3-8f0f-08279ee2c443" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_CashAndCashEquivalentsAndMarketableSecuritiesPolicyTextBlock_d4ae8001-845c-435c-96ed-9f1843d054c6" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_CashAndCashEquivalentsAndMarketableSecuritiesPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_cort_CashAndCashEquivalentsAndMarketableSecuritiesPolicyTextBlock_d4ae8001-845c-435c-96ed-9f1843d054c6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk_a78b13e2-a724-482d-af2f-d44d1078a97c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk_a78b13e2-a724-482d-af2f-d44d1078a97c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock_517cd614-6157-4a89-abc4-1a1bf34419da" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock_517cd614-6157-4a89-abc4-1a1bf34419da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock_b41ce4d6-35ef-48a8-afb5-10f6a60fb45e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock_b41ce4d6-35ef-48a8-afb5-10f6a60fb45e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_100ee1de-81f5-4e2f-b72f-c8bbe6cb85b7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_100ee1de-81f5-4e2f-b72f-c8bbe6cb85b7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpensePolicy_671c425a-a22b-4ec8-9b6d-5c32f826ecd3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpensePolicy"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpensePolicy_671c425a-a22b-4ec8-9b6d-5c32f826ecd3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_2a7d50e0-b5d1-4c02-a92f-4b217a0e62d8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_2a7d50e0-b5d1-4c02-a92f-4b217a0e62d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_291dd8fa-7829-43d6-93d6-ec547484fafb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_291dd8fa-7829-43d6-93d6-ec547484fafb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_acf46287-69ba-4521-acb9-df16cfbe2b97" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_acf46287-69ba-4521-acb9-df16cfbe2b97" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_ad2c7d86-548e-48ed-b4f0-c4538030d4ae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_8e8076b6-111a-4dbe-9f2d-227207e88154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_ad2c7d86-548e-48ed-b4f0-c4538030d4ae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_636e4a46-72e1-4148-aac7-11c9671d0ef0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditLossesForFinancingReceivablesCurrentTableTextBlock_4210ecc0-5cfd-4197-a67a-ddb62bcbfd38" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditLossesForFinancingReceivablesCurrentTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_636e4a46-72e1-4148-aac7-11c9671d0ef0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditLossesForFinancingReceivablesCurrentTableTextBlock_4210ecc0-5cfd-4197-a67a-ddb62bcbfd38" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_731d5ce8-7398-4b86-919f-8e61f6cfbbde" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_AccountingPoliciesTable_7995c2b7-0b2c-42ad-a079-8edcac32a692" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_AccountingPoliciesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_731d5ce8-7398-4b86-919f-8e61f6cfbbde" xlink:to="loc_cort_AccountingPoliciesTable_7995c2b7-0b2c-42ad-a079-8edcac32a692" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_b61aacab-0b59-4df9-9efc-82faf2b3c2a6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_AccountingPoliciesTable_7995c2b7-0b2c-42ad-a079-8edcac32a692" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_b61aacab-0b59-4df9-9efc-82faf2b3c2a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8f935a96-6e07-4d02-a213-e4f5286be569" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_b61aacab-0b59-4df9-9efc-82faf2b3c2a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8f935a96-6e07-4d02-a213-e4f5286be569" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_4ca35db2-95e2-47e1-ba6b-e073470b4635" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8f935a96-6e07-4d02-a213-e4f5286be569" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_4ca35db2-95e2-47e1-ba6b-e073470b4635" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_333080dc-c56d-45fb-8a88-13d585bf74c6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_AccountingPoliciesTable_7995c2b7-0b2c-42ad-a079-8edcac32a692" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_333080dc-c56d-45fb-8a88-13d585bf74c6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_875b557b-ed15-40fb-9245-641647cfc03b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_333080dc-c56d-45fb-8a88-13d585bf74c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_875b557b-ed15-40fb-9245-641647cfc03b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_2df4f121-29b2-4290-bfc0-b67a68b58453" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_875b557b-ed15-40fb-9245-641647cfc03b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_2df4f121-29b2-4290-bfc0-b67a68b58453" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_AccountingPoliciesLineItems_db5fbc2e-5964-4f22-b51a-f4aa03145973" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_AccountingPoliciesLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_AccountingPoliciesTable_7995c2b7-0b2c-42ad-a079-8edcac32a692" xlink:to="loc_cort_AccountingPoliciesLineItems_db5fbc2e-5964-4f22-b51a-f4aa03145973" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_NumberOfSeriesOfSelectiveCortisolModulators_8728dd55-ba86-4727-827c-ec12b5e7de52" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_NumberOfSeriesOfSelectiveCortisolModulators"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_AccountingPoliciesLineItems_db5fbc2e-5964-4f22-b51a-f4aa03145973" xlink:to="loc_cort_NumberOfSeriesOfSelectiveCortisolModulators_8728dd55-ba86-4727-827c-ec12b5e7de52" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_NumberOfCompounds_f2a380e8-6528-463e-ac51-f6371d52f434" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_NumberOfCompounds"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_AccountingPoliciesLineItems_db5fbc2e-5964-4f22-b51a-f4aa03145973" xlink:to="loc_cort_NumberOfCompounds_f2a380e8-6528-463e-ac51-f6371d52f434" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_47aeca8e-5fa3-48f2-8375-a21ab971afde" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_AccountingPoliciesLineItems_db5fbc2e-5964-4f22-b51a-f4aa03145973" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_47aeca8e-5fa3-48f2-8375-a21ab971afde" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_e0bb6e99-064c-440a-a871-cfa48add8b27" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_AccountingPoliciesLineItems_db5fbc2e-5964-4f22-b51a-f4aa03145973" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_e0bb6e99-064c-440a-a871-cfa48add8b27" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryofAllowanceActivityIncludedinTradeReceivablesIncludesAllowanceforDoubtfulAccountsPromptPayCashDiscountsandChargebacksDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryofAllowanceActivityIncludedinTradeReceivablesIncludesAllowanceforDoubtfulAccountsPromptPayCashDiscountsandChargebacksDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/BasisofPresentationandSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryofAllowanceActivityIncludedinTradeReceivablesIncludesAllowanceforDoubtfulAccountsPromptPayCashDiscountsandChargebacksDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_70ce6ec6-e665-4938-bfa0-457fcf55bb5d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_5ec4048d-eff6-4a84-8bd7-c6ab4191003b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_70ce6ec6-e665-4938-bfa0-457fcf55bb5d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_5ec4048d-eff6-4a84-8bd7-c6ab4191003b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_6a76455f-15d4-4920-b437-fd25a40bb611" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_5ec4048d-eff6-4a84-8bd7-c6ab4191003b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_6a76455f-15d4-4920-b437-fd25a40bb611" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_e3829a08-24a3-487b-8176-b921616c7d0d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_6a76455f-15d4-4920-b437-fd25a40bb611" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_e3829a08-24a3-487b-8176-b921616c7d0d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_ChargebacksMember_eb01a70b-2887-4998-8a64-6e2fa63e399e" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_ChargebacksMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_e3829a08-24a3-487b-8176-b921616c7d0d" xlink:to="loc_cort_ChargebacksMember_eb01a70b-2887-4998-8a64-6e2fa63e399e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_GovernmentRebatesMember_2ff345cc-ce00-40d2-81c1-f14e5f1217a8" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_GovernmentRebatesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_e3829a08-24a3-487b-8176-b921616c7d0d" xlink:to="loc_cort_GovernmentRebatesMember_2ff345cc-ce00-40d2-81c1-f14e5f1217a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_0e93d874-57a7-4c68-9d74-2223df91db85" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_5ec4048d-eff6-4a84-8bd7-c6ab4191003b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_0e93d874-57a7-4c68-9d74-2223df91db85" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_0be1945e-168e-42a8-8f0f-70d264efef49" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_0e93d874-57a7-4c68-9d74-2223df91db85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_0be1945e-168e-42a8-8f0f-70d264efef49" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_0083aafa-2bda-4263-a55d-dc2ffde9f62d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_0be1945e-168e-42a8-8f0f-70d264efef49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_0083aafa-2bda-4263-a55d-dc2ffde9f62d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_5107d7a2-bf33-41a7-9cee-74e6a598d618" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_0be1945e-168e-42a8-8f0f-70d264efef49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_5107d7a2-bf33-41a7-9cee-74e6a598d618" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries_fcfa6eec-209a-44fe-8eee-ea3cbc31f98d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_0be1945e-168e-42a8-8f0f-70d264efef49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRecoveries_fcfa6eec-209a-44fe-8eee-ea3cbc31f98d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccountsCurrentPeriodSales_c7330e75-822b-442b-a7ec-0596a73e4a97" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccountsCurrentPeriodSales"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_0be1945e-168e-42a8-8f0f-70d264efef49" xlink:to="loc_cort_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccountsCurrentPeriodSales_c7330e75-822b-442b-a7ec-0596a73e4a97" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccountsPriorPeriodSales_353434ab-6101-4b1d-a491-26b7ab796d71" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccountsPriorPeriodSales"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_0be1945e-168e-42a8-8f0f-70d264efef49" xlink:to="loc_cort_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccountsPriorPeriodSales_353434ab-6101-4b1d-a491-26b7ab796d71" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_c9b85ccb-f23f-4bcf-9ed3-fda41bf4a637" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableRollforward_0be1945e-168e-42a8-8f0f-70d264efef49" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable_c9b85ccb-f23f-4bcf-9ed3-fda41bf4a637" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/SignificantAgreements" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#SignificantAgreements"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/SignificantAgreements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_b5214be8-ad34-4d57-aedc-d184ab879ca3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsDisclosureTextBlock_026d1825-8110-4ccb-9d72-e6ed6751cc0a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_b5214be8-ad34-4d57-aedc-d184ab879ca3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsDisclosureTextBlock_026d1825-8110-4ccb-9d72-e6ed6751cc0a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/SignificantAgreementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#SignificantAgreementsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/SignificantAgreementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_6a44eb46-489c-4c98-9b9b-ac87e0317596" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_ScheduleOfDebtAndCreditAgreementsTable_ff43daf9-98bc-4fb8-8a15-5515ed9efb00" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_ScheduleOfDebtAndCreditAgreementsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_6a44eb46-489c-4c98-9b9b-ac87e0317596" xlink:to="loc_cort_ScheduleOfDebtAndCreditAgreementsTable_ff43daf9-98bc-4fb8-8a15-5515ed9efb00" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_2921afe2-ecca-4de0-b162-3dbc655406b6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_ScheduleOfDebtAndCreditAgreementsTable_ff43daf9-98bc-4fb8-8a15-5515ed9efb00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_2921afe2-ecca-4de0-b162-3dbc655406b6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_cb30ae62-87f7-4cf0-94a2-71c4ec4e658f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_2921afe2-ecca-4de0-b162-3dbc655406b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_cb30ae62-87f7-4cf0-94a2-71c4ec4e658f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_OptimeCareIncMember_25a5121c-68c3-4599-a308-83737d3b7848" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_OptimeCareIncMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_cb30ae62-87f7-4cf0-94a2-71c4ec4e658f" xlink:to="loc_cort_OptimeCareIncMember_25a5121c-68c3-4599-a308-83737d3b7848" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_ActivePharmaceuticalIngredientMember_efd6f8fe-6f83-429b-b6b5-db2c0b9a16a7" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_ActivePharmaceuticalIngredientMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_cb30ae62-87f7-4cf0-94a2-71c4ec4e658f" xlink:to="loc_cort_ActivePharmaceuticalIngredientMember_efd6f8fe-6f83-429b-b6b5-db2c0b9a16a7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_703fce30-291b-4c34-b38b-d86eb57ebb2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_ScheduleOfDebtAndCreditAgreementsTable_ff43daf9-98bc-4fb8-8a15-5515ed9efb00" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_703fce30-291b-4c34-b38b-d86eb57ebb2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_32534207-28b7-4d0a-b278-49310ff2110f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_703fce30-291b-4c34-b38b-d86eb57ebb2a" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_32534207-28b7-4d0a-b278-49310ff2110f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_PCAsMember_7ed4435b-1274-47bf-909f-0f5b1ad95baa" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_PCAsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_32534207-28b7-4d0a-b278-49310ff2110f" xlink:to="loc_cort_PCAsMember_7ed4435b-1274-47bf-909f-0f5b1ad95baa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_DebtAndCreditAgreementsLineItems_de9412a6-645d-444b-92f0-bf4588cdca54" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_DebtAndCreditAgreementsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_ScheduleOfDebtAndCreditAgreementsTable_ff43daf9-98bc-4fb8-8a15-5515ed9efb00" xlink:to="loc_cort_DebtAndCreditAgreementsLineItems_de9412a6-645d-444b-92f0-bf4588cdca54" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod_b26e6342-a5ae-484b-b7c1-c644721aff58" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_DebtAndCreditAgreementsLineItems_de9412a6-645d-444b-92f0-bf4588cdca54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod_b26e6342-a5ae-484b-b7c1-c644721aff58" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_NumberOfRenewalOptions_6bc06a76-33cb-4c92-a31b-00f852f8a00f" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_NumberOfRenewalOptions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_DebtAndCreditAgreementsLineItems_de9412a6-645d-444b-92f0-bf4588cdca54" xlink:to="loc_cort_NumberOfRenewalOptions_6bc06a76-33cb-4c92-a31b-00f852f8a00f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_RenewalOptionPeriod_5b3d4b89-a5fc-4f9f-a348-1d7c781ca026" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_RenewalOptionPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_DebtAndCreditAgreementsLineItems_de9412a6-645d-444b-92f0-bf4588cdca54" xlink:to="loc_cort_RenewalOptionPeriod_5b3d4b89-a5fc-4f9f-a348-1d7c781ca026" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligation_efc38581-b8f3-4c93-9363-5a6c9e646ca0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_DebtAndCreditAgreementsLineItems_de9412a6-645d-444b-92f0-bf4588cdca54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligation_efc38581-b8f3-4c93-9363-5a6c9e646ca0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurements"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract_b8155fed-e05c-4bd4-b705-94cd97cfa3b1" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsDisclosureTextBlock_ff85b3f6-4d59-4b29-9041-f6135827b065" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract_b8155fed-e05c-4bd4-b705-94cd97cfa3b1" xlink:to="loc_cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsDisclosureTextBlock_ff85b3f6-4d59-4b29-9041-f6135827b065" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurementsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract_97afc3e4-1070-49c3-acfd-549ebd060b19" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock_dbda39e1-3380-4727-b710-5b1ce86c4bd6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract_97afc3e4-1070-49c3-acfd-549ebd060b19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTableTextBlock_dbda39e1-3380-4727-b710-5b1ce86c4bd6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock_1057dd2c-0a85-429b-ad7a-6f6c6a41ad3f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract_97afc3e4-1070-49c3-acfd-549ebd060b19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesReconciliationTableTextBlock_1057dd2c-0a85-429b-ad7a-6f6c6a41ad3f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurementsSummaryoftheclassificationofavailableforsalesecuritiesincondensedconsolidatedbalancesheetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurementsSummaryoftheclassificationofavailableforsalesecuritiesincondensedconsolidatedbalancesheetsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurementsSummaryoftheclassificationofavailableforsalesecuritiesincondensedconsolidatedbalancesheetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract_254562b1-e788-41d4-9741-17b5f01b8c7e" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_675ec724-0a36-4172-9a39-1080d89b5c31" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract_254562b1-e788-41d4-9741-17b5f01b8c7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_675ec724-0a36-4172-9a39-1080d89b5c31" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_0ce91cf7-255e-46ff-a4b9-fc2527fe46bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_675ec724-0a36-4172-9a39-1080d89b5c31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_0ce91cf7-255e-46ff-a4b9-fc2527fe46bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4941ad00-efc5-4f75-b948-eb562a7f0659" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_0ce91cf7-255e-46ff-a4b9-fc2527fe46bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4941ad00-efc5-4f75-b948-eb562a7f0659" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashEquivalentsMember_2618775a-3083-44ae-95e7-878cd5dc0cbe" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashEquivalentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4941ad00-efc5-4f75-b948-eb562a7f0659" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashEquivalentsMember_2618775a-3083-44ae-95e7-878cd5dc0cbe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_ShortTermMarketableSecuritiesMember_c4d2bdcb-d041-421b-8a49-8593b26d8d0a" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_ShortTermMarketableSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4941ad00-efc5-4f75-b948-eb562a7f0659" xlink:to="loc_cort_ShortTermMarketableSecuritiesMember_c4d2bdcb-d041-421b-8a49-8593b26d8d0a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_LongTermMarketableSecuritiesMember_91abda11-6842-4c12-8589-635fdaf4eb40" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_LongTermMarketableSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4941ad00-efc5-4f75-b948-eb562a7f0659" xlink:to="loc_cort_LongTermMarketableSecuritiesMember_91abda11-6842-4c12-8589-635fdaf4eb40" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_c9d33abd-58f8-49d2-bfa0-b683786b155c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_675ec724-0a36-4172-9a39-1080d89b5c31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_c9d33abd-58f8-49d2-bfa0-b683786b155c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_a5e7267c-93fc-4354-b1a0-12c43e044811" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_c9d33abd-58f8-49d2-bfa0-b683786b155c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_a5e7267c-93fc-4354-b1a0-12c43e044811" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurementsScheduleofAvailableforSaleSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurementsScheduleofAvailableforSaleSecuritiesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurementsScheduleofAvailableforSaleSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract_4cd331ac-cd77-42e9-9f14-86f2d9d42cbc" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_71eb2275-c75d-4ee2-ac88-059ea4209633" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract_4cd331ac-cd77-42e9-9f14-86f2d9d42cbc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_71eb2275-c75d-4ee2-ac88-059ea4209633" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_899a1798-81ab-46bf-9f18-89ef29279ece" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_71eb2275-c75d-4ee2-ac88-059ea4209633" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_899a1798-81ab-46bf-9f18-89ef29279ece" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_4da081b5-ccc9-4d26-9881-8ee51a045e51" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_899a1798-81ab-46bf-9f18-89ef29279ece" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_4da081b5-ccc9-4d26-9881-8ee51a045e51" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_a6e01679-ebef-4128-9999-48565bbf68b8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_4da081b5-ccc9-4d26-9881-8ee51a045e51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_a6e01679-ebef-4128-9999-48565bbf68b8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_f2b144bb-d263-4ebd-8f1e-0e594ac31cb0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_4da081b5-ccc9-4d26-9881-8ee51a045e51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_f2b144bb-d263-4ebd-8f1e-0e594ac31cb0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_5f061279-0ae9-4501-b715-b19fa514d146" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_71eb2275-c75d-4ee2-ac88-059ea4209633" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_5f061279-0ae9-4501-b715-b19fa514d146" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_20220714-7348-4583-9fa3-1155913ba8a5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_5f061279-0ae9-4501-b715-b19fa514d146" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_20220714-7348-4583-9fa3-1155913ba8a5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember_c7d8db95-cd92-40fa-8bf0-be2052e4ebae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_20220714-7348-4583-9fa3-1155913ba8a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateBondSecuritiesMember_c7d8db95-cd92-40fa-8bf0-be2052e4ebae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_433a8884-7e62-4719-b3ae-af60b63964c7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_20220714-7348-4583-9fa3-1155913ba8a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_433a8884-7e62-4719-b3ae-af60b63964c7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_58f720f5-e801-4d0d-b966-8090fb3f2da6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_20220714-7348-4583-9fa3-1155913ba8a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_58f720f5-e801-4d0d-b966-8090fb3f2da6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember_2ccf0411-4750-4dbb-848f-890c65aaa599" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_20220714-7348-4583-9fa3-1155913ba8a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementsMember_2ccf0411-4750-4dbb-848f-890c65aaa599" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_1edd9778-ea2a-46a3-bf6f-8828abc63fb4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_20220714-7348-4583-9fa3-1155913ba8a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_1edd9778-ea2a-46a3-bf6f-8828abc63fb4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_ae638a7d-c4ef-429e-8e31-cd7ee2306049" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_20220714-7348-4583-9fa3-1155913ba8a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_ae638a7d-c4ef-429e-8e31-cd7ee2306049" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_6698d35d-1a94-40b9-81c4-1e258a0bd806" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_71eb2275-c75d-4ee2-ac88-059ea4209633" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_6698d35d-1a94-40b9-81c4-1e258a0bd806" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_e457d0a6-1577-426c-9152-1f16603f1ede" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_6698d35d-1a94-40b9-81c4-1e258a0bd806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_e457d0a6-1577-426c-9152-1f16603f1ede" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_b2146086-4a4d-422c-b239-408d9b9e37ef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_e457d0a6-1577-426c-9152-1f16603f1ede" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_b2146086-4a4d-422c-b239-408d9b9e37ef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_e49b1c8b-dccc-4cea-b8f1-9be05efd849c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_e457d0a6-1577-426c-9152-1f16603f1ede" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_e49b1c8b-dccc-4cea-b8f1-9be05efd849c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_6403b76b-5388-4ebe-8d36-f1678e589ec1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_71eb2275-c75d-4ee2-ac88-059ea4209633" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_6403b76b-5388-4ebe-8d36-f1678e589ec1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_3d3bb474-53b3-4e24-bde1-c5443fca5194" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_6403b76b-5388-4ebe-8d36-f1678e589ec1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_3d3bb474-53b3-4e24-bde1-c5443fca5194" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_7c61a0ad-efa7-4223-b80d-03596536818f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_6403b76b-5388-4ebe-8d36-f1678e589ec1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_7c61a0ad-efa7-4223-b80d-03596536818f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_e24f451c-afab-40bf-b22a-b5ea6120d867" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_6403b76b-5388-4ebe-8d36-f1678e589ec1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_e24f451c-afab-40bf-b22a-b5ea6120d867" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_7418f5fb-aa53-4429-a891-69e569fad2a6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_6403b76b-5388-4ebe-8d36-f1678e589ec1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_7418f5fb-aa53-4429-a891-69e569fad2a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/AvailableforSaleSecuritiesandFairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract_83b81cb5-bb7c-4552-91be-ade6e4324e15" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_4cc40db4-eaed-4315-b0ce-831f6884c73f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAndFairValueMeasurementsAbstract_83b81cb5-bb7c-4552-91be-ade6e4324e15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_4cc40db4-eaed-4315-b0ce-831f6884c73f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6eb75515-3bbe-4d4b-b9d9-7856589d915b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_4cc40db4-eaed-4315-b0ce-831f6884c73f" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6eb75515-3bbe-4d4b-b9d9-7856589d915b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_1d4f8d13-95b0-4e72-8c44-e93a027ae7b6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6eb75515-3bbe-4d4b-b9d9-7856589d915b" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_1d4f8d13-95b0-4e72-8c44-e93a027ae7b6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_92b6b070-6799-47ba-b8ec-9f08e15fa527" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_1d4f8d13-95b0-4e72-8c44-e93a027ae7b6" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_92b6b070-6799-47ba-b8ec-9f08e15fa527" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_d7de128d-e06e-438a-a02c-e82814cf9456" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_1d4f8d13-95b0-4e72-8c44-e93a027ae7b6" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_d7de128d-e06e-438a-a02c-e82814cf9456" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_4a5a38f6-b0a7-47f4-8419-466311014220" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_4cc40db4-eaed-4315-b0ce-831f6884c73f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_4a5a38f6-b0a7-47f4-8419-466311014220" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivableCurrent_a1ff2bbc-0b97-4263-911a-840412b54ab1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestReceivableCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_4a5a38f6-b0a7-47f4-8419-466311014220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestReceivableCurrent_a1ff2bbc-0b97-4263-911a-840412b54ab1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_MarketableSecuritiesMaximumMaturityPeriod_7546873e-cd77-47e4-9222-753201c990f9" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_MarketableSecuritiesMaximumMaturityPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_4a5a38f6-b0a7-47f4-8419-466311014220" xlink:to="loc_cort_MarketableSecuritiesMaximumMaturityPeriod_7546873e-cd77-47e4-9222-753201c990f9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_MarketableSecuritiesWeightedAverageMaturityPeriod_60059e9b-7fb4-4dec-84d6-1ccbe20ee7b9" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_MarketableSecuritiesWeightedAverageMaturityPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_4a5a38f6-b0a7-47f4-8419-466311014220" xlink:to="loc_cort_MarketableSecuritiesWeightedAverageMaturityPeriod_60059e9b-7fb4-4dec-84d6-1ccbe20ee7b9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_LongTermMarketableSecuritiesRemainingMaturity_f46fa8d6-1d03-477d-be53-255998891f94" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_LongTermMarketableSecuritiesRemainingMaturity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_4a5a38f6-b0a7-47f4-8419-466311014220" xlink:to="loc_cort_LongTermMarketableSecuritiesRemainingMaturity_f46fa8d6-1d03-477d-be53-255998891f94" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItems" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItems"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItems" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_551bfdb0-10b0-43ba-9d87-29447a23fcc8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock_cd4eedf9-9d18-4c06-b499-d930e5492eab" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_551bfdb0-10b0-43ba-9d87-29447a23fcc8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalBalanceSheetDisclosuresTextBlock_cd4eedf9-9d18-4c06-b499-d930e5492eab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_31e4a3e5-c391-4d82-bc1b-cecbf0a31313" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock_2b439005-a138-4021-a8bc-8b4ef87c50a6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_31e4a3e5-c391-4d82-bc1b-cecbf0a31313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock_2b439005-a138-4021-a8bc-8b4ef87c50a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_e87568d0-8dfc-4bca-b9e3-4816502cf0ea" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_31e4a3e5-c391-4d82-bc1b-cecbf0a31313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_e87568d0-8dfc-4bca-b9e3-4816502cf0ea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_3dddbeaa-a3ef-4f35-8f54-7606d69c5e2a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_31e4a3e5-c391-4d82-bc1b-cecbf0a31313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_3dddbeaa-a3ef-4f35-8f54-7606d69c5e2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsCompositionofInventoryDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsCompositionofInventoryDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsCompositionofInventoryDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_14721ac7-e088-45f2-b591-d22356306d9c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_InventoryRawMaterialsCurrentAndNoncurrent_eea29cfd-9505-4a91-824c-7f92485241d5" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_InventoryRawMaterialsCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_14721ac7-e088-45f2-b591-d22356306d9c" xlink:to="loc_cort_InventoryRawMaterialsCurrentAndNoncurrent_eea29cfd-9505-4a91-824c-7f92485241d5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_InventoryWorkInProcessCurrentAndNoncurrent_4cf43935-6a33-42f2-ae6e-8fa5080c3e0c" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_InventoryWorkInProcessCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_14721ac7-e088-45f2-b591-d22356306d9c" xlink:to="loc_cort_InventoryWorkInProcessCurrentAndNoncurrent_4cf43935-6a33-42f2-ae6e-8fa5080c3e0c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_InventoryFinishedGoodsCurrentAndNoncurrent_27316026-2ffa-4cdd-a10e-d53110ca083d" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_InventoryFinishedGoodsCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_14721ac7-e088-45f2-b591-d22356306d9c" xlink:to="loc_cort_InventoryFinishedGoodsCurrentAndNoncurrent_27316026-2ffa-4cdd-a10e-d53110ca083d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_InventoryCurrentNoncurrent_70bead12-4b95-4772-a898-0b4ce5e4e097" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_InventoryCurrentNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_14721ac7-e088-45f2-b591-d22356306d9c" xlink:to="loc_cort_InventoryCurrentNoncurrent_70bead12-4b95-4772-a898-0b4ce5e4e097" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNoncurrent_f324dcbd-971e-4db1-ab4d-0f8c81957ab2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_14721ac7-e088-45f2-b591-d22356306d9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNoncurrent_f324dcbd-971e-4db1-ab4d-0f8c81957ab2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_2f98a61c-c8dc-4a7c-93f9-ed4586c4a9de" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_14721ac7-e088-45f2-b591-d22356306d9c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_2f98a61c-c8dc-4a7c-93f9-ed4586c4a9de" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsCompositionofInventoryDetails_1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsCompositionofInventoryDetails_1"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsCompositionofInventoryDetails_1" xlink:type="extended"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsScheduleofPropertyandEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsScheduleofPropertyandEquipmentDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsScheduleofPropertyandEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_c1711cbd-2dab-43e7-9a08-aa627f36f2ae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_2c4213e6-d1a8-4972-b23b-18da348fbf98" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_c1711cbd-2dab-43e7-9a08-aa627f36f2ae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_2c4213e6-d1a8-4972-b23b-18da348fbf98" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_ddb38e63-492c-44aa-92f1-6070dc19d0c1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_2c4213e6-d1a8-4972-b23b-18da348fbf98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_ddb38e63-492c-44aa-92f1-6070dc19d0c1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_55f2e24a-72be-4750-9822-d50f2afad4bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_ddb38e63-492c-44aa-92f1-6070dc19d0c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_55f2e24a-72be-4750-9822-d50f2afad4bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_25076623-c710-4b3d-b8d9-9a7121859a31" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_55f2e24a-72be-4750-9822-d50f2afad4bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_25076623-c710-4b3d-b8d9-9a7121859a31" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComputerSoftwareIntangibleAssetMember_a7e2e49b-2175-4102-9ca3-ed8dcbc70f3d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComputerSoftwareIntangibleAssetMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_55f2e24a-72be-4750-9822-d50f2afad4bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComputerSoftwareIntangibleAssetMember_a7e2e49b-2175-4102-9ca3-ed8dcbc70f3d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_9fc40372-d0da-427d-bf2f-1ba56d6db6f0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_55f2e24a-72be-4750-9822-d50f2afad4bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_9fc40372-d0da-427d-bf2f-1ba56d6db6f0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_2e94a947-95a8-47cc-bde1-53d9d1da22c1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_2c4213e6-d1a8-4972-b23b-18da348fbf98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_2e94a947-95a8-47cc-bde1-53d9d1da22c1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_7da4ce18-aa8d-4d58-bd4a-e3b9761889f9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_2e94a947-95a8-47cc-bde1-53d9d1da22c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_7da4ce18-aa8d-4d58-bd4a-e3b9761889f9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization_8829c72d-3855-4535-bdc4-e38b57dce81c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_2e94a947-95a8-47cc-bde1-53d9d1da22c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedAmortization_8829c72d-3855-4535-bdc4-e38b57dce81c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_690e9490-22f9-44d7-aa41-642ff26083b0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_2e94a947-95a8-47cc-bde1-53d9d1da22c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_690e9490-22f9-44d7-aa41-642ff26083b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_c24354c4-b533-4893-bd5d-90b59cff3fa4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_2e94a947-95a8-47cc-bde1-53d9d1da22c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_c24354c4-b533-4893-bd5d-90b59cff3fa4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_13771ae6-d2b1-460e-b1a2-c73e418d7c01" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_2e94a947-95a8-47cc-bde1-53d9d1da22c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_13771ae6-d2b1-460e-b1a2-c73e418d7c01" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsOtherAccruedLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsOtherAccruedLiabilitiesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsOtherAccruedLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_12be15b4-6ad6-4831-8e85-45fc86aa9613" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_997b0530-baa9-4e3d-92e8-db1edeb10ded" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_12be15b4-6ad6-4831-8e85-45fc86aa9613" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_997b0530-baa9-4e3d-92e8-db1edeb10ded" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_AccruedGovernmentRebateCurrent_b5644557-2a51-41b8-b84d-cc9e7ef2bd1e" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_AccruedGovernmentRebateCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_12be15b4-6ad6-4831-8e85-45fc86aa9613" xlink:to="loc_cort_AccruedGovernmentRebateCurrent_b5644557-2a51-41b8-b84d-cc9e7ef2bd1e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedMarketingCostsCurrent_31ad4b08-7594-4f2e-a60a-a804a8138d29" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedMarketingCostsCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_12be15b4-6ad6-4831-8e85-45fc86aa9613" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedMarketingCostsCurrent_31ad4b08-7594-4f2e-a60a-a804a8138d29" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_AccruedLegalFeesCurrent_21130471-c38c-4f6e-a69c-9c13d14c0008" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_AccruedLegalFeesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_12be15b4-6ad6-4831-8e85-45fc86aa9613" xlink:to="loc_cort_AccruedLegalFeesCurrent_21130471-c38c-4f6e-a69c-9c13d14c0008" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent_5cc72241-7444-4ad0-943f-2edf76f0e412" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_12be15b4-6ad6-4831-8e85-45fc86aa9613" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent_5cc72241-7444-4ad0-943f-2edf76f0e412" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_259cd229-14d2-48b4-a7c2-48271312d5a1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_12be15b4-6ad6-4831-8e85-45fc86aa9613" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_259cd229-14d2-48b4-a7c2-48271312d5a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_6dff5af3-df3b-4d49-af16-77b8bed2ce56" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_12be15b4-6ad6-4831-8e85-45fc86aa9613" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_6dff5af3-df3b-4d49-af16-77b8bed2ce56" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CompositionofCertainBalanceSheetItemsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_6154e9ef-2065-40dc-a5f8-b3b121c673d0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_DepositsForClinicalTrials_af31a9a4-c37a-4055-8d15-9a2a14d85ca7" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_DepositsForClinicalTrials"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetRelatedDisclosuresAbstract_6154e9ef-2065-40dc-a5f8-b3b121c673d0" xlink:to="loc_cort_DepositsForClinicalTrials_af31a9a4-c37a-4055-8d15-9a2a14d85ca7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#Leases"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_74da4193-e5c4-4b3e-800e-36cd21588d2c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock_f24cab6b-f56f-4cc7-aba4-904cb15d1a16" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_74da4193-e5c4-4b3e-800e-36cd21588d2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock_f24cab6b-f56f-4cc7-aba4-904cb15d1a16" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#LeasesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_8a89643b-1295-4bd2-a0fc-3001201962df" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_706cc5ae-b1a3-4a96-a94b-5fd45d948767" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_8a89643b-1295-4bd2-a0fc-3001201962df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_706cc5ae-b1a3-4a96-a94b-5fd45d948767" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_a031fa51-87d9-4b7a-940d-b2205e0a37ef" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_8a89643b-1295-4bd2-a0fc-3001201962df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_a031fa51-87d9-4b7a-940d-b2205e0a37ef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/LeasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#LeasesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/LeasesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_1dafd5b3-2e67-4722-8e79-e4e5f46785db" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_1256e00d-30b9-4ad0-9b90-1603bb9b947b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_1dafd5b3-2e67-4722-8e79-e4e5f46785db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_1256e00d-30b9-4ad0-9b90-1603bb9b947b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_d0806f0d-95ae-4cdd-a00d-dcd4ceb9e7a3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_1256e00d-30b9-4ad0-9b90-1603bb9b947b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_d0806f0d-95ae-4cdd-a00d-dcd4ceb9e7a3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_c6fe18cf-413c-4084-bc79-8bd26829ee27" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_d0806f0d-95ae-4cdd-a00d-dcd4ceb9e7a3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_c6fe18cf-413c-4084-bc79-8bd26829ee27" