RACGP AGPT SJT (CASPer-Style) Guide: Format, Preparation and Practice Tips
GP Institute supports candidates through realistic SJT and CASPer-style practice, structured feedback and a broad question bank. The strongest preparation is repeated, reflective practice that helps you respond calmly to new scenarios—not memorisation of lines from old ones.
What type of SJT scenario would you most like to practise first: ethical conflict, teamwork, communication or professional boundaries?Preparing for an SJT is different from preparing for a knowledge-based exam. The RACGP national entry assessment for AGPT is an online situational judgement test delivered by Acuity Insights and referred to by that provider as the Casper test. It assesses how candidates reflect on and respond to interpersonal and professional dilemmas through critical reasoning and social interpretation.racgp.org
From the 2026.2 intake, FSP applicants are also required to complete the national entry assessment. GP Institute helps candidates prepare by practising the skills that make reasoning visible under time pressure: identifying the issue, considering different perspectives, communicating respectfully and taking a safe, proportionate next step.racgp
What is the current format?
For AGPT, the current online assessment includes 11 scenarios and 22 open-ended questions. It has four video-response scenarios, with one minute to record each answer, followed by seven typed-response scenarios, with 3.5 minutes to answer both questions for each scenario. The total test duration is approximately 65–85 minutes, including optional breaks.racgp.org
This differs from an ACRRM MMI, which uses interview stations with two minutes of reading time and eight minutes to respond. Candidates should prepare for the assessment named in their invitation rather than assuming that every “SJT,” CASPer-style assessment or MMI follows the same timing or delivery method.acrrm
How GP Institute supports preparation
GP Institute preparation is designed to help candidates develop adaptable judgement rather than memorised scripts.
- CASPer-style practice scenarios: Work through ethical, communication, teamwork, professionalism and conflict scenarios relevant to GP training selection.
- Timed mock practice: Practise concise video and typed responses under conditions that reflect the pace of the current assessment.
- Structured response methods: Learn how to pause, clarify information, consider stakeholders, act proportionately and follow up or escalate when necessary.
- Feedback and self-review: Identify whether your response was specific, balanced, complete and clearly communicated.
- Question-bank access: Practise across a range of recurring themes to build flexibility and confidence.
- Video-response coaching: Record practice responses to assess pacing, filler words, clarity, tone and whether you directly answered the question.
- Interview preparation where relevant: Prepare for traditional panels or MMI-style selection processes without confusing those formats with the AGPT/FSP online national entry assessment.
The purpose is not to provide “perfect answers.” It is to make your genuine reasoning clear to assessors.
Common SJT questions
Candidates may encounter prompts involving:
- A colleague whose behaviour may affect patients or the team.
- A person who feels excluded, distressed or treated unfairly.
- Confidentiality, honesty, boundaries or competing duties.
- A disagreement between team members.
- A difficult conversation requiring empathy and accountability.
- An ethical concern where facts are incomplete.
- A question about collaboration, motivation, resilience or learning from feedback.
A good response avoids two extremes: acting as though nothing needs to be done and escalating every uncomfortable interaction immediately. Explain how you would gather facts, protect safety, communicate privately and respectfully where appropriate, and seek help through the right pathway if the concern is serious or persists.
A simple response structure
Use this five-step approach in practice:
| Step | What to show |
|---|---|
| Pause | Stay calm and avoid assumptions. |
| Clarify | Find out relevant facts respectfully. |
| Consider | Identify stakeholders, potential harms, fairness and confidentiality. |
| Act | Choose a practical, proportionate next step. |
| Follow up | Check the outcome and escalate if risk remains. |
For instance, in a scenario involving a patient refusing treatment, acknowledge the patient’s right to make informed choices, explore their understanding and concerns, assess whether they have decision-making capacity where relevant, explain risks and alternatives clearly, and involve appropriate support if safety concerns cannot be managed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare only by reading online?
Reading about the SJT can help you understand the purpose and format, but it does not build timed performance. Practise is essential because candidates need to organise their thoughts, type efficiently and communicate a complete response within a short time window. The current typed section gives 3.5 minutes for two answers, so time allocation matters.racgp.org
Should I speak for the entire time?
No. Answer the question clearly, give enough reasoning to demonstrate judgement, then stop. In video practice, aim for a focused response that directly answers the prompt rather than repeating the same point in different words.
What if I use “um” or “like” frequently?
Filler words are common when people are thinking aloud. Record practice answers, identify repeated filler words and replace them with a short pause. A deliberate pause usually sounds more confident than rushing to fill silence.
Do I need to know current healthcare issues?
You do not need to memorise policy details for every scenario. However, awareness of Australian general-practice values—patient-centred care, safety, professionalism, teamwork, equity, confidentiality and appropriate escalation—will help you explain decisions sensibly.
Should I be myself?
Yes—but preparation helps you express your real values and reasoning under pressure. Authenticity and structured practice work together. The goal is not to sound rehearsed; it is to show thoughtful, respectful and safe judgement consistently.
How to use practice effectively
- Complete a timed scenario without notes or a script.
- Review whether you answered every part of the prompt.
- Check whether you made unsupported assumptions.
- Identify one improvement only—for example, clearer escalation, greater empathy or a more specific action.
- Repeat with a different scenario and apply that improvement.
GP Institute supports candidates through realistic SJT and CASPer-style practice, structured feedback and a broad question bank. The strongest preparation is repeated, reflective practice that helps you respond calmly to new scenarios—not memorisation of lines from old ones.
Also read:
MMI Teamwork Scenarios
MMI Character Development Scenarios
MMI Ethical Scenarios
The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)
RACGP/ACRRM Competency: Patient-Centred Care and Ethics
MMI Teamwork Questions and Communication Skills
Applying MMI Interview Preparation to RACGP and ACRRM Core Domain Competencies
What type of SJT scenario would you most like to practise first: ethical conflict, teamwork, communication or professional boundaries?