Situational Judgement Test (SJT)
The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is often the most challenging hurdle in the Irish GP Entry process. Unlike clinical exams, the SJT focuses on “professional grey areas” rather than medical diagnoses.
To secure a top-tier training spot in the 2026 intake, you must master the logic behind this assessment.
What is SJT?
The SJT evaluates non-cognitive attributes rather than clinical knowledge. The ICGP uses it to determine if you possess the essential qualities of a competent General Practitioner, such as:
- Professionalism & Integrity: Handling ethical dilemmas with honesty.
- Patient-Centric Care: Advocating for patients under pressure.
- Effective Communication: Managing conflict within the MDT.
- Stress Management: Remaining logical during high-pressure clinics.
Scoring
Why Your Score Matters
With more applicants than training places, your SJT score is critical for:
- Shortlisting: It is the primary filter for interview selection.
- Final Ranking: It heavily influences your final scheme allocation.
The Ranking Logic: You are presented with scenarios and must choose the most appropriate practical action. Scoring rewards attitudes that align with the responsibilities of a GP—where the “best response” is always one of the provided options.
Exam Format at a Glance
The ICGP SJT is a computer-based test requiring both speed and ethical precision.
Feature | Details |
Duration | 95 Minutes |
Total Questions | 50 Scenarios (42 scored, 8 pilot) |
Question Types | Ranking (1-5) & Multiple Choice (‘Best 3’) |
The Experience: You begin with a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and an optional tutorial. Use the tutorial to familiarize yourself with the interface before starting the 90-minute assessment.
The GPNavor Edge: Think Like a GP
The secret to success is aligning your answers with the Irish Medical Council (IMC) Ethical Guidelines. At GPNavor, we teach you the specific Ranking Logic used by the ICGP:
- Patient Safety always takes priority over efficiency.
- Local Resolution (direct communication) is usually preferred over immediate reporting.
- Seeking Support from seniors is viewed as a clinical strength.
Why GPNavor?
Unlike generic question banks such as GPQuestPro, GPNavor provides an Exam-Mirror UI. Our platform looks and feels exactly like the ICGP environment, helping you master the pacing needed to finish all 50 questions comfortably.
Don’t leave your career to chance. Join our community of Irish NCHDs today.
Categories Of Questions
1. Multiple Choice Questions:
The second half of the ICGP SJT consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Unlike standard medical exams, these don’t just ask for one right answer—they ask you to select a synergistic solution.
2. Ranking Questions:
– In ranking questions, you’ll be required to arrange five answer options in order of appropriateness, from the most appropriate to the least appropriate, for each scenario. There are three possible formats for these questions:
Target Domains
1. Commitment To Professionalism:
Behavioural indicators linked to this competency.
- Demonstrates probity (displays honesty, integrity, aware of ethical dilemmas, respects confidentiality)
- Capacity to take responsibility for own action
2. Coping With Pressure:
Behavioural indicators linked to this competency.
- Capability to operate under pressure and awareness of own limitations
- Demonstrates initiative and resilience to adapt and respond to changing circumstances, timescales, organisational structures and systems
3. Focus On Patient Care:
- Capacity to work effectively in partnership with others and demonstrate leadership where appropriate
- Demonstrates a facilitative, collaborative approach and respects others’ views
- Demonstrates capability and willingness to work in multi-disciplinary teams and respects multi-agency contribution to health
4. Communication Skills:
- Capability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English to a wide variety of audiences, adapting language to the situation as appropriate
- Capability to listen, build rapport, persuade and negotiate with individuals and groups
5. Teamwork Skills:
Effective teamwork is a cornerstone of high-quality healthcare delivery. It fosters improved patient outcomes, reduced medical errors, enhanced communication, greater job satisfaction, and the prevention of burnout.
