SJT Test Questions: How to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes

Success in medical exams and foundation training applications often hinges on more than academic prowess—it requires strong professional judgement. The situational judgement test (SJT) is designed to assess these critical soft skills. However, many candidates make recurring mistakes that cost them top-tier scores. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down how to approach SJT test questions, how to avoid pitfalls, and how to use SJT practice questions effectively to improve performance.

What Is the Situational Judgement Test (SJT)?

The situational judgement test evaluates your decision-making in workplace scenarios. Unlike knowledge-based exams, the SJT assesses ethical reasoning, team collaboration, integrity, resilience, and patient-centered care.

• You’ll be presented with realistic professional situations and asked to either:
• Rank the appropriateness of possible actions.
• Choose the best and worst responses.
• Select a group of suitable actions from a list.

Mastering this test means understanding NHS values, professional standards, and interpersonal effectiveness—more than rote learning.

Why Students Struggle with SJT Test Questions

Despite preparation, many candidates fall short because they treat the SJT like an academic test. Below are the most common reasons for underperformance:

1. Memorising Responses Without Understanding Context

Candidates often rely on patterns or answer banks without grasping why a particular response is most appropriate. This leads to failure when facing slightly altered scenarios.

Tip: Always understand the reasoning behind actions rather than memorising model answers.

2. Ignoring the NHS Core Values

The General Medical Council (GMC) and NHS principles—like respect, dignity, integrity, teamwork, and accountability—should guide your answers.

Tip: If you’re unsure of what to choose, ask: Does this action reflect professionalism and patient safety?

3. Overlooking Subtle Clues in the Scenario

Scenarios often include important but subtle indicators. For instance, the seniority of the person involved (consultant vs. peer) can drastically affect the right approach.

Tip: Read carefully. The structure and wording often indicate which core value is being tested.

4. Failing to Prioritise Patient Safety

The most serious SJT mistakes occur when patient welfare is compromised. Any response that delays, ignores, or undermines safety is automatically wrong.

Tip: Immediate threats to patients must always be addressed first—even before asking for advice or following policy.

Proven Strategies to Answer SJT Test Questions Correctly

Understand the Action Types

• Actions in SJT questions typically fall into categories:
• Helpful/Professional
• Unhelpful/Unprofessional
• Neutral/Acceptable but not ideal

Rank or select them based on how well they reflect key competencies.

Use a Structured Decision-Making Framework

When in doubt, follow this mental checklist:

• Is it safe?
• Is it legal/ethical?
• Does it maintain professionalism?
• Is it patient-centered?
• Does it align with NHS values?

Be Honest but Not Reckless

Admitting a mistake is professional, but do not overstep your competence. For example, escalating to a supervisor is better than trying to fix a clinical issue outside your role.

How to Use SJT Practice Questions Effectively

Practising SJT questions helps you build a pattern of sound judgement, but only if done correctly.

1. Simulate Exam Conditions

Use SJT practice questions under timed conditions. This builds decision-making speed and helps you adapt under pressure.

2. Reflect on Your Mistakes

Don’t skip explanations. Always understand why an option is ideal, acceptable, or inappropriate.

3. Group Discussion and Debrief

Discussing with peers reveals blind spots in judgement and shows how others interpret scenarios differently.

Pro Tip: Try case-based group learning from platforms like Mediword that offer reflective debriefing tools aligned with NHS guidelines.

Top Mistakes to Avoid in SJT Practice and Real Exam

1. Choosing Passive Responses Too Often

While asking for advice or referring upwards is sometimes appropriate, overusing these can signal poor initiative.

2. Disregarding Interpersonal Impact

Statements that lack empathy—even if technically correct—can come off as cold or inappropriate.

3. Being Overconfident

Taking action beyond your level (e.g., administering treatment without supervision) shows poor judgement and is flagged immediately.

High-Yield SJT Concepts and How to Tackle Them

Patient Confidentiality

Respecting confidentiality is non-negotiable. Disclosing information without consent, unless there's a safety concern, is a serious breach.

Team Conflict

Always aim for de-escalation. Handle disagreements professionally, often through calm discussion or involving a neutral third party.

Time Management

Prioritise tasks by urgency and impact. A busy shift should never lead to neglected patient care.

Raising Concerns

If you notice unethical or unsafe practices, you must escalate appropriately. Ignoring red flags reflects poorly on judgement.

Effective Study Plan for SJT Preparation

Weeks 1–2: Learn NHS values, Good Medical Practice guidelines, and GMC ethics.

Weeks 3–4: Practice 10–15 sjt test questions daily with reflection.

Weeks 5–6: Use mock tests and refine judgement with peer feedback.

Week 7: Focus on weak areas and read scenario debriefs.

Incorporate realistic and varied scenarios to cover communication breakdowns, ethical dilemmas, stress, and accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes a good SJT answer?

A good answer demonstrates patient-centeredness, ethical judgement, and professional responsibility while staying within the scope of your role.

How many practice questions should I complete before the test?

Aim for at least 300–400 SJT practice questions spaced out over several weeks, ensuring you reflect on every one.

Is there a passing score for the SJT?

The SJT is norm-referenced. Your score is ranked against peers, and there's no fixed pass mark—but higher scores boost your application significantly.

Should I always escalate issues to a senior?

No. While serious concerns must be escalated, some scenarios require personal responsibility, peer discussion, or direct communication first.

Can I prepare for the SJT without coaching?

Yes, but structured feedback—like from Mediword resources—can help improve judgement consistency and confidence.

Conclusion: Mastering the SJT with Strategy and Reflection

Scoring well in the situational judgement test requires more than practice. It demands a deep understanding of healthcare values, ethical decision-making, and interpersonal nuance. By avoiding the common traps listed above and applying structured thinking, you’ll not only improve your performance but develop into a more reflective, patient-focused practitioner.

Use quality SJT test questions and reflective SJT practice questions to build competence. Prepare with purpose, practice with reflection, and perform with confidence.