Clinical Problem-Solving Test (CPST)
The Clinical Problem-Solving Test (CPST) assesses your ability to apply clinical knowledge safely and effectively in everyday medical practice.
Rather than testing factual recall, the CPST evaluates how you interpret clinical information, make appropriate decisions, and choose the single best answer in patient-based scenarios.
The standard expected is that of a competent intern starting GP training.
CPST Exam Format
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Questions | 50 Single Best Answer (SBA) |
| Format | Computer-based |
| Question Type | One best answer from five options |
Each question presents a clinical scenario requiring the single most appropriate answer.
Topics Commonly Tested
The CPST covers conditions commonly encountered in Irish clinical practice, including:
- Cardiovascular
- Respiratory
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Renal & Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Neurology & Psychiatry
- Paediatrics
- Women’s Health
- Musculoskeletal Medicine
- Pharmacology & Therapeutics
The emphasis is on common presentations and safe clinical decision-making, not rare conditions.
How to Approach Every Question
When reading a scenario, ask yourself:
- Is the patient stable or critically ill?
- What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Is immediate treatment required before investigations?
- Which option is the safest and most appropriate?
- Does my decision follow current Irish clinical practice?
This structured approach improves both speed and accuracy.
High-Yield Clinical Domains
The CPST commonly tests your ability to make decisions in five key areas:
- Investigation – Selecting the most appropriate diagnostic test.
- Diagnosis – Identifying the most likely clinical condition.
- Emergency Management – Recognising and treating life-threatening illness promptly.
- Prescribing – Choosing the safest medication and dose.
- Clinical Management – Selecting the most appropriate non-drug treatment, referral, or follow-up.
Common Mistakes
Candidates frequently lose marks by:
- Missing red-flag symptoms
- Choosing investigations before stabilising the patient
- Over-investigating straightforward presentations
- Selecting treatments that are not first-line
- Failing to recognise medical emergencies
Always prioritise patient safety and the best next step.
Why Prepare with GPNavor?
GPNavor is designed specifically for the Irish GP Entry Examination.
Our CPST preparation helps you:
- Practise realistic exam-style SBA questions
- Develop structured clinical reasoning
- Learn why each answer is correct
- Identify common exam traps
- Build confidence with an exam-mirror interface
Our goal is simple: help you think like a safe junior doctor ready for GP training.
👉 Start your free CPST practice on GPNavor today.
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