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_0ef3383b-5251-4005-8a4a-29c11dadd45c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_c6fe18cf-413c-4084-bc79-8bd26829ee27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_0ef3383b-5251-4005-8a4a-29c11dadd45c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_4e04adda-c993-44e5-af18-c0e08044a351" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_1256e00d-30b9-4ad0-9b90-1603bb9b947b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_4e04adda-c993-44e5-af18-c0e08044a351" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_9eb95264-a653-4bfc-a2d2-4fedec5507b6" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_4e04adda-c993-44e5-af18-c0e08044a351" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_9eb95264-a653-4bfc-a2d2-4fedec5507b6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_f37b3970-5908-4218-8598-75b3f1483eac" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_4e04adda-c993-44e5-af18-c0e08044a351" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_f37b3970-5908-4218-8598-75b3f1483eac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_075022d6-a0ff-424d-95df-1346d506258a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_4e04adda-c993-44e5-af18-c0e08044a351" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_075022d6-a0ff-424d-95df-1346d506258a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_a1730af1-074b-431a-ba45-974f7e2d2f5f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_4e04adda-c993-44e5-af18-c0e08044a351" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_a1730af1-074b-431a-ba45-974f7e2d2f5f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/LeasesRightofuseAssetsandRelatedLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#LeasesRightofuseAssetsandRelatedLiabilitiesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/LeasesRightofuseAssetsandRelatedLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_a528eb7b-90a9-4b58-a106-a314dd84c880" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_d4d4acd1-8ce2-4967-8bd6-a31687086743" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_a528eb7b-90a9-4b58-a106-a314dd84c880" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_d4d4acd1-8ce2-4967-8bd6-a31687086743" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_bdfc7cc7-e63f-4e46-a8a5-3f68fdbef8bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_a528eb7b-90a9-4b58-a106-a314dd84c880" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_bdfc7cc7-e63f-4e46-a8a5-3f68fdbef8bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_54ecf70e-473d-403d-a7d4-1f2816d629cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_a528eb7b-90a9-4b58-a106-a314dd84c880" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_54ecf70e-473d-403d-a7d4-1f2816d629cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_d7272f95-7150-4a95-aa02-19b9d9681166" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_a528eb7b-90a9-4b58-a106-a314dd84c880" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_d7272f95-7150-4a95-aa02-19b9d9681166" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_47da044a-1f39-4841-8456-44b5cdbb3248" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_c94589ee-d383-4899-8285-736618ddb8f8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_47da044a-1f39-4841-8456-44b5cdbb3248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_c94589ee-d383-4899-8285-736618ddb8f8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_a4dd0c99-6601-4d8a-a129-e7b3a38c96ea" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_47da044a-1f39-4841-8456-44b5cdbb3248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_a4dd0c99-6601-4d8a-a129-e7b3a38c96ea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_2d7ced68-dfb3-4134-92f5-65bba8ae1669" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_47da044a-1f39-4841-8456-44b5cdbb3248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_2d7ced68-dfb3-4134-92f5-65bba8ae1669" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_4934337d-575e-431a-a31f-2a507044f0a1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_47da044a-1f39-4841-8456-44b5cdbb3248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_4934337d-575e-431a-a31f-2a507044f0a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_a2b7f963-4678-4872-9daf-5b2454ff11ee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_47da044a-1f39-4841-8456-44b5cdbb3248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_a2b7f963-4678-4872-9daf-5b2454ff11ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails_1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails_1"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails_1" xlink:type="extended"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_5aad6f8b-cfdd-43f4-84ef-e2ba069c778d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_f4b584d7-a7ea-4b4c-9797-09bc2bc79cf2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_5aad6f8b-cfdd-43f4-84ef-e2ba069c778d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_f4b584d7-a7ea-4b4c-9797-09bc2bc79cf2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_06c23688-7fd7-4d85-82a9-367108f04d56" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_725f1f46-afeb-495c-915d-12a83f973528" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_06c23688-7fd7-4d85-82a9-367108f04d56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_725f1f46-afeb-495c-915d-12a83f973528" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_d043bfc1-ce3f-483a-9f3a-1d667b7947cd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_725f1f46-afeb-495c-915d-12a83f973528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_d043bfc1-ce3f-483a-9f3a-1d667b7947cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_abf9e5c3-31a2-43fa-a5f0-a09aaa618ffc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_d043bfc1-ce3f-483a-9f3a-1d667b7947cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_abf9e5c3-31a2-43fa-a5f0-a09aaa618ffc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember_f6e3acee-68d4-4828-a19c-e4a70aaaafb2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_abf9e5c3-31a2-43fa-a5f0-a09aaa618ffc" xlink:to="loc_srt_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember_f6e3acee-68d4-4828-a19c-e4a70aaaafb2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_598ee09d-0825-4391-84b4-e974b4359eb4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_725f1f46-afeb-495c-915d-12a83f973528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_598ee09d-0825-4391-84b4-e974b4359eb4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_f96bee71-da56-404f-a07b-8326990ade00" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_598ee09d-0825-4391-84b4-e974b4359eb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_f96bee71-da56-404f-a07b-8326990ade00" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_5a07ef33-7a7a-4307-b616-61820f2a3981" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_598ee09d-0825-4391-84b4-e974b4359eb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_5a07ef33-7a7a-4307-b616-61820f2a3981" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#PreferredStockandStockholdersEquity"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_1242eebf-86c7-4c2a-b071-1a515c1c07bf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_5de46bb7-6ebb-4d9a-aafb-252916d017fd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_1242eebf-86c7-4c2a-b071-1a515c1c07bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_5de46bb7-6ebb-4d9a-aafb-252916d017fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#PreferredStockandStockholdersEquityTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_ed7778cd-3b37-448d-88fe-b08c9bc61342" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTextBlock_d255b3bf-0aee-4554-acab-a82dd2a3db4b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_ed7778cd-3b37-448d-88fe-b08c9bc61342" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTextBlock_d255b3bf-0aee-4554-acab-a82dd2a3db4b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_e6b0f37b-92a1-4f22-af8d-7f533d8c08d9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_ed7778cd-3b37-448d-88fe-b08c9bc61342" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_e6b0f37b-92a1-4f22-af8d-7f533d8c08d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_1d5faf1b-5026-4253-a435-4729fa374c04" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_ed7778cd-3b37-448d-88fe-b08c9bc61342" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_1d5faf1b-5026-4253-a435-4729fa374c04" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock_32f1567e-5818-4260-b481-c602d66508e5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_ed7778cd-3b37-448d-88fe-b08c9bc61342" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock_32f1567e-5818-4260-b481-c602d66508e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#PreferredStockandStockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_484a801e-449e-4093-ba27-666ce11e5710" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_29d76270-99a6-4560-bcad-d0cbe9244db3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_484a801e-449e-4093-ba27-666ce11e5710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_29d76270-99a6-4560-bcad-d0cbe9244db3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_c4ecfc68-ff95-41f2-8d7b-ae9d538ddda0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_29d76270-99a6-4560-bcad-d0cbe9244db3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_c4ecfc68-ff95-41f2-8d7b-ae9d538ddda0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2e60efbf-56a1-4118-b2f7-f9e776e4b45b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_c4ecfc68-ff95-41f2-8d7b-ae9d538ddda0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2e60efbf-56a1-4118-b2f7-f9e776e4b45b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_e788fccd-b36d-4cd8-bcfa-9257602e0d54" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2e60efbf-56a1-4118-b2f7-f9e776e4b45b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_e788fccd-b36d-4cd8-bcfa-9257602e0d54" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4ff7cd45-a77f-43bd-a9d7-679602c5c0b9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_29d76270-99a6-4560-bcad-d0cbe9244db3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4ff7cd45-a77f-43bd-a9d7-679602c5c0b9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a194450d-4b5b-4b3b-a108-15ce32e06682" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4ff7cd45-a77f-43bd-a9d7-679602c5c0b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a194450d-4b5b-4b3b-a108-15ce32e06682" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_39b3d18b-52f9-4119-840a-63206876410e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_a194450d-4b5b-4b3b-a108-15ce32e06682" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_39b3d18b-52f9-4119-840a-63206876410e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5348506c-90bd-4722-b103-f45bb1edfa4b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_29d76270-99a6-4560-bcad-d0cbe9244db3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5348506c-90bd-4722-b103-f45bb1edfa4b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_23116046-7f3f-4e06-bee5-e046a11240d7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5348506c-90bd-4722-b103-f45bb1edfa4b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_23116046-7f3f-4e06-bee5-e046a11240d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_7815f104-1bfe-44c1-b29d-cc7d572cee4c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_23116046-7f3f-4e06-bee5-e046a11240d7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_7815f104-1bfe-44c1-b29d-cc7d572cee4c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_67d402e9-d214-4cfd-90ec-29323a690ef4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_29d76270-99a6-4560-bcad-d0cbe9244db3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_67d402e9-d214-4cfd-90ec-29323a690ef4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_6fe2b202-85c7-4e3b-b987-5541667eb01a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_67d402e9-d214-4cfd-90ec-29323a690ef4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_6fe2b202-85c7-4e3b-b987-5541667eb01a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_StockRepurchaseProgramMember_3c80d2f1-ab7c-4659-94b4-43b6fb235b84" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_StockRepurchaseProgramMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_6fe2b202-85c7-4e3b-b987-5541667eb01a" xlink:to="loc_cort_StockRepurchaseProgramMember_3c80d2f1-ab7c-4659-94b4-43b6fb235b84" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_05d1b524-bce1-4525-9cb5-fd4a358c8350" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_29d76270-99a6-4560-bcad-d0cbe9244db3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_05d1b524-bce1-4525-9cb5-fd4a358c8350" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_e215b709-2531-401a-8986-aad8b24134da" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_05d1b524-bce1-4525-9cb5-fd4a358c8350" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_e215b709-2531-401a-8986-aad8b24134da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_StockOptionsFiscalTwentyTwelvePlanMember_94ac0514-d7ca-4427-aaa0-58e2e7306f7a" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_StockOptionsFiscalTwentyTwelvePlanMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_e215b709-2531-401a-8986-aad8b24134da" xlink:to="loc_cort_StockOptionsFiscalTwentyTwelvePlanMember_94ac0514-d7ca-4427-aaa0-58e2e7306f7a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_StockOptionsFiscalTwentyZeroFourPlanMember_fed98acf-5b11-4e84-9d1e-832122fdada2" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_StockOptionsFiscalTwentyZeroFourPlanMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_e215b709-2531-401a-8986-aad8b24134da" xlink:to="loc_cort_StockOptionsFiscalTwentyZeroFourPlanMember_fed98acf-5b11-4e84-9d1e-832122fdada2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_f9321b6a-9528-45b1-9c09-3ca4566488ee" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_29d76270-99a6-4560-bcad-d0cbe9244db3" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_f9321b6a-9528-45b1-9c09-3ca4566488ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_ec48e38f-8ee9-443a-8869-30dad6198bec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_f9321b6a-9528-45b1-9c09-3ca4566488ee" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_ec48e38f-8ee9-443a-8869-30dad6198bec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_af9fbdf0-d40c-4fbe-89fb-f777a3a60925" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_ec48e38f-8ee9-443a-8869-30dad6198bec" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_af9fbdf0-d40c-4fbe-89fb-f777a3a60925" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_a31c7f7b-9e7a-4a17-853a-a8ca14901191" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_ec48e38f-8ee9-443a-8869-30dad6198bec" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_a31c7f7b-9e7a-4a17-853a-a8ca14901191" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_d65ab24d-92d9-4ec3-9b9b-cfab894ee19d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_29d76270-99a6-4560-bcad-d0cbe9244db3" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_d65ab24d-92d9-4ec3-9b9b-cfab894ee19d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_21230921-9093-46ad-b6fc-3cb2c0d1110f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_d65ab24d-92d9-4ec3-9b9b-cfab894ee19d" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_21230921-9093-46ad-b6fc-3cb2c0d1110f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_EmployeeAndDirectorStockOptionMember_043d90e4-dd85-4238-a298-2e29f534b99c" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_EmployeeAndDirectorStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_21230921-9093-46ad-b6fc-3cb2c0d1110f" xlink:to="loc_cort_EmployeeAndDirectorStockOptionMember_043d90e4-dd85-4238-a298-2e29f534b99c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_29d76270-99a6-4560-bcad-d0cbe9244db3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_a79fa2b4-0a49-4310-a551-09f82e1cffa5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_a79fa2b4-0a49-4310-a551-09f82e1cffa5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_3af38e59-1644-48ad-bad3-37128dab8cc9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_3af38e59-1644-48ad-bad3-37128dab8cc9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_ee8e55d0-b261-4575-8e00-ea87f874c611" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_ee8e55d0-b261-4575-8e00-ea87f874c611" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_e1b76002-46c3-4bf4-b753-3a4f3cb18875" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_e1b76002-46c3-4bf4-b753-3a4f3cb18875" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_b15c422c-a09c-4a9b-b603-3fe97ce96f0f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_b15c422c-a09c-4a9b-b603-3fe97ce96f0f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_14af10ec-a5e4-4ca5-b5ca-37a2c8b1c7f4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_14af10ec-a5e4-4ca5-b5ca-37a2c8b1c7f4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_c6d711e9-38c2-44ec-8989-e72c2c73bede" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_c6d711e9-38c2-44ec-8989-e72c2c73bede" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_fdfdc2a0-459c-4961-b108-313f637ff5cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_fdfdc2a0-459c-4961-b108-313f637ff5cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized_40a6f37e-0e14-4c36-9b3f-51e0ba281537" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized_40a6f37e-0e14-4c36-9b3f-51e0ba281537" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_IncreaseInSharesAvailableForIssuancePercentage_bcc2ffd3-49a7-4912-8b30-f2b0300f88ec" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_IncreaseInSharesAvailableForIssuancePercentage"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_cort_IncreaseInSharesAvailableForIssuancePercentage_bcc2ffd3-49a7-4912-8b30-f2b0300f88ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_NumberOfStockOptionPlans_552b1504-d178-4be7-8a80-e1c776cf8859" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_NumberOfStockOptionPlans"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_cort_NumberOfStockOptionPlans_552b1504-d178-4be7-8a80-e1c776cf8859" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_df8359b1-dde8-4dc4-9d3b-cb0c0296b8b0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_df8359b1-dde8-4dc4-9d3b-cb0c0296b8b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_1ccdb66d-dbe5-4cb7-bc3a-d3be58fef572" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_1ccdb66d-dbe5-4cb7-bc3a-d3be58fef572" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_193e7054-f2cb-4683-bbc9-4605b8860943" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_193e7054-f2cb-4683-bbc9-4605b8860943" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_5fe308b8-300e-4006-a4af-9c7501392696" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_5fe308b8-300e-4006-a4af-9c7501392696" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_09cd19ef-7190-4461-b090-fa9d47190d75" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_09cd19ef-7190-4461-b090-fa9d47190d75" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1_cf5a340c-d11a-4321-a8b6-2e0ea10af3f5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1_cf5a340c-d11a-4321-a8b6-2e0ea10af3f5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_97c6daab-8a75-4b4a-9ee8-c18abfbedf4e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_97c6daab-8a75-4b4a-9ee8-c18abfbedf4e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_e5f15432-c809-4cc4-a8ee-ba0d4a0f8935" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_e5f15432-c809-4cc4-a8ee-ba0d4a0f8935" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_e62c1ced-b150-424d-bd88-3e61f5cf0193" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_e62c1ced-b150-424d-bd88-3e61f5cf0193" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_ecf51f99-0552-4954-ac48-40b9bcf5ce15" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_c95a9a5d-5ccc-4351-a642-263c40516ebc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_ecf51f99-0552-4954-ac48-40b9bcf5ce15" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquitySharesofCommonStockReservedforFutureIssuanceDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#PreferredStockandStockholdersEquitySharesofCommonStockReservedforFutureIssuanceDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquitySharesofCommonStockReservedforFutureIssuanceDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_8efe90df-ca2b-440e-9f0a-1be09ce71d7a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_610856e7-0134-4bed-a4b7-4a1e777d2b3a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_8efe90df-ca2b-440e-9f0a-1be09ce71d7a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_610856e7-0134-4bed-a4b7-4a1e777d2b3a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_fc1494e6-e34a-4a4c-8ef4-4cecf2096d5d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_610856e7-0134-4bed-a4b7-4a1e777d2b3a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_fc1494e6-e34a-4a4c-8ef4-4cecf2096d5d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4872ecf8-e1f3-4e19-a824-e583645e16fd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_fc1494e6-e34a-4a4c-8ef4-4cecf2096d5d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4872ecf8-e1f3-4e19-a824-e583645e16fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_86ab1405-f927-4ca0-a1c3-d18a298abc50" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4872ecf8-e1f3-4e19-a824-e583645e16fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_86ab1405-f927-4ca0-a1c3-d18a298abc50" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_AvailableForFutureGrantUnderEquityPlansMember_6e064dab-359f-4b2c-9043-5765278f9d35" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_AvailableForFutureGrantUnderEquityPlansMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4872ecf8-e1f3-4e19-a824-e583645e16fd" xlink:to="loc_cort_AvailableForFutureGrantUnderEquityPlansMember_6e064dab-359f-4b2c-9043-5765278f9d35" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_a0dea39c-4454-47e0-a4db-87a86d19e220" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_610856e7-0134-4bed-a4b7-4a1e777d2b3a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_a0dea39c-4454-47e0-a4db-87a86d19e220" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_fe3610bd-4b43-49fb-830c-025e2c9c6627" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_a0dea39c-4454-47e0-a4db-87a86d19e220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_fe3610bd-4b43-49fb-830c-025e2c9c6627" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquitySummaryofStockPlanActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#PreferredStockandStockholdersEquitySummaryofStockPlanActivityDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquitySummaryofStockPlanActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_17e340cb-be49-499a-b203-ee707692dc15" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_SharesAvailableForFutureGrantRollForward_3d5e5414-ef3f-435c-b4b1-aa0e3930ef10" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_SharesAvailableForFutureGrantRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_17e340cb-be49-499a-b203-ee707692dc15" xlink:to="loc_cort_SharesAvailableForFutureGrantRollForward_3d5e5414-ef3f-435c-b4b1-aa0e3930ef10" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_4f03f15d-69a6-4558-8a7d-36dcfe747992" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_SharesAvailableForFutureGrantRollForward_3d5e5414-ef3f-435c-b4b1-aa0e3930ef10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_4f03f15d-69a6-4558-8a7d-36dcfe747992" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized_9eddc60c-16cd-41fd-b72f-a9a21f8c0bfc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_SharesAvailableForFutureGrantRollForward_3d5e5414-ef3f-435c-b4b1-aa0e3930ef10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized_9eddc60c-16cd-41fd-b72f-a9a21f8c0bfc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_0e3a5a36-3d50-4d0c-80fc-5ae1e5cc9660" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_SharesAvailableForFutureGrantRollForward_3d5e5414-ef3f-435c-b4b1-aa0e3930ef10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_0e3a5a36-3d50-4d0c-80fc-5ae1e5cc9660" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodNumberOfSharesAvailable_83941646-5baa-4caa-a914-f6d2632bb0be" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodNumberOfSharesAvailable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_SharesAvailableForFutureGrantRollForward_3d5e5414-ef3f-435c-b4b1-aa0e3930ef10" xlink:to="loc_cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodNumberOfSharesAvailable_83941646-5baa-4caa-a914-f6d2632bb0be" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_ad44b9ad-67ca-4589-a0db-b4eb55a4a01b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_SharesAvailableForFutureGrantRollForward_3d5e5414-ef3f-435c-b4b1-aa0e3930ef10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_ad44b9ad-67ca-4589-a0db-b4eb55a4a01b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_cc143015-6149-4d9b-9d0f-93a7fc0c8aae" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_17e340cb-be49-499a-b203-ee707692dc15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_cc143015-6149-4d9b-9d0f-93a7fc0c8aae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_24fee1fc-2eb0-4075-82e1-43eb3a3fa672" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_cc143015-6149-4d9b-9d0f-93a7fc0c8aae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_24fee1fc-2eb0-4075-82e1-43eb3a3fa672" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_7c5ce62c-094c-4351-a9f4-603e7c12fb26" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_cc143015-6149-4d9b-9d0f-93a7fc0c8aae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_7c5ce62c-094c-4351-a9f4-603e7c12fb26" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_233a893a-6abe-4136-989a-d4e1db559fdd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_cc143015-6149-4d9b-9d0f-93a7fc0c8aae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_233a893a-6abe-4136-989a-d4e1db559fdd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_04913163-edeb-4e4d-94df-a8a2a58a832b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_cc143015-6149-4d9b-9d0f-93a7fc0c8aae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_04913163-edeb-4e4d-94df-a8a2a58a832b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_650e92aa-a08e-4fef-8547-83993d09f7cb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_cc143015-6149-4d9b-9d0f-93a7fc0c8aae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_650e92aa-a08e-4fef-8547-83993d09f7cb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_4f5975c5-f9d1-455d-b256-aa5ec89c2a96" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_17e340cb-be49-499a-b203-ee707692dc15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_4f5975c5-f9d1-455d-b256-aa5ec89c2a96" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_828adb3c-f1fc-4481-b498-5fc123a121e0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_17e340cb-be49-499a-b203-ee707692dc15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_828adb3c-f1fc-4481-b498-5fc123a121e0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_1fa45aa2-7159-4bfc-919e-a65cf2d0f14f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_17e340cb-be49-499a-b203-ee707692dc15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_1fa45aa2-7159-4bfc-919e-a65cf2d0f14f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_a5ac1338-8ed8-4335-8f1d-eb04f16f7855" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_1fa45aa2-7159-4bfc-919e-a65cf2d0f14f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_a5ac1338-8ed8-4335-8f1d-eb04f16f7855" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_c24a08e1-dd07-4c75-91b0-eb18365dd7da" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_1fa45aa2-7159-4bfc-919e-a65cf2d0f14f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_c24a08e1-dd07-4c75-91b0-eb18365dd7da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_e8fff1da-9357-4f61-8d46-abe00fb8dfc5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_1fa45aa2-7159-4bfc-919e-a65cf2d0f14f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_e8fff1da-9357-4f61-8d46-abe00fb8dfc5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_0c51462d-7917-43a7-8118-4425f358b799" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_1fa45aa2-7159-4bfc-919e-a65cf2d0f14f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_0c51462d-7917-43a7-8118-4425f358b799" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_7c58539a-6850-4950-8e27-12aa7a105f9d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_1fa45aa2-7159-4bfc-919e-a65cf2d0f14f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_7c58539a-6850-4950-8e27-12aa7a105f9d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_5263eead-3bbd-4df8-903f-8e7de29bcfb1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_17e340cb-be49-499a-b203-ee707692dc15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_5263eead-3bbd-4df8-903f-8e7de29bcfb1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_9cbe0feb-7411-4fe2-89db-b4d3b53386f9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_17e340cb-be49-499a-b203