What Is a Situational Judgement Test? Format, Tips, and Sample Questions

In the journey to becoming a healthcare professional, academic excellence is only part of the equation. Empathy, communication, ethical reasoning, and professionalism are equally vital—and that’s exactly what a situational judgement test (SJT) evaluates. Whether you're applying for medical school, the UK Foundation Programme, or a healthcare job, the SJT is a crucial assessment tool you must master.

This article offers a comprehensive guide to understanding SJTs from a medical perspective, with practical strategies, realistic sjt test questions, and trusted preparation tips. Let’s explore how you can ace this exam and move forward with confidence in your healthcare career.

What is a Situational Judgement Test (SJT)?

A situational judgement test (SJT) is a psychological assessment that evaluates how candidates respond to specific workplace scenarios. Rather than testing raw knowledge, it assesses your behavior, emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and ethical judgment in professional situations.

These tests are used across sectors—healthcare, law, corporate, and public services—to measure soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, integrity, and professionalism.

Why SJTs Matter in Career Development

Employers are increasingly leaning towards holistic hiring. With job roles becoming more collaborative and ethical challenges more common, organizations value candidates who can navigate workplace complexities effectively. SJTs help in filtering out candidates who not only think critically but also align with organizational values.

If you’re applying to competitive fields, particularly in medicine or law, acing your sjt test questions could significantly increase your chances of progressing to the next stage.

Structure and Format of an SJT

Question Types

Sjt test questions usually come in the following formats:

Ranking Responses: You are asked to rank a set of responses from most to least effective.

Multiple-Choice: Select the most or least appropriate response from a list.

Rating Scale: Evaluate each option on a scale, e.g., from very appropriate to very inappropriate.

Scenario-Based Format

Each question presents a real-life work situation. Your task is to choose how you would respond, reflecting your judgement and personal values.

Example Scenario:

You notice a colleague struggling with a task that’s due today. You also have your own deadline to meet. What do you do?

• A. Offer to help and complete both tasks together.
• B. Inform your manager that the colleague needs help.
• C. Ignore the issue and focus on your own work.
• D. Briefly guide your colleague before returning to your task.

You might be asked to rank these options or choose the most effective and least effective response.

Who Uses SJTs?

• Medical Schools
• Graduate Employers
• Government Agencies
• Corporate Recruiters

Candidates applying for leadership roles, customer service, or healthcare must show how well they can resolve conflicts, prioritize tasks, and act ethically under pressure.

Tips to Ace Your Situational Judgement Test

1. Understand the Competencies Being Tested

Most tests are designed around a set of competencies like empathy, communication, integrity, adaptability, and teamwork. Knowing these helps in identifying the most appropriate responses.

2. Practice with Realistic Scenarios

Engaging with sjt practice questions allows you to familiarize yourself with the format and expectations. The more you practice, the better your decision-making and response time.

3. Stay True to Professional Values

Don't overthink your answers. Often, the most ethical or collaborative response is the right one. Think from a workplace professionalism standpoint.

4. Avoid Personal Bias

You might be tempted to answer based on what you would do personally. Instead, think about what a responsible and professional employee is expected to do.

5. Time Management

SJTs are typically timed. Read each scenario carefully but quickly, and don’t dwell too long on a single question.

Sample Medical SJT Practice Questions

Here are realistic sjt practice questions tailored for healthcare applicants and junior doctors.

Scenario 1: Handling Medical Errors

You are a junior doctor on a busy ward. A colleague tells you in passing that they accidentally prescribed the wrong dosage of medication earlier in the day but insists it's too minor to report.

What is the most appropriate action?

A. Reassure them that mistakes happen and move on

B. Encourage them to report the incident through official channels

C. Inform your consultant immediately

D. Ignore it since the patient hasn’t shown any negative effects

• Most appropriate: B
• Least appropriate: D

Why? Patient safety and transparency are core NHS values. Encouraging self-reporting shows professionalism and support without overstepping hierarchy.

Scenario 2: Managing Patient Complaints

A patient complains that you dismissed their concerns during ward rounds. You recall the interaction and feel you did your best.

What is the most appropriate response?

A. Ignore the complaint—it’s unfounded

B. Apologise sincerely and ask them to explain what upset them

C. Defend yourself and explain you were under pressure

D. Refer the issue directly to your supervisor without engaging

• Most appropriate: B
• Least appropriate: A

Why? Emotional intelligence is key. Listening and learning from feedback—even if you believe you’re right—is essential in patient-centered care.

Scenario 3: Colleague Underperforming

You notice a fellow foundation doctor repeatedly arriving late and seeming unprepared for handovers.

What would be the most effective action?

A. Approach them privately and ask if they’re struggling

B. Inform the consultant immediately

C. Gossip about it with other team members

D. Do nothing—it’s not your responsibility

• Most appropriate: A
• Least appropriate: C

Why? Supporting colleagues while maintaining professionalism improves patient care and team dynamics. Escalation comes after understanding.

How Mediword Supports Your Medical SJT Preparation

At Mediword, we understand the unique challenges faced by medical students and junior doctors preparing for SJTs. Our platform provides:

• Professionally designed sjt test questions and full explanations
• Ethics-based scenario practice
• Targeted guides based on GMC and NHS standards
• Feedback to help improve your judgment skills

Whether you’re sitting the UCAT SJT or the Foundation Programme SJT, Mediword helps you build confidence and competence, ensuring you shine in this critical part of your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are medical SJTs hard to pass?

They’re challenging because there are often several acceptable answers—but one is most appropriate. Familiarity with medical ethics helps.

Can I prepare for medical SJTs?

Yes. Regular exposure to sjt practice questions and an understanding of ethical reasoning significantly improve performance.

How long is the UKFP SJT?

It’s 2 hours and 20 minutes, with 70 questions designed to assess your judgement as a newly qualified doctor.

What resources should I use to prepare?

Focus on realistic medical scenarios, GMC guidelines, and practice platforms designed specifically for healthcare roles.

Does my SJT score really matter?

Absolutely. In the UK Foundation Programme, your SJT score can heavily influence your job placement and location.

Final Thoughts

Success in your situational judgement test isn’t just about passing an exam—it’s about demonstrating the values, ethics, and professionalism expected in healthcare. By understanding the format, practicing consistently, and learning from real clinical scenarios, you position yourself for success in a highly demanding and rewarding field.