Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
The Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) assess your ability to select the three most appropriate actions in response to a realistic professional scenario.
Unlike traditional medical examinations, these questions do not test factual knowledge. Instead, they evaluate how well you apply professional judgement, patient-centred care, and the standards expected of a GP in Ireland.
How MCQs Work
Each question presents:
- One professional scenario
- Eight possible responses
- You must choose the Best Three
Several options may seem reasonable, but only the combination that best reflects safe and professional practice receives full marks.
Exam Tip: Don’t look for three good answers—look for the best combination.
What Examiners Are Looking For
The highest-scoring responses consistently demonstrate:
- Patient safety
- Professionalism and integrity
- Respectful communication
- Ethical decision-making
- Appropriate escalation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Working within your competence
Actions that compromise patient safety, delay escalation, breach confidentiality, or ignore professional responsibilities are unlikely to score well.
A Simple Approach to Every MCQ
Before selecting your answers, ask yourself:
- Does this protect the patient?
- Is it professional and ethical?
- Am I acting within my competence?
- Should I seek senior advice?
- Does this promote effective communication and teamwork?
If an option does not support these principles, it is unlikely to be among the Best Three.
Common Mistakes
Candidates often lose marks by:
- Choosing the most active response rather than the safest one
- Acting independently when senior input is needed
- Ignoring patient concerns
- Focusing on efficiency instead of patient safety
- Selecting three individually reasonable options that do not work well together
Remember, the best answers complement one another to create a safe and professional overall response.
Building the GP Mindset
Success in the SJT comes from understanding why an answer is appropriate—not from memorising questions.
With regular practice, you’ll begin to recognise the professional behaviours expected by the Irish Medical Council and apply them consistently across different scenarios.
Why Prepare with GPNavor?
GPNavor is built specifically for the Irish GP Entry Examination.
Our MCQ practice helps you:
- Understand the reasoning behind high-scoring answers
- Learn how examiners prioritise responses
- Improve your decision-making through detailed explanations
- Practise with realistic exam-style scenarios
- Build confidence using an exam-mirror interface
Our aim is simple: help you think like a safe GP—not just pass the exam.
👉 Start your free SJT practice on GPNavor today.
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