-ee707692dc15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_9cbe0feb-7411-4fe2-89db-b4d3b53386f9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract_e24c04d9-13c2-42d8-8ade-24d96d0a2708" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_17e340cb-be49-499a-b203-ee707692dc15" xlink:to="loc_cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract_e24c04d9-13c2-42d8-8ade-24d96d0a2708" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_4da9d41c-0d26-4b13-b838-e8ca2955912f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract_e24c04d9-13c2-42d8-8ade-24d96d0a2708" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_4da9d41c-0d26-4b13-b838-e8ca2955912f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_f82f4de5-6684-4b6a-89d4-128a635f103a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract_e24c04d9-13c2-42d8-8ade-24d96d0a2708" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_f82f4de5-6684-4b6a-89d4-128a635f103a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_928dc99e-24fb-44b0-acc2-d2fa788d2093" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract_e24c04d9-13c2-42d8-8ade-24d96d0a2708" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_928dc99e-24fb-44b0-acc2-d2fa788d2093" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueAbstract_8f549565-0003-4a82-87bc-43f7a1511501" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_17e340cb-be49-499a-b203-ee707692dc15" xlink:to="loc_cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueAbstract_8f549565-0003-4a82-87bc-43f7a1511501" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_215bebe3-5a25-486e-819c-7e1adce55737" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueAbstract_8f549565-0003-4a82-87bc-43f7a1511501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_215bebe3-5a25-486e-819c-7e1adce55737" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_7f62224f-4230-40a1-9f26-1e94543fcc20" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueAbstract_8f549565-0003-4a82-87bc-43f7a1511501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_7f62224f-4230-40a1-9f26-1e94543fcc20" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue_703ac7d9-6bcd-4297-8507-c4fca02f5e5c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueAbstract_8f549565-0003-4a82-87bc-43f7a1511501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue_703ac7d9-6bcd-4297-8507-c4fca02f5e5c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquitySummaryofWeightedAverageAssumptionsandResultantFairValueBasedMeasurementsforOptionsGrantedtoEmployeesandDirectorsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#PreferredStockandStockholdersEquitySummaryofWeightedAverageAssumptionsandResultantFairValueBasedMeasurementsforOptionsGrantedtoEmployeesandDirectorsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquitySummaryofWeightedAverageAssumptionsandResultantFairValueBasedMeasurementsforOptionsGrantedtoEmployeesandDirectorsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_2e94ed17-82d7-4efd-84bd-d5ed3c823878" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_26fa2c19-f29e-4d1d-8deb-209e1a42b219" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_2e94ed17-82d7-4efd-84bd-d5ed3c823878" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_26fa2c19-f29e-4d1d-8deb-209e1a42b219" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_f74a81cd-ae95-49d9-8f20-3e43f93c392f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_26fa2c19-f29e-4d1d-8deb-209e1a42b219" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_f74a81cd-ae95-49d9-8f20-3e43f93c392f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_e97ea3ff-2a84-42bc-952a-5609f226631d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_26fa2c19-f29e-4d1d-8deb-209e1a42b219" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_e97ea3ff-2a84-42bc-952a-5609f226631d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_b55ce23c-a9fb-41f7-b448-9b88b35cc7bc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_26fa2c19-f29e-4d1d-8deb-209e1a42b219" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_b55ce23c-a9fb-41f7-b448-9b88b35cc7bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_2161815c-2867-4a44-a81b-6dd603fb00f8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_26fa2c19-f29e-4d1d-8deb-209e1a42b219" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_2161815c-2867-4a44-a81b-6dd603fb00f8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_162d7571-abdb-42f2-bc4a-62b3a4608970" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract_26fa2c19-f29e-4d1d-8deb-209e1a42b219" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_162d7571-abdb-42f2-bc4a-62b3a4608970" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquitySummaryofStockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#PreferredStockandStockholdersEquitySummaryofStockBasedCompensationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/PreferredStockandStockholdersEquitySummaryofStockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_9708f89d-9a78-4fb0-bd5e-bfe7b756c224" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_0c457f92-0120-4ecc-b31c-a76be6481a7e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_9708f89d-9a78-4fb0-bd5e-bfe7b756c224" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_0c457f92-0120-4ecc-b31c-a76be6481a7e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_cf096ba6-c0b9-4a86-87be-6a53c103de26" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_0c457f92-0120-4ecc-b31c-a76be6481a7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_cf096ba6-c0b9-4a86-87be-6a53c103de26" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_6d83481b-30e7-43b4-ab09-1dfd15c012f2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_cf096ba6-c0b9-4a86-87be-6a53c103de26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_6d83481b-30e7-43b4-ab09-1dfd15c012f2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember_932794ef-f464-425e-a1e1-c00a2103243f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_6d83481b-30e7-43b4-ab09-1dfd15c012f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember_932794ef-f464-425e-a1e1-c00a2103243f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember_dd52f721-3460-437a-b328-b4a6a8bdcfd0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_6d83481b-30e7-43b4-ab09-1dfd15c012f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember_dd52f721-3460-437a-b328-b4a6a8bdcfd0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_3dce01b1-7ee4-42e9-b290-9d46b294efda" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_6d83481b-30e7-43b4-ab09-1dfd15c012f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_3dce01b1-7ee4-42e9-b290-9d46b294efda" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_63280352-bb94-4b70-b998-cbbaa7d3df25" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable_0c457f92-0120-4ecc-b31c-a76be6481a7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_63280352-bb94-4b70-b998-cbbaa7d3df25" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount_1fcac962-7fcc-41c7-be49-0edfa63ffc04" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_63280352-bb94-4b70-b998-cbbaa7d3df25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount_1fcac962-7fcc-41c7-be49-0edfa63ffc04" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_d73dfdd1-d3a5-40aa-b763-83e4a5465b89" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_63280352-bb94-4b70-b998-cbbaa7d3df25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_d73dfdd1-d3a5-40aa-b763-83e4a5465b89" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardCompensationCost1_0de26cf6-711b-4eb8-b5cd-f8904db5670f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardCompensationCost1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems_63280352-bb94-4b70-b998-cbbaa7d3df25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardCompensationCost1_0de26cf6-711b-4eb8-b5cd-f8904db5670f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/NetIncomePerShare" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#NetIncomePerShare"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/NetIncomePerShare" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_2e045821-4581-4db9-8ab5-0851027be386" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_cb163622-b567-47e7-a84e-701cfeaf9176" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_2e045821-4581-4db9-8ab5-0851027be386" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_cb163622-b567-47e7-a84e-701cfeaf9176" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/NetIncomePerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#NetIncomePerShareTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/NetIncomePerShareTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_643bbd57-4d57-4f69-ac05-f4465ee5568c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_07d30d9a-f7b9-4515-945b-538fe92a9e39" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_643bbd57-4d57-4f69-ac05-f4465ee5568c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_07d30d9a-f7b9-4515-945b-538fe92a9e39" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/NetIncomePerShareScheduleofComputationofNetIncomeLossPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#NetIncomePerShareScheduleofComputationofNetIncomeLossPerShareDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/NetIncomePerShareScheduleofComputationofNetIncomeLossPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_35121dd0-b171-46fd-b17a-39a16e2ab80a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract_4d6e2207-870b-4264-8899-503f31627ff4" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_35121dd0-b171-46fd-b17a-39a16e2ab80a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract_4d6e2207-870b-4264-8899-503f31627ff4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a3aa31e0-6800-4876-ac1f-d14be6b45685" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract_4d6e2207-870b-4264-8899-503f31627ff4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a3aa31e0-6800-4876-ac1f-d14be6b45685" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_83d0c379-f61f-410e-b6ee-a0e6aeed0a5c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_35121dd0-b171-46fd-b17a-39a16e2ab80a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_83d0c379-f61f-410e-b6ee-a0e6aeed0a5c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_2cad51e2-b919-46ab-9fee-98202ce60bb2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_83d0c379-f61f-410e-b6ee-a0e6aeed0a5c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_2cad51e2-b919-46ab-9fee-98202ce60bb2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_43c60f0f-7930-4575-bc75-860dd1f64577" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_83d0c379-f61f-410e-b6ee-a0e6aeed0a5c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_43c60f0f-7930-4575-bc75-860dd1f64577" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_c0062606-08d0-4a67-b4df-9294d0a0270f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_83d0c379-f61f-410e-b6ee-a0e6aeed0a5c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_c0062606-08d0-4a67-b4df-9294d0a0270f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_a9549c98-9494-4e2c-8a2c-d6da7ada12da" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_35121dd0-b171-46fd-b17a-39a16e2ab80a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_a9549c98-9494-4e2c-8a2c-d6da7ada12da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_ac25ce52-5b4e-4b64-b942-8506f1977bb7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_a9549c98-9494-4e2c-8a2c-d6da7ada12da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_ac25ce52-5b4e-4b64-b942-8506f1977bb7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_737b201b-5db0-4b4a-8be9-35aeb47691fa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_a9549c98-9494-4e2c-8a2c-d6da7ada12da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_737b201b-5db0-4b4a-8be9-35aeb47691fa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/NetIncomePerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#NetIncomePerShareDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/NetIncomePerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_1e17387f-f441-47d6-b846-55651e221183" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_428baff6-cff6-4b99-b774-23031b78c10e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_1e17387f-f441-47d6-b846-55651e221183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_428baff6-cff6-4b99-b774-23031b78c10e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_712cdf86-bc52-461e-b310-48daa1b044c7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_428baff6-cff6-4b99-b774-23031b78c10e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_712cdf86-bc52-461e-b310-48daa1b044c7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_4f8ca176-3180-4631-82f9-127b7ac1bdc8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_712cdf86-bc52-461e-b310-48daa1b044c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_4f8ca176-3180-4631-82f9-127b7ac1bdc8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_2f643abd-e085-4018-a6f6-d01a4d5d819f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_4f8ca176-3180-4631-82f9-127b7ac1bdc8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_2f643abd-e085-4018-a6f6-d01a4d5d819f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_45cb2a20-43cf-4e52-a855-a1bb93e2a626" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_428baff6-cff6-4b99-b774-23031b78c10e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_45cb2a20-43cf-4e52-a855-a1bb93e2a626" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_80bde244-5049-46ca-a87c-8ae5fe89bfb9" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_45cb2a20-43cf-4e52-a855-a1bb93e2a626" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_80bde244-5049-46ca-a87c-8ae5fe89bfb9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_1bf24646-d824-428e-9613-f0132d64bb10" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_45cb2a20-43cf-4e52-a855-a1bb93e2a626" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_1bf24646-d824-428e-9613-f0132d64bb10" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxes"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_4a0996e0-dd75-4549-8832-22f8dee6043c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_715d31bf-50aa-4c8e-9136-d9c7f0eb9b98" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_4a0996e0-dd75-4549-8832-22f8dee6043c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_715d31bf-50aa-4c8e-9136-d9c7f0eb9b98" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_83104b3a-e2ce-41e9-8ee5-358c33794241" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxDomesticAndForeignTableTextBlock_ec0bf45c-9831-4a5c-b80b-18f4d8538b2d