The healthcare sector increasingly relies on Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs) to evaluate not only clinical knowledge but also the interpersonal skills essential for safe, ethical, and effective patient care. Whether you’re preparing for medical school, a foundation programme, or an NHS role, understanding how healthcare SJTs are designed and assessed can give you a decisive edge. For a broader overview, check our Situational Judgement Test: practical guide for smarter hiring and our 10 Situational Judgement Test Questions and Answers.
What sets healthcare SJTs apart?
Healthcare SJTs present candidates with realistic, often ethically complex scenarios that mirror the challenges faced by medical professionals. Unlike generic corporate SJTs, these tests are tailored to the unique demands of clinical environments and require candidates to demonstrate sound judgment aligned with NHS core values and the General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice guidelines.
Typical scenarios include:
- Managing breaches of patient confidentiality
- Addressing unprofessional behaviour among colleagues
- Prioritising patient care under time pressure
- Balancing patient autonomy with clinical judgment
- Communicating difficult information with empathy
Core competencies measured by medical SJTs
Medical SJTs are meticulously crafted to assess a blend of soft skills and professional values essential for safe, compassionate patient care:
- Professionalism: Upholding honesty, confidentiality, and accountability
- Empathy & Communication: Understanding patients’ emotions and conveying information clearly
- Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams
- Ethical Decision-Making: Navigating dilemmas fairly and in line with guidelines
- Resilience: Managing stress, heavy workloads, and emotionally charged situations
How medical SJTs are structured
Though formats vary, most healthcare SJTs employ one or more of the following:
- Ranking: Order possible actions from most to least appropriate
- Multiple Choice: Select the single best or worst response
- Rating: Score the effectiveness of each action on a scale (e.g., 1–5)
- Mixed Format: Combine written questions with video-based scenarios for added realism
Performance data and predictive validity
Recent research underscores the effectiveness of SJTs in healthcare. In one study of surgical residents, performance on SJT subgroups differed significantly in patient care (F₃,₁₈₉ = 3.19, P = .03), medical knowledge (F₃,₁₇₆ = 3.22, P = .02), and professionalism (F₃,₁₈₉ = 3.82, P = .01). Residents with higher SJT scores also achieved better milestone evaluations early in their training. Further validation studies show SJT scores predict supervisory assessments for both professionalism (β = 0.31, P = .01) and effectiveness (β = 0.32, P = .01).
Detailed example scenario
Scenario: You are a junior doctor on a busy ward. A senior colleague prescribes a dangerously high medication dose. You politely raise your concern, but they dismiss you and move on.
Possible responses:
- Check the prescribing guidelines and verify the dose
- Escalate the concern to your supervisor or pharmacist
- Speak privately with the colleague again to explain your worries
- Accurately document the incident in the patient’s records
- Do nothing and assume the senior doctor is correct
The optimal response prioritises patient safety and professional standards — typically verifying guidelines first and then escalating if needed.
Healthcare SJTs vs General SJTs
| Indicator | Healthcare SJT | General SJT |
|---|---|---|
| Typical number of questions | 50–75 (~70 for Foundation Programme) | 25–50 |
| Duration | 90–140 min | 20–45 min |
| Key skills assessed | Professionalism, ethics, resilience, patient safety | Decision-making, teamwork, problem-solving |
| Impact | Foundation ranking, patient safety | Hiring decisions & cultural fit |
Advanced preparation strategies
- Master the Guidelines: Study the GMC’s Good Medical Practice guide inside out — many scenarios draw directly from its principles.
- Embrace NHS Values: Demonstrate respect, compassion, improvement of lives, and teamwork in your responses.
- Practice Realistic Scenarios: Use healthcare-specific practice tests — and discover our proven practice strategies for situational judgement tests to build confidence.
- Apply the STAR Method: Break scenarios into Situation, Task, Action, Result to keep your reasoning clear and focused.
- Time Management: Simulate exam conditions to build confidence under timed pressure.
- Leverage AssessFirst: Our platform offers advanced feedback tools to track progress and pinpoint areas for improvement in medical contexts.
Practical Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Read each scenario thoroughly
- Think from a patient-safety and professionalism standpoint
- Choose balanced actions — neither too passive nor extreme
- Rank logically based on NHS/GMC guidelines
Don’t:
- Rush — take time to weigh options
- Select actions that could jeopardise patient care
- Ignore proper escalation protocols
- Overthink to the point of second-guessing safe choices
Impact and future of medical SJTs
Impact of healthcare SJTs on careers
Medical SJTs reveal how trainees respond under real pressure. Studies indicate that candidates with lower SJT scores are significantly more likely to face remedial actions. A strong SJT score enhances your application for competitive programmes like the UK Foundation Programme or NHS graduate schemes.
Emerging technologies and innovations
The landscape of medical education in 2025 is being transformed by virtual and augmented reality, delivering immersive learning experiences, and AI-driven tools that personalise training and diagnostic skills. These innovations shape next-gen SJTs — interactive formats and VR-based scenarios boost realism. Modern platforms like AssessFirst offer automated scoring, anti-cheating measures, and personalised feedback.
Conclusion
Success in a healthcare SJT demonstrates readiness for the ethical, professional, and emotional demands of patient care. By practising purposefully, studying real guidelines, and using trusted resources like AssessFirst, you’ll approach your test — and your next placement — with confidence. For more tips, check our Tips to succeed on a situational judgement test.
FAQ
How important is the SJT for medical school and foundation placement?
Extremely — up to 50% of your application score depends on it.
How can I improve my medical SJT score?
Practise with realistic scenarios, review GMC guidelines, and use AssessFirst for targeted feedback.
Are healthcare SJTs different from other industries?
Yes — they prioritise ethics, patient safety, and professionalism with strong links to clinical outcomes.
Where can I find sample questions?
The NHS Foundation publishes examples. For more practice, try AssessFirst question banks.
How long does a healthcare SJT take?
90–140 mins for med SJTs vs. 20–45 mins for corporate ones.
Can I prepare alone?
Yes — but a structured platform like AssessFirst optimises your prep and tracking.
