Free Tool
Typing Speed Test
The GP SJT gives you 3.5 minutes for two typed responses. Aim for 60+ WPM to have enough time to develop nuanced, empathetic answers. Test your speed below — no signup required.
60s remaining
Empathy in clinical practice extends beyond simply understanding what a patient is feeling. It requires actively communicating that understanding in a way that makes them feel genuinely heard. As a general practitioner, you encounter patients at some of their most vulnerable moments: receiving difficult diagnoses, navigating chronic illness, or managing the complex intersection of physical and mental health. The ability to sit with discomfort, resist the immediate urge to fix or reassure, and acknowledge the full weight of what someone is experiencing distinguishes truly effective doctors from those who merely follow protocols. Research consistently demonstrates that patients who feel heard by their doctor are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, attend follow-up appointments, and report greater satisfaction with their care. Empathy is not a soft skill to be dismissed. It is a clinical tool that directly impacts patient outcomes and builds lasting therapeutic relationships.
The 60-second timer starts when you type your first character.
Why typing speed matters for the GP SJT
In the typed response section, you have 3 minutes 30 seconds to answer two open-ended questions. Candidates typing under 55 WPM are at a serious disadvantage — they simply cannot develop the nuanced, empathetic responses that score Q4. Those typing at 80+ WPM gain valuable extra thinking time.
Below 40 WPM — significant time pressure
40–59 WPM — adequate but room to improve
60–79 WPM — good, focus on response quality
80+ WPM — excellent, speed is not a bottleneck