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxDomesticAndForeignTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_83104b3a-e2ce-41e9-8ee5-358c33794241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxDomesticAndForeignTableTextBlock_ec0bf45c-9831-4a5c-b80b-18f4d8538b2d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock_36ab2b9f-3a66-4aa4-8959-c81eb5c03dde" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_83104b3a-e2ce-41e9-8ee5-358c33794241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTableTextBlock_36ab2b9f-3a66-4aa4-8959-c81eb5c03dde" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_5378aa44-e618-4c32-8f4a-e5f14d9ae081" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_83104b3a-e2ce-41e9-8ee5-358c33794241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_5378aa44-e618-4c32-8f4a-e5f14d9ae081" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_c6854cf8-93fb-4787-a727-81c371811bbf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_83104b3a-e2ce-41e9-8ee5-358c33794241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTableTextBlock_c6854cf8-93fb-4787-a727-81c371811bbf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfIncomeTaxContingenciesTextBlock_fd179223-61a2-4b40-8486-2c9ea8949690" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SummaryOfIncomeTaxContingenciesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_83104b3a-e2ce-41e9-8ee5-358c33794241" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SummaryOfIncomeTaxContingenciesTextBlock_fd179223-61a2-4b40-8486-2c9ea8949690" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesScheduleofComponentsofincomeTaxBenefitDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxesScheduleofComponentsofincomeTaxBenefitDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesScheduleofComponentsofincomeTaxBenefitDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_ef33d5a2-3417-4781-b44e-5ce5e947c657" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic_fdc75858-4158-4f17-a533-689e99f68a1f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_ef33d5a2-3417-4781-b44e-5ce5e947c657" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic_fdc75858-4158-4f17-a533-689e99f68a1f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign_48e3b1e8-ac61-4f90-9f5a-1ab53d70198c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_ef33d5a2-3417-4781-b44e-5ce5e947c657" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign_48e3b1e8-ac61-4f90-9f5a-1ab53d70198c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_9ef0ae3f-42f3-42ab-aff0-d9d2d0773918" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_ef33d5a2-3417-4781-b44e-5ce5e947c657" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_9ef0ae3f-42f3-42ab-aff0-d9d2d0773918" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsofIncomeTaxBenefitDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxesComponentsofIncomeTaxBenefitDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsofIncomeTaxBenefitDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_161997ff-b92a-4c62-b284-2ef982d39d99" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_8103fcd3-e5a9-48c3-92ac-21edc8f6caaa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_161997ff-b92a-4c62-b284-2ef982d39d99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_8103fcd3-e5a9-48c3-92ac-21edc8f6caaa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_d09f735a-f65b-42fc-abe3-fb5eae4f56db" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_8103fcd3-e5a9-48c3-92ac-21edc8f6caaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_d09f735a-f65b-42fc-abe3-fb5eae4f56db" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_e34233b0-01a9-4810-92ef-29e10b50fc3f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_8103fcd3-e5a9-48c3-92ac-21edc8f6caaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_e34233b0-01a9-4810-92ef-29e10b50fc3f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations_7aa07317-8e2a-4637-93cd-ad7e8036b96f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_8103fcd3-e5a9-48c3-92ac-21edc8f6caaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations_7aa07317-8e2a-4637-93cd-ad7e8036b96f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_31bae495-f1fc-42bf-a7c2-684c6be6e5b0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_161997ff-b92a-4c62-b284-2ef982d39d99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_31bae495-f1fc-42bf-a7c2-684c6be6e5b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_d8425cf3-bf58-4ae8-9dcf-24b20dcc24cf" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_31bae495-f1fc-42bf-a7c2-684c6be6e5b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_d8425cf3-bf58-4ae8-9dcf-24b20dcc24cf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_62da1c37-cbea-4fbd-ae28-84c03bfd4848" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_31bae495-f1fc-42bf-a7c2-684c6be6e5b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_62da1c37-cbea-4fbd-ae28-84c03bfd4848" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations_bfdae124-be7c-4bea-a3f0-a83dd33051cd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_31bae495-f1fc-42bf-a7c2-684c6be6e5b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations_bfdae124-be7c-4bea-a3f0-a83dd33051cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_b55dbb2d-9230-475e-a41a-5628f98e9e90" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_161997ff-b92a-4c62-b284-2ef982d39d99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_b55dbb2d-9230-475e-a41a-5628f98e9e90" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit_03694735-bf06-480f-b50a-83c3be2cba1b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_b55dbb2d-9230-475e-a41a-5628f98e9e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit_03694735-bf06-480f-b50a-83c3be2cba1b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_c4d15a1e-d360-4be2-a46b-25a5e381602b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_b55dbb2d-9230-475e-a41a-5628f98e9e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_c4d15a1e-d360-4be2-a46b-25a5e381602b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations_7bf36746-eaa4-48f3-a7d1-5996b6ee5b5f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_b55dbb2d-9230-475e-a41a-5628f98e9e90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations_7bf36746-eaa4-48f3-a7d1-5996b6ee5b5f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_a55dd81b-ec8b-4f85-9bc4-c6e27809798a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_161997ff-b92a-4c62-b284-2ef982d39d99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_a55dd81b-ec8b-4f85-9bc4-c6e27809798a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_f770cf2e-2d41-45ad-9269-9fb6f39d9550" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesTable_3434a48f-7e2a-4bfe-a995-f6ca230eb974" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_IncomeTaxesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_f770cf2e-2d41-45ad-9269-9fb6f39d9550" xlink:to="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesTable_3434a48f-7e2a-4bfe-a995-f6ca230eb974" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_9299c4b5-1388-4f26-b915-13b5714b0ec3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesTable_3434a48f-7e2a-4bfe-a995-f6ca230eb974" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_9299c4b5-1388-4f26-b915-13b5714b0ec3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_bb7fde5f-02d8-4500-9d29-f588f8b8cc76" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_9299c4b5-1388-4f26-b915-13b5714b0ec3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_bb7fde5f-02d8-4500-9d29-f588f8b8cc76" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResearchMember_3304c606-27b3-42d6-a799-85ed29c92326" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_bb7fde5f-02d8-4500-9d29-f588f8b8cc76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResearchMember_3304c606-27b3-42d6-a799-85ed29c92326" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_OrphanDrugTaxCreditMember_a39b244e-7149-4a57-a444-e39fe4a74ac1" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_OrphanDrugTaxCreditMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_bb7fde5f-02d8-4500-9d29-f588f8b8cc76" xlink:to="loc_cort_OrphanDrugTaxCreditMember_a39b244e-7149-4a57-a444-e39fe4a74ac1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_a82eb7b5-d20d-43ac-8675-84613e14adc0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesTable_3434a48f-7e2a-4bfe-a995-f6ca230eb974" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_a82eb7b5-d20d-43ac-8675-84613e14adc0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_2f53decf-ec1f-4c11-a493-8003191e1fd7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_a82eb7b5-d20d-43ac-8675-84613e14adc0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_2f53decf-ec1f-4c11-a493-8003191e1fd7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_c4c1fa62-5318-4fd2-b674-1745cb72605a" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_2f53decf-ec1f-4c11-a493-8003191e1fd7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_c4c1fa62-5318-4fd2-b674-1745cb72605a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_OtherStatesMember_ebf29a47-bcf6-48b6-8f27-25c548eb58ea" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_OtherStatesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_2f53decf-ec1f-4c11-a493-8003191e1fd7" xlink:to="loc_cort_OtherStatesMember_ebf29a47-bcf6-48b6-8f27-25c548eb58ea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis_0a09217f-488a-4186-a97a-246d42f52221" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesTable_3434a48f-7e2a-4bfe-a995-f6ca230eb974" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis_0a09217f-488a-4186-a97a-246d42f52221" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain_745c50f3-af49-4a7c-bc5b-19794c957c1c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis_0a09217f-488a-4186-a97a-246d42f52221" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain_745c50f3-af49-4a7c-bc5b-19794c957c1c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember_7a774ba8-fb9b-4118-9b97-8d5ccaede6dc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain_745c50f3-af49-4a7c-bc5b-19794c957c1c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember_7a774ba8-fb9b-4118-9b97-8d5ccaede6dc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesLineItems_bbf18ec2-0bbd-467a-855c-51b233ac5c14" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_IncomeTaxesLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesTable_3434a48f-7e2a-4bfe-a995-f6ca230eb974" xlink:to="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesLineItems_bbf18ec2-0bbd-467a-855c-51b233ac5c14" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_84ef29a4-86f8-4cd2-aaf6-e9970fb4ee60" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesLineItems_bbf18ec2-0bbd-467a-855c-51b233ac5c14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_84ef29a4-86f8-4cd2-aaf6-e9970fb4ee60" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_2eb96708-fa69-47ff-b654-65fe47ddb8e3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesLineItems_bbf18ec2-0bbd-467a-855c-51b233ac5c14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_2eb96708-fa69-47ff-b654-65fe47ddb8e3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_e5e69def-4685-4425-b9fc-acf1ab09212e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesLineItems_bbf18ec2-0bbd-467a-855c-51b233ac5c14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_e5e69def-4685-4425-b9fc-acf1ab09212e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_5b69b742-69e0-4fae-a7b9-91445f6f9cf7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesLineItems_bbf18ec2-0bbd-467a-855c-51b233ac5c14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_5b69b742-69e0-4fae-a7b9-91445f6f9cf7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_563d97f1-1aa1-4660-af17-36de209cd7a3" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesLineItems_bbf18ec2-0bbd-467a-855c-51b233ac5c14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_563d97f1-1aa1-4660-af17-36de209cd7a3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldBeOffsetByAChangeInValuationAllowance_2234d309-e37f-4d43-a7e3-4a81150c27c0" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldBeOffsetByAChangeInValuationAllowance"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesLineItems_bbf18ec2-0bbd-467a-855c-51b233ac5c14" xlink:to="loc_cort_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldBeOffsetByAChangeInValuationAllowance_2234d309-e37f-4d43-a7e3-4a81150c27c0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued_5b2f3b01-d587-4aa3-b769-39c9a169bc16" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesLineItems_bbf18ec2-0bbd-467a-855c-51b233ac5c14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued_5b2f3b01-d587-4aa3-b769-39c9a169bc16" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAccrued_2bb6f197-98fd-46bb-ab46-6a8ab93d4b7e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAccrued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_IncomeTaxesLineItems_bbf18ec2-0bbd-467a-855c-51b233ac5c14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAccrued_2bb6f197-98fd-46bb-ab46-6a8ab93d4b7e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsofDeferredTaxAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsofDeferredTaxAssetsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsofDeferredTaxAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_a1031b0d-57b0-451c-83a2-b4e786faa7bd" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_a49bf30d-f8d5-4a1c-b3d8-6b6860b0c47c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_a1031b0d-57b0-451c-83a2-b4e786faa7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_a49bf30d-f8d5-4a1c-b3d8-6b6860b0c47c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_9cb515e7-e617-4347-916d-60fb69dce262" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_a49bf30d-f8d5-4a1c-b3d8-6b6860b0c47c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_9cb515e7-e617-4347-916d-60fb69dce262" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_DeferredTaxAssetsDeferredExpenseCapitalizedResearchAndDevelopmentCosts_3014d343-03fd-4d13-aaad-982a721f387f" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_DeferredTaxAssetsDeferredExpenseCapitalizedResearchAndDevelopmentCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_a49bf30d-f8d5-4a1c-b3d8-6b6860b0c47c" xlink:to="loc_cort_DeferredTaxAssetsDeferredExpenseCapitalizedResearchAndDevelopmentCosts_3014d343-03fd-4d13-aaad-982a721f387f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsResearch_5249e94f-f4a8-479b-944c-c84b225c6815" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsResearch"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