The Final Report of the ISFP Project Group recommends that selection to the Foundation Programme from 2013 onwards should be based upon:
- An invigilated SJT (Situational Judgement Test) to assess aptitude for the Foundation Programme (to replace 'white space' questions); and
- An EPM (Educational Performance Measure) to reflect educational performance at medical school up to point of application to the Foundation Programme (to replace quartiles)
The report has been submitted to the four UK health departments.
Comprising over 400 pages, it includes information on the case for changing current selection methods, the results of the SJT pilots which have taken place over the past 18 months, the EPM framework and an FY1 Job Analysis. The results of the work to develop and pilot the two selection methods demonstrate that the use of the SJT and EPM in combination will make selection to the Foundation Programme more reliable, robust and cost effective.
The report can be downloaded here:
ISFP Final Report and appendices.pdf
To download the appendices separately, please follow the link to your left.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR FP 2012/FP 2013 APPLICANTS
If you are applying to FP 2012
Applications through FPAS will be completed as normal. Additionally, a national Parallel Recruitment Exercise (PRE) will run concurrently to ensure that the new selection methods can be consistently and robustly applied for selection to FP 2013. Under the proposals for the new system, two new components will be introduced for FP 2013: the current system of 'white space' application questions will be replaced with a Situational Judgment Test (SJT), and academic quartiles will be replaced by the Educational Performance Measure (EPM). Participation in the PRE will not affect your FPAS application.
As an FP 2012 applicant taking part in the PRE, you will have the opportunity to influence the new methods of assessment. In addition to sitting the ‘white space’ questions, you will take a shortened SJT, lasting one hour and consisting of 30 questions. You will receive feedback on your performance. Additionally, your medical school will consult with students in order to define the ‘basket’ of assessments for ranking students into deciles, as well as the system for calculating decile points, under the new EPM.
If you are applying to FP 2013
Students applying to the Foundation Programme in 2013 will be selected using the SJT and EPM, replacing the current system of ‘white space’ questions and academic quartiles.
Situational Judgement Test – SJTs will replace the current system of ‘white space’ application form questions as a measure of meeting the national person specification. All applicants to the Foundation Programme, including to the Academic Foundation Programmes, will be expected to take the SJT in the UK on either:
- Friday 7 December 2012
- Monday 7 January 2013
The SJT is a machine markable test with two question formats (rank five possible responses in order and select the three most appropriate responses) taken in exam conditions, and consists of around 70 questions in two hours 20 minutes. A maximum of 50 points are available.
Educational Performance Measure - The EPM will replace academic quartiles as a measure of clinical and non-clinical skills, knowledge and performance up to the point of application. The score is comprised of three elements; medical school performance in deciles; for which 34-43 points are available; additional degrees, which are worth up to 5 points; and academic achievements, for which up to 2 points are available. A maximum of 50 points are available.