Public Health Specialist Assessment - Tests PrepPack (2025)
Updated: April 2025
If you are applying to become a Public Health Specialist, you know how important passing the public health assessment centre is to become a public health registrar. Taking three difficult Pearson VUE tests (RANRA, Watson-Glaser Test and Public Health Situational Judgement Test) is a major challenge, and we fully understand your apprehension.
Full preparation for the Public Health Assessment Centre
We know the entry requirements and strict time limits for each test can make accurate preparation confusing, so we’ve created a PrepPack that mirrors real test conditions to help you fully practise before your Public Health Assessment Centre.
NHS Public Health - Recruitment Timeline & Dates
Applications Open: 10am Thurs 23 Oct 2025 | Applications Close: 4pm Thurs 20 Nov 2025 | Bookings Open for Assessment Centre: Weds 17 Dec 2025 | Public Health Assessment Centre: Tues 6 Jan & Weds 7 Jan 2026 | Notification of Assessment Centre Outcome: TBC | Selection Event: 3 to 5 March 2026 | Initial offers released by no later than: 5pm Tues 24 March 2026 |
*All information about timeline and dates taken from official NHS website
Public Health Specialist Tests
- Full Public Health Specialist Test Simulation:
- 2 Full-Length Public Health SJT Tests
- Expert Public Health Study Guide
- 3 RANRA-Style Practice Tests
- 2 Watson Glaser Tests
- 300+ Questions & Drills
- Video Tutorials & Study Guides
- Score Analysis
Our Public Health Assessment PrepPack includes:
- Accurate practice tests that cover every segment. This includes a full public health-oriented SJT and a precise simulation test for the exam.
- In-depth step-by-step explanations to understand and master every problem.
- Dedicated study guides that give you full comprehension of every subject.
Public Health Specialist Recruitment and Selection Process
- The faculty for Public Health is the standard-setting body for specialists in this field. Recruitment for the Public Health specialty training is done through the Public Health National Recruitment Office or the PHNRO.
- There are several eligibility requirements you must meet before you can even start the Public Health recruitment process. Additionally, receiving a place on the programme, you must provide a high-quality Public Health application at each stage of the process.
- There are Public Health training programmes available across the country with 2 main routes - clinical routes for medical professionals and an alternative route for Public Health professionals. The two courses are the same once you are in the programme.
The Public Health Registrar (ST1) hiring process consists of several stages:
- Online application
- Assessment tests
- Selection centre:
- NHS interview
- NHS written test
- NHS group exercise
The Assessment Centre Tests
Learn more about the SJT
Public Health Specialists Online Prep
Our Public Health Specialist Preparation Pack includes everything you need to succeed in all three tests:
Comprehensive Practice Tests
Realistic simulations of the RANRA, Watson-Glaser, and SJT exams.
Expert Study Guides
Step-by-step instructions and strategies to master every question type.
Video Tutorials
Learn tips and techniques from test-prep experts.
Available for only £49, you can ensure the high score you deserve and unlock your potential.
The Public Health Selection Centre
The NHS assessment centre is a half-day session consisting of several exercises. These exercises test you against all the requirements listed in the person specification. This selection centre is held in Loughborough for all candidates.
There are three main exercises held at this assessment centre:
- Interview
- Written test
- Group exercise
The NHS advises that you be aware of the following at the start of your application. These may also be useful for the selection centre:
- What are your top six skills?
- What are your work values?
- What type of work do you prefer?
- What sort of environment do you want to work in?
- What is your career plan now and for the next five years?
FAQs
The Public Health Specialist Test is a series of assessments used in the UK to evaluate candidates for public health specialty training. It includes three challenging tests: RANRA (Rust Advanced Numerical Reasoning Appraisal), the Watson-Glaser Test (for critical thinking), and the Public Health Situational Judgement Test (SJT). These tests are vital for gaining entry into the Public Health Specialty Training Programme.
This guide is for anyone applying to become a Public Health Specialist, including individuals from medical and non-medical backgrounds. It is also suitable for healthcare professionals such as doctors, dentists (interested in dental public health), and those pursuing a non-medical route into public health practice.
Our preparation pack provides accurate practice tests that simulate the actual exam conditions. We include detailed explanations for every answer, helping you understand complex public health issues and the skills necessary to pass the assessments. The pack covers all major segments, including health protection, health improvement, and public health practice, preparing you thoroughly for the recruitment and selection process.
Passing the Public Health Specialist Test is crucial for entry into public health specialty training, which leads to becoming a public health registrar. Success in these tests is often a key requirement for registration with the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) and pursuing a career in delivering health policies, managing staff, and addressing health challenges in communities.
Yes, our guide is designed for both medical degree holders and non-medical applicants. It addresses the diverse knowledge needed for public health specialists, ensuring all applicants have the tools they need to succeed, regardless of their background.
