Key Takeaways
- Free preparation is possible but requires more self-discipline and lacks structured feedback
- Paid prep courses range from $19/month to $500+ for one-off workshops
- The most valuable feature of any prep tool is realistic timed practice with model answers
- Avoid any course that promises 'guaranteed Q4 scores' — no ethical provider can guarantee that
- Consider your typing speed, test date, and how much structured guidance you need
Why this question matters
With approximately 900 candidates missing out on GP training places each year, the stakes are high. A single quartile improvement in your average score can mean the difference between securing your preferred training region and missing out entirely. So it is natural to wonder whether spending money on preparation gives you an edge.
The honest answer: it depends on what you are paying for, how you learn best, and how much time you have before your test date. Let us break down the options so you can make an informed decision.
What free preparation looks like
There are genuinely useful free resources available for GP SJT preparation in Australia. Understanding what these offer — and what they lack — helps you decide if you need more.
- RACGP official resources — the RACGP website provides a general overview of the assessment format, the 9 competencies, and sample scenarios
- Reddit and forum threads — communities like r/AusDoc share candidate experiences, though advice quality varies significantly
- PRAXIS free tier — 5 free practice scenarios with timed conditions and AI-powered feedback, modelling the actual test format
- YouTube — some medical educators share general SJT strategy videos, though few are specific to the Australian GP context
- Study groups — forming a group with other candidates to practise and discuss answers collaboratively
The free approach works if...
You are a strong self-directed learner, you have 8+ weeks to prepare, you can find a study partner for feedback, and you already type at 60+ WPM. The gap in free preparation is usually structured feedback — knowing why a response is Q2 vs Q4 rather than just seeing a model answer.
What paid preparation offers
Paid options range widely in format, price, and quality. Here is an honest breakdown of what different price points typically include:
| Option | Price range | Includes | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRAXIS Premium | $19/month | 100+ scenarios, AI feedback per competency, timed practice, model Q4 answers | Self-directed (no live coaching) |
| One-off workshops | $200–$500 | Live session with facilitator, group practice, immediate verbal feedback | Limited scenarios, no ongoing access, quality varies by facilitator |
| Comprehensive courses | $300–$800 | Pre-recorded content, scenario banks, sometimes mock tests | Often generic (not Australia-specific), limited personalisation |
| Private tutoring | $100–$200/hr | Personalised 1-on-1 feedback, tailored strategy | Expensive at scale, depends entirely on tutor quality |
What to look for in any prep resource
Whether free or paid, the most effective GP SJT preparation resources share certain characteristics. Use this checklist to evaluate any option you are considering:
- Australia-specific scenarios — generic SJT prep designed for the UK or US medical system misses important cultural and structural nuances
- Realistic timing — practice without time pressure builds false confidence; you need 3.5-minute timed practice for typed responses
- Model Q4 answers — seeing what excellence looks like is more valuable than being told what to avoid
- Competency-level feedback — knowing your overall score is less useful than understanding which of the 9 competencies need work
- No guaranteed scores — any provider promising 'guaranteed Q4' is being dishonest; rater scoring involves inherent variability
Red flags in prep courses
Avoid any course that: guarantees a specific score, teaches rigid templates to memorise, focuses on clinical knowledge rather than personal characteristics, or uses scenarios unrelated to Australian general practice.
Our honest recommendation
If your budget is tight, you can absolutely prepare effectively for free — but you need to be disciplined about timing yourself and critically reviewing your answers. The biggest risk with free-only preparation is practising bad habits without feedback.
If you can afford $19–50/month, a structured platform with AI or expert feedback will accelerate your improvement. The return on investment is significant when you consider the cost of missing out on GP training for a year (lost income, delayed career progression, the $190 test fee again next year).
Start with our free scenarios to see where you stand. If you are consistently scoring Q3+ in the AI feedback, you may not need a paid resource. If you are scoring Q1–Q2, structured feedback will help you identify and fix specific weaknesses faster than self-study alone.