The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) uses the Situational Judgement Tests (SJT) format as part of its selection process for the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program. This article provides a detailed overview of the RACGP SJT exam, its structure, purpose, and how candidates can prepare effectively.

What is the RACGP SJT?

The RACGP SJT is a structured interview format designed to assess candidates’ personal qualities and aptitudes relevant to a career in general practice. It forms a crucial part of the selection process for the AGPT program. .

Purpose of the SJT

The primary goals of the RACGP SJT are to:

1. Assess non-cognitive skills and attributes essential for successful general practitioners
2. Provide a comprehensive evaluation of candidates beyond academic achievements
3. Reduce interviewer bias through multiple independent assessments
4. Evaluate candidates’ ability to think on their feet and communicate effectively

Structure and Format

The RACGP is yet to release the new format of the SJT. It would typically consists of the following elements:

1. Number of stations: 5 common questions, with the possibility of up to 3 additional region-specific questions
2. Duration per station: Approximately 8 minutes
3. Preparation time: 2 minutes before each station
4. Total duration: Approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the number of stations

Types of SJT Stations

The RACGP SJT includes various types of stations designed to assess different qualities:

1. Scenario-based questions
2. Ethical dilemmas
3. Communication skills assessment
4. Problem-solving tasks
5. Personal questions about motivation and experiences

Interview Format

The RACGP SJT can be conducted in two formats:

1. Situational Judgement Tests format: Candidates move between different stations, each with a different interviewer.
2. Single panel format: A panel of interviewers asks all questions in a single session.

The choice of format may depend on the training organization and other factors such as COVID-19 restrictions.

Interview Locations

Interviews are typically conducted by a training organization from one of the candidate’s preferred training regions. They may be done remotely or face-to-face, depending on the region and other considerations.

Scoring and Evaluation

Candidates are scored on a predetermined rubric at each station. The final score is an aggregate of all station scores, providing a comprehensive assessment of the candidate’s overall performance. The SJT writtten score contributes equally with the SJT interview score to the final AGPT selection assessment score.

Key Areas of Assessment

The RACGP SJT focuses on assessing several key qualities, including:

1. Communication skills
2. Ethical decision-making
3. Critical thinking
4. Empathy
5. Teamwork
6. Problem-solving
7. Motivation to become a GP

Preparing for the RACGP SJT

To prepare effectively for the RACGP SJT, candidates should:

1. Practice with sample SJT questions and scenarios
2. Develop a structured approach to answering questions
3. Improve communication skills through mock interviews
4. Stay informed about current healthcare issues and ethics in Australia
5. Work on time management skills
6. Reflect on personal experiences and motivations for pursuing general practice
7. Familiarize themselves with the RACGP curriculum and key competencies for general practitioners

1. Provide practice SJT stations: They offer mock SJT stations that mimic the format and types of questions used in the actual RACGP and ACRRM interviews.
2. Offer timed practice sessions: They simulate the timing of the actual SJT, with 2 minutes reading time and 8 minutes response time per station.
3. Give feedback on performance: Experienced instructors provide constructive feedback on candidates’ communication skills, critical thinking, and responses to scenarios.
4. Teach structured approaches: They help candidates develop frameworks for answering different types of SJT questions efficiently.
5. Provide information on key focus areas: They offer guidance on the key competencies assessed in the RACGP and ACRRM SJTs, such as communication skills, ethical decision-making, and motivation for general practice.
6. Offer resources on current healthcare issues: They provide up-to-date information on relevant healthcare topics in Australia, particularly those related to general practice and rural medicine.
7. Conduct mock interviews: They organize full-length mock SJTs to give candidates a realistic experience of the interview process.
8. Provide tips for online interviews: Given that some interviews may be conducted virtually, they offer advice on how to perform well in online interview settings.

Candidates interested in the AGPT SJT should contact GP Institute directly for accurate information about their SJT preparation resources.

Conclusion

The RACGP SJT is a crucial component of the AGPT selection process, designed to identify candidates with the personal qualities and aptitudes necessary for success in general practice. By understanding the format, preparing thoroughly, and showcasing their communication skills and critical thinking abilities, candidates can improve their chances of performing well in this important assessment.Remember, the SJT is not just about demonstrating knowledge, but about showing your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and demonstrate the personal qualities that make an excellent general practitioner. Good luck with your preparation!

Also read:
SJT Teamwork Scenarios
SJT Character Development Scenarios
SJT Ethical Scenarios
The SJT Interview
RACGP/ACRRM Competency: Patient-Centred Care and Ethics
SJT Teamwork Questions and Communication Skills
Applying SJT Interview Preparation to RACGP and ACRRM Core Domain Competencies