Situational Judgement Test (SJT)
The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) assesses how you apply professional judgement, ethics, communication, and patient-centred decision-making in realistic workplace scenarios.
Unlike clinical exams, the SJT does not test medical knowledge. Instead, it evaluates whether your decisions reflect the professional standards expected of a safe GP in Ireland.
What Does the SJT Assess?
The SJT is based on the professional standards expected by the Irish Medical Council (IMC) and the competencies required for GP training.
The exam assesses your ability to:
- Demonstrate professionalism and integrity
- Prioritise patient safety
- Communicate effectively
- Work collaboratively
- Manage pressure appropriately
- Make ethical decisions
- Respect confidentiality
- Recognise your own limitations
Exam Tip: The SJT rewards good judgement, not the fastest or most dramatic response.
Why Your SJT Score Matters
A strong SJT score can significantly improve your chances of securing a GP training place.
It is used to:
- Shortlist applicants
- Contribute to final ranking
- Differentiate candidates with similar academic performance
How the SJT Is Scored
High-scoring candidates consistently demonstrate:
- Patient safety
- Professionalism
- Ethical practice
- Effective communication
- Appropriate escalation
- Accountability
- Compassion
- Teamworking
Common reasons candidates lose marks include:
- Compromising patient safety
- Acting beyond competence
- Delaying escalation
- Breaking confidentiality
- Avoiding responsibility
- Confrontational behaviour
Exam Format at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 84 minutes |
| Questions | 45 scenarios |
| Question Types | Ranking & Multiple Choice |
| Focus | Professional judgement rather than clinical knowledge |
A short tutorial is provided before the assessment to familiarise candidates with the exam interface.
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Think Like a GP
High-scoring candidates approach every scenario by asking:
- Is the patient safe?
- Am I acting within my competence?
- Should I communicate more effectively?
- Do I need senior support?
- Does this reflect Irish professional standards?
Developing this mindset is the key to success.
SJT Question Types
Multiple Choice Questions
You must select the Best Three responses from a list of options.
Marks are awarded for choosing responses that best promote:
- Patient safety
- Professionalism
- Effective communication
- Appropriate escalation
Exam Tip: Choose the safest and most professional combination—not the most active response.
Ranking Questions
You must rank five responses from most appropriate to least appropriate.
The best answers consistently prioritise:
- Patient safety
- Ethical practice
- Effective communication
- Working within competence
- Appropriate escalation
Avoid responses that involve blame, confrontation, unnecessary delay, or acting beyond your role.
Core Competencies Tested
The SJT evaluates five key professional competencies.
1. Commitment to Professionalism
2. Coping with Pressure
3. Focus on Patient Care
4. Effective Communication
5. Teamwork Skills
High-Yield SJT Principles
Always remember:
✅ Patient safety comes first.
✅ Work within your competence.
✅ Escalate concerns appropriately.
✅ Communicate respectfully.
✅ Maintain confidentiality.
✅ Be honest and accountable.
✅ Show compassion and professionalism.
Why Prepare with GPNavor?
Our SJT resources are designed around the professional standards expected in Irish GP practice. You’ll learn:
- How examiners award marks
- The logic behind high-scoring answers
- Common mistakes that cost marks
- Proven strategies for Ranking and Multiple Choice questions
Our goal is simple: help you think like a safe GP—not just pass the exam.
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Key Takeaway
The Irish GP SJT assesses professional judgement, not clinical knowledge.
Candidates who consistently prioritise patient safety, ethical practice, communication, teamwork, and accountability achieve the highest scores. Developing these habits before exam day is the most effective way to maximise your performance.
