High turnout for recruitment test pilot
7 February 2013
Medical student leaders have welcomed the high turnout for a test being used for the first time in foundation programme applications.
A total of 99.4 per cent of foundation programme applicants completed the SJT (situational judgment test) at a first sitting, according to the UKFPO (UK Foundation Programme Office) and the Medical Schools Council.
Thirteen medical schools reported 100 per cent attendance on the first date.
Final years seeking foundation programme places in August 2013 were able to take the SJT at two main sittings or a contingency sitting in December and January.
The SJT assesses the attributes required to be a foundation doctor in a one-off multiple-choice exam. It replaces ‘white space’ questions on the previous application form.
Significant change
BMA medical students committee joint deputy chair Melody Redman said: ‘We are pleased to hear that applicants' attendance for the SJT sittings was so high, particularly given the significant change that this year’s applicants have faced in comparison to the previous use of white space questions.
‘We are still awaiting the analysis to verify the validity of the SJT, and we will be feeding into discussions ensuring that this analysis is robust and communicated effectively to students.’
UKFPO national director Derek Gallen said: ‘I am delighted that the SJT has been such a success in its first year as part of the application process for the Foundation Programme, and it is encouraging to hear how engaged applicants have been.’
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