GP Stage 3 Selection Centre: The Complete Guide

Essential Information, Tips & Preparation Insight
​What Is The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre?
​Who Needs To Complete The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre?
​What Is The Format Of The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre?
​Does The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre Test Clinical Knowledge?
​What Skills Are Tested In The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre?
​Do The Examiners Ask Questions At The End Of Each Simulation Exercise?
What Documents Do I Need To Bring To The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre?
How Is My GP Stage 3 Selection Centre Score Used?
How Do I Prepare For The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre?​

What Is The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre?

The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre is the final (and arguably most important) part of the GP Training application process. The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre process takes approximately 3 hours, and includes 3 Simulation Exercises and 1 Written Prioritisation Exercise.
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Who Needs To Complete The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre?

All applicants hoping to enter GP Training are required to complete GP Stage 1 and GP Stage 2 (MSRA), however not all applicants are invited to the GP Stage 3 Selection Centre. Approximately, 10-20% of applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard for the GP Stage 2 (MSRA) will be excluded from the GP Stage 3 Selection Centre. Additionally, candidates scoring above 550 in the MSRA exam (approximately top 10%) will be granted  a direct pathway to offer, meaning that they do not need to attend the GP Stage 3 Selection Centre.

Hence, approximately 70% of GP Training applicants are invited to the GP Stage 3 Selection Centre
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What Is The Format Of The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre? And What Are The Timings Involved?

The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre is divided into two parts, which can be conducted in either order. These are 3 Simulation Exercises and 1 Written Prioritisation Exercise.

​Simulation Exercises
Every candidate will have one simulation exercise with a patient, one simulation exercise with a relative or carer and one simulation exercise with a non-medical colleague. Each Simulation Exercise will be strictly timed at 10 minutes, with the actors (patient/relative/non-medical colleague) leaving the room exactly at 10 minutes; hence time management and awareness is essential. Between each simulation exercise there will be an approximately 5 minute break for examiners to score candidates and document regarding candidate performance.

Written Prioritisation Exercise
The Written Prioritisation Exercise is 30 minutes in duration and has 3 key components; the first part is to rank each of the 5 tasks from most urgent to least urgent; the second part is to justify the order of priority and explain what actions you would take to address each task, and the third part is to answer reflection questions about the task.
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​Does The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre Test Clinical Knowledge? And If Not, ​What Skills Are Tested In The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre?

The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre is not a test of clinical knowledge​ and candidates will not be asked clinical questions as part of the simulation exercises, written prioritisation exercises or by the examiners.

There are 4 key domains which are being assessed in the GP Stage 3 Selection Centre, and candidates attending a BlackStone Tutors GP Stage 3 Course will be taught how to effectively demonstrate each of these 4 domains in the Written Prioritisation and Simulation Exercises:
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The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre Mark Scheme is available to view here, with the full breakdown available to GP Stage 3 Course attendees.
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Do The Examiners Ask Questions At The End Of Each Station/Simulation Exercise?

The Simulation Centre Examiners have a purely observatory role, and do not ask candidates any questions or provide feedback at the end of Simulation Exercises. The only communication candidates will have with examiners is to relay their candidate number at the beginning of each Simulation Exercise.
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GP Selection Centre Documents

On the day of the Selection Centre, you are required to bring a range of documents. These vary from year to year, however historically have included the following:
  • Proof of identity
  • Immigration status 
  • Confirmation of award of medical degree
  • Foundation competencies

The specific documents required will be included in your GP Stage 3 Selection Centre confirmation email.

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How Is My GP Stage 3 Selection Centre Score Used?

Your GP Stage 3 score is combined with your GP Stage 2 or MSRA score to give you an overall score and ranking. The weighting is such that GP Stage 3 is weighted at 40%, the situational Judgement component of stage 2 is weighted at 40% and the stage 2 clinical problem solving paper is weighted at 20%. Applicants are ranked by overall score, with the highest scoring applicants receiving GP training jobs in their preferred locations.
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How Do I Prepare For The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre?

Join the hundreds of prospective GP Trainees attending a BlackStone Tutors GP Stage 3 Course and making the most of our Online Question Bank. We have also compiled a number of free videos and articles to help you prepare for the GP Stage 3 Selection Centre
Additional Resources
GP Stage 3 Selection Centre Preparation Course
GP Stage 3 Online Question Bank
GP Stage 3 - What to Expect
GP Stage 3 Written Prioritisation Tips
​GP Stage 3 Written & Simulation Exercises
​GP Stage 3 Pass Rate
​GP Stage 3 Mark Scheme Domains
How To Score 100% In The GP Stage 3 Selection Centre