The Guide to
GP Training
in Ireland
Four phases. Every 2027 ICGP deadline. One clear path.
IPreparation
IIApplication
IIISelection
IVTraining
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The Guide to
Four phases. Every 2027 ICGP deadline. One clear path.
The months of quiet preparation: building your SJT and CPST knowledge, assembling your portfolio, and understanding the competitive landscape of Irish GP training. From May–June 2026, ICGP accepts an Expression of Interest so they can keep you updated as the process opens.
The critical window opens. Your ICGP SJT and CPST scores are earned here, Application Part B closes fast, and your referees must submit by early January. Precision and preparation are everything.
"I used GP Journey's timeline and question banks to structure my entire prep. Passed SJT and CPST first attempt and got my first-choice scheme."
The selection stage is where preparation meets performance. Successful candidates are invited to the ICGP Scenario-Based Competency Assessment (SBCA), your final opportunity to demonstrate the person behind the application. Multiple offer rounds run until all training places are filled.
The destination of your journey. Pre-training induction, orientation, and the first day you step into your Irish GP training practice as a GP Registrar: the beginning of everything you worked for.
The most common questions about the Irish GP training application process, answered clearly.
Application Part A for the 2027 ICGP GP training cycle opens Monday, 7 September 2026 and closes Wednesday, 7 October 2026. These dates are confirmed by the Irish College of GPs. Register via the ICGP Risr portal; a non-refundable fee of €150 applies at this stage.
The SJT takes place on Wednesday, 4 November 2026 and the CPST on Thursday, 5 November 2026. Both tests are sat online. The SJT consists of approximately 45 scenarios and is worth 40% of your overall score. The CPST consists of approximately 50 single best answer questions and is worth 10%; candidates who do not meet the required standard are removed from the process.
The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) consists of approximately 45 scenarios depicting situations a hospital doctor might encounter. It assesses professionalism, empathy, coping with pressure, and integrity, not clinical knowledge. The SJT is worth 40% of your overall ICGP application score and is sat on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
The Clinical Problem Solving Test (CPST) consists of approximately 50 single best answer questions assessing clinical knowledge at intern level. It is sat on Thursday, 5 November 2026 and is worth 10% of your overall score. The ICGP uses the Ebel criterion-referenced method to set the pass mark. Applicants who do not meet the required standard are removed from the process at this point.
The ICGP Scenario-Based Competency Assessment (SBCA) takes place Wednesday, 3 February – Thursday, 4 February 2027. It uses a structured competency-based format with simulated patient scenarios across 6 core domains and is worth 50% of your overall score. Applicants are randomly allocated to a day and time. Following the SBCA, scheme preference selection opens Monday, 8 February and closes Monday, 15 February 2027.
The ICGP GP training application fee is €150, paid at Application Part A stage via the Risr portal before Wednesday, 7 October 2026. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the SJT and CPST. Applicants receive confirmation by email.
Round 1 offers open Friday, 26 February 2027. Round 2 opens Friday, 5 March 2027 and Round 3 opens Thursday, 11 March 2027. Subsequent rounds continue until all training places are filled or Monday, 31 May 2027, whichever comes first. No deferrals are permitted by the HSE.
Yes. GP Journey is HSE TSS eligible, meaning most Irish hospitals will reimburse the full cost of your GP Journey subscription through the Training Support Scheme. Check with your hospital's medical education department for details on how to claim.
Yes, the dates on this page reflect the confirmed 2027 ICGP recruitment schedule as published by the Irish College of GPs. We update this page immediately if any dates change. For the most up-to-date information always check irishcollegeofgps.ie directly.
Many doctors in Ireland have used GP Journey to prepare for the ICGP SJT, CPST and interview. Join them. Start free today, no credit card, no commitment.
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