_a49bf30d-f8d5-4a1c-b3d8-6b6860b0c47c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsResearch_5249e94f-f4a8-479b-944c-c84b225c6815" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsShareBasedCompensationCost_ffc2373f-504c-46f5-b9af-73f6f2e4e146" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsShareBasedCompensationCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_a49bf30d-f8d5-4a1c-b3d8-6b6860b0c47c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsShareBasedCompensationCost_ffc2373f-504c-46f5-b9af-73f6f2e4e146" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLeaseLiability_1bb20a6d-abb6-4796-a37d-c38d195bb8b7" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_a49bf30d-f8d5-4a1c-b3d8-6b6860b0c47c" xlink:to="loc_cort_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLeaseLiability_1bb20a6d-abb6-4796-a37d-c38d195bb8b7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther_ad7d4a19-ee29-4d27-bfb8-821c51e0ca0f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_a49bf30d-f8d5-4a1c-b3d8-6b6860b0c47c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther_ad7d4a19-ee29-4d27-bfb8-821c51e0ca0f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_c63f5df3-cd1b-4f2d-889b-9e088bdb79e0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_a49bf30d-f8d5-4a1c-b3d8-6b6860b0c47c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_c63f5df3-cd1b-4f2d-889b-9e088bdb79e0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_984242a6-caec-442f-8164-ff80a3037a9d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_a1031b0d-57b0-451c-83a2-b4e786faa7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_984242a6-caec-442f-8164-ff80a3037a9d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_770435a9-eb49-4283-8099-4aabb68d5ec5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_a1031b0d-57b0-451c-83a2-b4e786faa7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_770435a9-eb49-4283-8099-4aabb68d5ec5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesLeasingArrangements_39e60908-559c-454a-a2ab-dde7d4426b8c" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesLeasingArrangements"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_770435a9-eb49-4283-8099-4aabb68d5ec5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesLeasingArrangements_39e60908-559c-454a-a2ab-dde7d4426b8c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities_e7aa0f61-7e9b-4190-aa52-cd892e6c9d3f" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_770435a9-eb49-4283-8099-4aabb68d5ec5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities_e7aa0f61-7e9b-4190-aa52-cd892e6c9d3f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTotalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_9c3a68b5-6279-4769-b48f-1f26326d7245" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_a1031b0d-57b0-451c-83a2-b4e786faa7bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_9c3a68b5-6279-4769-b48f-1f26326d7245" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationofStatutoryFederalIncomeTaxRatetoEffectiveRateDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxesReconciliationofStatutoryFederalIncomeTaxRatetoEffectiveRateDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationofStatutoryFederalIncomeTaxRatetoEffectiveRateDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_ecf29337-75bd-4ace-b9e4-82fdb42db631" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_bd29fb87-138f-429a-a443-4399fdd52178" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_ecf29337-75bd-4ace-b9e4-82fdb42db631" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_bd29fb87-138f-429a-a443-4399fdd52178" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCreditsResearch_2d8f69ed-1643-4e7a-8bd1-47fe9d6755b0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCreditsResearch"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_ecf29337-75bd-4ace-b9e4-82fdb42db631" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCreditsResearch_2d8f69ed-1643-4e7a-8bd1-47fe9d6755b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_f1c39cfc-7a06-4d26-ad4f-28816b5c62aa" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_ecf29337-75bd-4ace-b9e4-82fdb42db631" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_f1c39cfc-7a06-4d26-ad4f-28816b5c62aa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseCompensationCost_1a6c68b6-286c-42e7-bd17-100494dcf5ef" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseCompensationCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_ecf29337-75bd-4ace-b9e4-82fdb42db631" xlink:to="loc_cort_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseCompensationCost_1a6c68b6-286c-42e7-bd17-100494dcf5ef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseBenefitShareBasedCompensation_59f7d429-51d9-43ef-802a-d87a37b895a4" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseBenefitShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_ecf29337-75bd-4ace-b9e4-82fdb42db631" xlink:to="loc_cort_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseBenefitShareBasedCompensation_59f7d429-51d9-43ef-802a-d87a37b895a4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseOther_1d533798-0e66-4e54-b707-527844e49279" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseOther"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_ecf29337-75bd-4ace-b9e4-82fdb42db631" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseOther_1d533798-0e66-4e54-b707-527844e49279" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_7b7e6b53-e37b-487e-aa3c-903a4e6bd427" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_ecf29337-75bd-4ace-b9e4-82fdb42db631" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_7b7e6b53-e37b-487e-aa3c-903a4e6bd427" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesChangesinBalanceofGrossUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#IncomeTaxesChangesinBalanceofGrossUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/IncomeTaxesChangesinBalanceofGrossUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_6af68fd0-b1af-45f4-85fc-d41b88c370cb" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_f10b73f5-a94a-4fdf-babe-1b8088930183" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_6af68fd0-b1af-45f4-85fc-d41b88c370cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_f10b73f5-a94a-4fdf-babe-1b8088930183" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_464c70f9-ee51-4935-b202-f1b71701ab62" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_f10b73f5-a94a-4fdf-babe-1b8088930183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_464c70f9-ee51-4935-b202-f1b71701ab62" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_7c5db3be-08f9-48f7-9ebb-ed4f5129b86b" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_f10b73f5-a94a-4fdf-babe-1b8088930183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_7c5db3be-08f9-48f7-9ebb-ed4f5129b86b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_7701f2c8-c4d8-405a-825b-e1be1a79e930" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_f10b73f5-a94a-4fdf-babe-1b8088930183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_7701f2c8-c4d8-405a-825b-e1be1a79e930" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions_57c57d40-e4be-47b3-bbe7-3f4a6165df29" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_f10b73f5-a94a-4fdf-babe-1b8088930183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions_57c57d40-e4be-47b3-bbe7-3f4a6165df29" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions_a841db38-da48-4f9d-aea4-65eb2c2b1ea5" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_f10b73f5-a94a-4fdf-babe-1b8088930183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions_a841db38-da48-4f9d-aea4-65eb2c2b1ea5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_313bf239-1207-4bb3-9e33-63d5c24501c2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_f10b73f5-a94a-4fdf-babe-1b8088930183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_313bf239-1207-4bb3-9e33-63d5c24501c2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/Commitmentsandcontingencies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#Commitmentsandcontingencies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/Commitmentsandcontingencies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_d062914c-e390-4de3-83a1-ce5f349c0398" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_e40227e7-c6c6-44b2-942f-9d8f29f71167" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_d062914c-e390-4de3-83a1-ce5f349c0398" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_e40227e7-c6c6-44b2-942f-9d8f29f71167" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/CommitmentsandcontingenciesNarrativesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#CommitmentsandcontingenciesNarrativesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/CommitmentsandcontingenciesNarrativesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_e2e571a2-abd8-475c-954a-d3774f203278" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_CommitmentAndContingenciesTable_27a7d2e6-fe20-4509-945b-80815f64feff" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_CommitmentAndContingenciesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_e2e571a2-abd8-475c-954a-d3774f203278" xlink:to="loc_cort_CommitmentAndContingenciesTable_27a7d2e6-fe20-4509-945b-80815f64feff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a2746fdc-43f5-4cde-85b1-43e322df4355" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_CommitmentAndContingenciesTable_27a7d2e6-fe20-4509-945b-80815f64feff" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a2746fdc-43f5-4cde-85b1-43e322df4355" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_327f505d-e4db-491a-80b1-37269dcd9b38" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_a2746fdc-43f5-4cde-85b1-43e322df4355" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_327f505d-e4db-491a-80b1-37269dcd9b38" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_PCAsMember_29b538d7-6cdf-4827-8a07-d6e36ca4f663" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_PCAsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_327f505d-e4db-491a-80b1-37269dcd9b38" xlink:to="loc_cort_PCAsMember_29b538d7-6cdf-4827-8a07-d6e36ca4f663" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_CommitmentAndContingenciesLineItems_90270b33-6ad6-4c6a-adaf-ca965043739a" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_CommitmentAndContingenciesLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_CommitmentAndContingenciesTable_27a7d2e6-fe20-4509-945b-80815f64feff" xlink:to="loc_cort_CommitmentAndContingenciesLineItems_90270b33-6ad6-4c6a-adaf-ca965043739a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_cort_ShortTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumMassRequired_8d8e865f-2419-4f01-9338-e5e846a0ee2b" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#cort_ShortTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumMassRequired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_CommitmentAndContingenciesLineItems_90270b33-6ad6-4c6a-adaf-ca965043739a" xlink:to="loc_cort_ShortTermPurchaseCommitmentMinimumMassRequired_8d8e865f-2419-4f01-9338-e5e846a0ee2b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligation_5acfb7c4-c22f-458d-9da0-2957b31e86ec" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_CommitmentAndContingenciesLineItems_90270b33-6ad6-4c6a-adaf-ca965043739a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligation_5acfb7c4-c22f-458d-9da0-2957b31e86ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue_dd5e52db-d0dc-4e03-ae05-6a9d9112ee6e" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_CommitmentAndContingenciesLineItems_90270b33-6ad6-4c6a-adaf-ca965043739a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue_dd5e52db-d0dc-4e03-ae05-6a9d9112ee6e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProvision_df2c30dc-8d30-49b4-83ce-4179b4a45af2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProvision"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_cort_CommitmentAndContingenciesLineItems_90270b33-6ad6-4c6a-adaf-ca965043739a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProvision_df2c30dc-8d30-49b4-83ce-4179b4a45af2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_9f74245a-c820-4427-9265-1f22eadd0ff1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock_c7082b97-39f9-412f-bb9c-83179c35f287" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_9f74245a-c820-4427-9265-1f22eadd0ff1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock_c7082b97-39f9-412f-bb9c-83179c35f287" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_ea1045b9-c29c-4b5d-8990-dbe46a5feaf8" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock_90c16da2-6649-41c4-8b42-f50fed3097e7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_ea1045b9-c29c-4b5d-8990-dbe46a5feaf8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTableTextBlock_90c16da2-6649-41c4-8b42-f50fed3097e7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.corcept.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="cort-20201231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.corcept.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_29949cd9-4e4a-4837-8492-d4bbf46bc82d" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_bd41f972-decd-47c6-8393-cbc420124c21" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_29949cd9-4e4a-4837-8492-d4bbf46bc82d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_bd41f972-decd-47c6-8393-cbc420124c21" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_89d415ad-9b3d-4cf2-8f13-9f68d94cfb11" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossProfit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_29949cd9-4e4a-4837-8492-d4bbf46bc82d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_89d415ad-9b3d-4cf2-8f13-9f68d94cfb11" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_791fb18a-6a86-4677-9c5f-cd961349f1cc" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_29949cd9-4e4a-4837-8492-d4bbf46bc82d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_791fb18a-6a86-4677-9c5f-cd961349f1cc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_7a1caac4-b471-4c21-b8fa-296c0e06c493" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_29949cd9-4e4a-4837-8492-d4bbf46bc82d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_7a1caac4-b471-4c21-b8fa-296c0e06c493" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_b6112b4f-2be4-4542-8866-fc8018598fa7" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationDisclosureAbstract_29949cd9-4e4a-4837-8492-d4bbf46bc82d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_b6112b4f-2be4-4542-8866-fc8018598fa7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
