Situational Judgement Test Questions: Format, Tips, and Mistakes to Avoid

Preparing for the Situational Judgement Test (SJT) can be overwhelming, especially for junior doctors aiming to secure high rankings in medical exams. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from the test format to expert tips, common pitfalls, and effective preparation using SJT practice questions.

What is the Situational Judgement Test (SJT)?

The Situational Judgement Test is a psychological assessment used in medical recruitment to evaluate candidates’ professional attributes such as decision-making, integrity, empathy, resilience, and teamwork. In the UK, it plays a vital role in Foundation Programme applications, often accounting for 50% of the total score.

This test does not assess clinical knowledge but rather focuses on how candidates respond to hypothetical scenarios that reflect real-life challenges faced by junior doctors.

Understanding the SJT Format

The SJT test questions typically follow a structured format. Candidates are presented with work-based scenarios, followed by questions that test judgment and professionalism.

Main Question Types:

1. Ranking Questions:

• You’ll be asked to rank five responses from most to least appropriate.
• Each ranking should reflect the best professional conduct in that scenario.

1. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):

• You may need to choose the three most appropriate actions out of a list.
• These responses aren’t ranked but selected based on suitability.

1. Rating Questions (less common):

• You may rate actions based on their appropriateness on a Likert scale.

Duration and Structure:

• Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Total questions: 70
• Scenario count: 25–30
• Administered digitally under exam conditions.

Key Attributes Assessed in SJT

To perform well, it’s essential to understand what the test is really measuring. These are the core competencies:

• Patient Focus – Acting in the best interest of the patient.
• Teamwork – Working well with colleagues and contributing effectively.
• Professional Integrity – Demonstrating honesty and ethical conduct.
• Resilience – Staying composed under pressure.
• Problem Solving – Making sound decisions in complex situations.

Each question is designed to evaluate how well your judgment aligns with the General Medical Council (GMC) guidelines.

Top Tips to Master the Situational Judgement Test

1. Practice with Purpose

Use a trusted bank of SJT practice questions. At Mediword, we recommend using practice questions that mimic the exam structure, tone, and difficulty level. The more familiar you are with question patterns, the more confident and intuitive your answers will become.

2. Understand the NHS Core Values

Aligning your decisions with the NHS Constitution will drastically improve your performance. Always prioritize:

• Respect and dignity
• Compassion
• Commitment to quality of care
• Improving lives
• Working together for patients

3. Focus on Professionalism Over Personal Feelings

Even if a scenario evokes personal sympathy, always choose actions that reflect professionalism. Emotional intelligence is valued, but not at the cost of policy or patient safety.

4. Use Elimination Strategy

In MCQs, eliminate clearly unprofessional or unsafe options first. Narrowing your choices increases your odds of selecting the best answers.

5. Avoid Overthinking

The SJT is not a trap — don’t second-guess yourself endlessly. The most effective answers are often the ones that are practical, ethical, and considerate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the SJT

1. Thinking Like a Clinician Instead of a Professional

This is not a medical knowledge test. Choosing what’s clinically best may not always reflect the professionally best decision.

2. Ignoring Chain of Command

Acting outside your scope of practice or bypassing senior staff is a frequent error. Even in emergency scenarios, your actions must reflect respect for hierarchy and protocols.

3. Letting Emotions Lead Decisions

While empathy is crucial, letting emotions cloud judgment — like comforting a distressed colleague but ignoring a patient safety risk — will result in poor scores.

4. Misinterpreting the Question

Candidates often answer based on what they would like to do, rather than what the best professional conduct would be. Always re-read the scenario and clarify who you are in the situation (e.g., F1 doctor, medical student).

Best Ways to Prepare for the Situational Judgement Test

Start Early with Consistent Practice

We recommend using SJT test questions regularly from the start of your preparation. Treat it like a skill — repetition builds instinct.

Use Timed Mock Exams

Timed mock exams simulate real testing conditions and help improve speed and focus. Analyze your results afterward to identify patterns in mistakes.

Join Study Groups

Discussing SJT practice questions in peer groups encourages diverse perspectives and helps you refine your rationale like mediword.

Use Quality Resources

Choose question banks aligned with the official SJT blueprint. At Mediword, our database is tailored for junior doctors preparing for medical exams, ensuring you get scenario-based questions that mirror the real test experience.

Real-Life Example of SJT Question and Strategy

Scenario: You are an FY1 doctor. A senior nurse reports that another FY1 has been regularly arriving late and leaving early, affecting patient handovers. Below presented is for the examples.

Question: Rank the following actions from most to least appropriate.

Options:

• A. Speak directly to the FY1 colleague about the issue
• B. Ignore the issue as it's not your responsibility
• C. Report the issue to your educational supervisor
• D. Speak to another FY1 to gather more opinions
• E. Log the issue anonymously via the hospital’s feedback portal

Suggested Ranking:

• C – Escalating to the educational supervisor is professional and aligns with safeguarding standards.
• A – Addressing it directly could resolve it quickly but may not be effective if done poorly.
• E – Anonymous feedback might help but lacks immediate action.
• D – Discussing with other colleagues risks breaching confidentiality.
• B – Ignoring the issue is unprofessional and could endanger patients.

SJT Test Questions vs. Real Clinical Experience

Many junior doctors struggle because they base answers on what they have seen rather than what is expected. While real-life clinical experience is valuable, always revert to the ideal professional standard — that’s what the SJT rewards.

Why Practicing with Mediword Helps You Succeed

Mediword offers a curated bank of SJT test questions written by experienced professionals who understand the exam blueprint. We continuously update our content to reflect the latest changes, ensuring our users practice with relevant, high-yield material.

With structured learning paths, performance analytics, and scenario-based learning, Mediword is more than just a question bank — it's your preparation partner.

Final Thoughts

The Situational Judgement Test is a gateway to competitive medical placements. Success lies not in memorizing facts but in demonstrating the kind of judgment and behavior expected from a responsible junior doctor. By understanding the format, using focused SJT practice questions, and avoiding common errors, you’ll stand out as a strong, ethical, and capable candidate.