Key Takeaways
- The AGPT selection assessment tests personal and professional characteristics — not clinical knowledge
- There are 11 scenarios with 22 questions: 4 video and 7 typed response scenarios
- Each question is scored Q1–Q4 by an independent human rater, with Q4 being the highest
- Preparation should focus on developing genuine empathy and situational awareness, not memorising scripts
- Practising under timed conditions is critical — typing speed directly impacts response quality
What is the AGPT selection assessment?
The AGPT selection assessment is a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) used as the primary criterion for entry into GP training programs in Australia. Since 2025, the RACGP runs the assessment (replacing the previous CASPer-branded test administered by Acuity Insights). It is used for both RACGP AGPT and ACRRM training pathway selection.
Roughly 2,400 candidates sit the assessment each year, competing for approximately 1,500 RACGP AGPT places and 250 ACRRM places. That means around 900 doctors miss out every cycle. With competition rising since 2023, strong preparation matters more than ever.
Key fact
The assessment evaluates 9 competencies — Collaboration, Communication, Empathy, Fairness, Ethics, Self-awareness, Resilience, Problem-solving, and Motivation. None of these require clinical knowledge. It is a test of character and judgement.
Step 1: Understand the format
The test takes approximately 65–85 minutes including optional breaks. It consists of 11 scenarios with 22 questions total. The two formats are:
- Video responses (4 scenarios): You answer by recording yourself via webcam. Each question has a 1-minute recording window.
- Typed responses (7 scenarios): You type your answers. Each scenario gives 3 minutes 30 seconds for both questions combined.
Each of your 22 answers is scored by a different independent human rater on a Q1–Q4 quartile scale. No single rater sees your entire test. Your aggregate score determines your ranking among all candidates.
Step 2: Register and book your sitting
Registration opens through the RACGP website. The test costs $190 per sitting and you are permitted only one attempt per calendar year. Booking windows are short — typically opening one week before the test date — so set calendar reminders.
| 2026 Test Window | Dates | Booking Opens |
|---|---|---|
| March | 22 & 25 March | Closed |
| May | 24, 27 & 30 May | 13 May |
| August | 22 & 26 August | 12 August |
2027 assessment dates are expected to follow a similar pattern (March, May, August). Check the RACGP website for confirmed dates once published.
One attempt per year
You can only sit the assessment once per calendar year. If you miss your booking window or perform poorly, you cannot resit until the next year. Choose your date carefully and prepare thoroughly.
Step 3: Develop the right mindset
The biggest mistake candidates make is approaching the SJT like a clinical exam. There are no correct diagnoses or treatment plans to recall. Instead, raters are looking for how you navigate complex human situations — particularly your ability to demonstrate empathy, acknowledge complexity, and prioritise the human element before jumping to practical solutions.
Read our detailed guide on what separates a Q4 answer from a Q2 answer to understand exactly what raters are looking for and how to structure your responses.
Step 4: Practise under timed conditions
Typing speed matters more than most candidates realise. At 3 minutes 30 seconds for two questions, you need to think and type simultaneously. Candidates typing under 55 words per minute are at a serious disadvantage because they cannot develop nuanced responses in the time allowed. Those typing over 80 WPM gain valuable extra thinking time.
Use PRAXIS's practice scenarios to simulate exam conditions. Each scenario mirrors the real format with realistic GP dilemmas and timed response windows. After you submit, our AI evaluates your response across all 9 competencies and shows you where you scored well and where to improve.
Practice tip
Start practising 6–8 weeks before your test date. Do 2–3 timed scenarios per session, then spend equal time reviewing the model answers and your AI feedback. Quality reflection matters as much as volume.
Step 5: Review and reflect
After each practice session, compare your response to the model answer. Focus on three things: Did you lead with empathy? Did you acknowledge the complexity of the situation? Did you address the human element before offering practical solutions? These three patterns consistently distinguish Q4 answers from lower-scoring responses.
Browse our question bank to preview the types of scenarios you will encounter, and check the FAQ for answers to common questions about the test format, scoring, and dates.
Common preparation mistakes to avoid
- Memorising template answers — raters can spot formulaic responses immediately and will score them Q1–Q2
- Neglecting the video section — video responses count equally and require different skills (eye contact, tone, pacing)
- Starting too late — meaningful skill development takes weeks, not days
- Ignoring typing speed — if you type slowly, invest time improving your WPM before the test
- Overthinking the clinical angle — this is not a clinical exam; raters do not care about your medical knowledge