Key Takeaways
- Many candidates miss out on GP training places every year, you are not alone
- Your Casper test score is a snapshot of one test sitting, not a reflection of your worth as a doctor
- Targeted practice on your weak spots gives you the best shot at a stronger result next time
- Understanding why you scored lower is more valuable than simply practising more
- There are productive steps you can take immediately while waiting for the next test window
First: this does not define you
If you are reading this after missing out on a GP training place, take a breath. Many doctors receive the same news every year. Many of them are talented, compassionate clinicians who will go on to become excellent GPs. The Casper test is a high-stakes, time-pressured assessment that captures a narrow slice of who you are on a single day. It does not measure your clinical competence, your dedication to your patients, or your potential as a GP.
That said, the disappointment is real. You may be feeling frustrated, embarrassed, or uncertain about your future. These feelings are valid. Give yourself time to process them before jumping into action mode.
You are not alone
GP training is competitive. For the 2027 intake, there are up to 1,694 places through the RACGP and up to 374 Rural Generalist places through ACRRM. Not every applicant gets one, and plenty of GPs didn't get in the first time. The path to fellowship isn't always a straight line.
Understanding your results
After the assessment, you receive a quartile score reflecting your overall performance. While you do not get a breakdown by individual question or competency, understanding the scoring system helps you identify where to focus your preparation for next time.
Trained raters scored your answers, and your overall result combines all 22. So a few weak answers can pull down an otherwise strong result. The question to ask isn't "am I bad at this?" It's "which scenarios or competencies am I weaker in?"
Read our detailed guide on what separates Q4 from Q2 answers to understand exactly what raters are looking for. Many candidates discover that small adjustments in approach, particularly leading with empathy before solutions, make a dramatic difference.
Common reasons candidates score lower than expected
Based on patterns we see across hundreds of practice responses, these are the most common reasons otherwise strong candidates score Q2–Q3 instead of Q3–Q4:
- Jumping to solutions: addressing the practical problem before acknowledging the person's emotional experience. Raters interpret this as a lack of empathy, even if you genuinely care
- Using buzzwords without depth: writing 'I would be empathetic and non-judgmental' instead of demonstrating empathy through specific, authentic language
- Running out of time: candidates with slower typing speeds often submit incomplete responses that cannot score Q4 regardless of quality
- Overthinking the clinical angle: treating the Casper test like a clinical exam and focusing on medical decision-making rather than interpersonal skills
- Test anxiety: nerves that cause you to default to rigid templates rather than responding authentically to each unique scenario
- Insufficient practice: understanding the theory without enough timed practice to apply it under pressure
What to do right now
You do not need to wait until the next test window to start improving. Here are concrete steps you can take immediately:
1. Assess your baseline honestly
Start with our free sample scenarios, and compare how Q1 and Q4 answers differ. Then answer a few scenarios yourself, untimed. Are you leading with empathy? Are you acknowledging complexity? Caspermate's AI feedback scores each answer across the competencies and shows you what was weak.
2. Improve your typing speed
If you type under 60 WPM, speed may have limited your answers more than skill did. At 60 WPM you can fit about 195 words across both typed answers, and at 80 about 260. Test your typing speed, then practise for a few minutes every day.
3. Develop your empathy vocabulary
Q4 responses use specific, authentic language to express empathy. Start building a repertoire of genuine phrases: 'That sounds incredibly difficult', 'It makes complete sense that you would feel that way', 'Many people in your position experience the same thing'. These are not scripts to memorise, they are starting points for developing your own authentic voice.
4. Practise under timed conditions
Once you know your weak areas, move to timed practice. The 3.5-minute window for typed answers creates real pressure, and performing under it is a skill in itself. Practising on Caspermate uses the real clock.
Planning your next application
You can sit the assessment once per calendar year. All 2026 sittings are finished. The RACGP hasn't published 2027 sitting dates yet (checked 13 Sep 2026). That gives you a runway to prepare. Here's a realistic timeline:
| Timeframe | Focus |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Process emotions, assess baseline with untimed practice, identify weak competencies |
| Weeks 3–4 | Daily typing practice, study model Q4 answers, rebuild approach framework |
| Weeks 5–8 | Timed practice (3–4 sessions/week), review AI feedback, refine weak competencies |
| Weeks 9–10 | Full mock test simulations under realistic conditions |
| Final week | Light review, focus on wellbeing and test-day logistics |
Track your progress
Keep a simple log of your practice scores by competency. Seeing concrete improvement over weeks is motivating and helps you identify which areas still need work. Most candidates see measurable improvement within 3–4 weeks of focused practice.
What about alternative pathways?
While preparing to resit, it is worth knowing that the AGPT program is not the only pathway to GP fellowship. ACRRM offers rural training places that may have different competitiveness thresholds. Some candidates also gain valuable experience through non-training registrar positions in general practice, building skills that strengthen their next Casper test attempt.
Speak with your medical education officer, GP supervisors, or a career mentor about the options available to you. The path to becoming a GP has multiple routes, and a setback in one does not close the others.
Looking after yourself
Missing out on a training position is stressful, and doctors are notoriously bad at seeking support for themselves. If you are struggling, please reach out:
Support services
Doctors' Health Advisory Service (DHAS): available in every state and territory, free and confidential. Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636. Lifeline: 13 11 14. Your hospital or practice's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is also available to you.
For a detailed plan, read our guide on how to prepare for the RACGP National Entry Assessment. Then browse the question bank to get familiar with scenario types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I resit the Casper test in the same year?
No. The RACGP lets you sit the National Entry Assessment once per calendar year, so you'll wait for next year's sittings. The RACGP hasn't published 2027 sitting dates yet (checked 13 Sep 2026).
Will my previous score affect my next application?
A new sitting gives you a new result for that year's application. The RACGP's assessment page sets out the current rules, so check it before you apply again.
How much can I realistically improve between sittings?
There's no official figure. What helps most is finding your specific weak spots, like empathy depth, time management or typing speed. Then work on them one at a time.
Should I do anything differently while waiting to resit?
Working in general practice as a non-training registrar exposes you to the types of interpersonal and ethical scenarios tested in the Casper test. Real-world experience developing empathy, navigating difficult conversations, and managing complex situations strengthens your assessment performance authentically.