The MRCGP AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) Exam: What it is and how to prepare
If you are a GP trainee who is currently preparing for the MRCGP AKT exam, this blog covers what to expect and how to prepare.
– Join National AKT WhatsApp Teaching Group here
– Get AKT Updates and Teaching Emails here
– Register for next Free AKT Webinar here
– Pass with AKT Ultimate Package here
What is the MRCGP AKT exam?
The AKT (applied knowledge test) is one of the three components of the MRCGP qualification – necessary to complete GP training in the UK. It aims to test your application of knowledge and problem solving using a variety of types of questions on key topics – it is not simply a test of how much you know or can retain.
It is a computer-based test that lasts 160 minutes. It consists of 160 questions giving you an average time of 60 seconds to answer each question. There is a timer visible on the screen.
You can sit it at over 150 Pearson VUE professional testing centres across the UK and have a maximum of 4 allowed attempts.
How often is the AKT exam run?
You can sit the AKT from ST2 onwards. The exam usually runs four times a year in January, April, July and October. The exact dates change each year.
You can reserve an AKT sitting up to twelve months ahead. The actual registration window for each sitting however closes several weeks before the exam – many trainees miss out because they leave it too late. Booking on time gives you clear targets and protects your preparation plan. Once you have booked and paid, you then select your preferred test centre.
Three areas are tested in AKT
– 80% of questions are on clinical medicine.
– 10% of questions are on health informatics and administrative issues.
– 10% of questions are on critical appraisal and evidence-based practice (statistics)
Questions can come in several types – the main being:
– Single best answer (SBA): choose only one answer eg. 1 from 5 (majority).
– Extended match questions (EMQ): a longer list of answers, 2 or 3 scenarios, choose only one answer.
– Free text answer: need to type an answer in the textbox.
An online calculator is available to use if needed.
The pass mark varies from exam to exam but tends to range from a percentage between the high 60s and early 70s. There is no negative marking.
When should I take it?
You can sit the AKT exam in ST2 or ST3. Many GP trainees now sit the AKT as soon as they reach ST2 as getting one exam done early can feel reassuring. I also see many trainees struggle when they take it too soon. Common challenges include:
– Rotations that make steady preparation difficult, such as AMU or ED
– Limited GP experience, which affects how you judge questions
– Underestimating the exam and not giving it enough time
– Relying only on questions or only on reading
– Treating the first attempt as a trial run
There is no single correct time to sit the AKT. Passing in ST2 can make ST3 more manageable because you free up space for the SCA and workplace based assessments. GP experience helps, as many AKT questions reward a GP way of thinking. Several answers may look reasonable, but the most likely option from a GP perspective is usually the right one.
Think about your workload, your rotation and how much time you can give to preparation. Many trainees need two to four months of focused study. Once you choose a sitting and feel ready, plan your revision carefully. A clear structure gives you the best chance of passing in one attempt.
Three things to do before you start preparing
1. Read the RCGP curriculum
Use the curriculum as your roadmap. It tells you what the exam can test. Skipping it creates blind spots. It is long, but you do not need to read it in one go. Break it into small sections and use it to guide your plan. This helps you cover everything without guesswork.
2. Review recent RCGP AKT reports
After each sitting, the RCGP releases a report on areas where candidates lost marks. Look at the last three or four reports. These themes often appear again. Add these topics to your early revision list so you address common weaknesses before they catch you out.
3. Build a timeline
Planning matters. The AKT covers a wide range of material and it is easy to drift without a structure. Count the weeks until your exam. Decide which topics you will cover by each point. Set a target for how many questions you will complete each week. This keeps your revision steady and stops the feeling of overload. Our free daily AKT planners can help you map this out.
Common AKT Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
AKT preparation is vital to avoid making some of the top common mistakes in the AKT exam.
Mistake 1: Not checking your own knowledge
Many trainees focus on topics they find comfortable. This feels productive but often hides gaps. Start by testing yourself. Look for areas where you score lower. Spend more time there. This builds real progress. Our AI question bank tracks your weaker areas and gives you more practice where you need it most.
Mistake 2: Losing track of time
The AKT is fast. You must work at a steady pace. Use timed mocks to build a clear sense of how long you can spend on each question. Regular timing practice helps you stay calm and finish the paper.
Mistake 3: Only relying on high yield lists
High yield topics can guide your early revision. They should not be your entire plan. The exam often tests everyday practice across a wide range of areas. Read around common themes so you understand how to manage routine problems. Our video courses walk you through the full curriculum, not only the popular items.
Mistake 4: Struggling with statistics
Many candidates lose marks in this section. You can improve by learning what the numbers mean and where they come from. This turns guesswork into clarity. Our AKT stats resources explain common graphs, study designs and calculations in simple steps. Small gains here can lift your overall score.
Mistake 5: Sitting the exam before you are ready
Your timing matters. A GP rotation helps you link questions to real practice. Think about your workload, personal commitments and how much time you can give to preparation. Choose a sitting that fits your circumstances. A calmer run up often leads to a stronger result.
How should I prepare for AKT?
From working with many trainees, I see two main approaches to AKT preparation. Some rely on question banks. Others prefer structured reading. The truth sits in the middle. If you only use questions, you risk missing areas that the bank does not cover. If you only read, you miss the pattern recognition that comes from repeated question exposure.
A balanced plan works best. Use questions to test your thinking. Use focused reading to strengthen gaps. Our AKT Video Courses give you a clear knowledge path with every area explained in simple steps.
A common question is which question bank to use. Our AI driven AKT question bank is built from real exam themes, common pitfalls and patterns seen across hundreds of trainee journeys. It adjusts to your performance so you spend more time on weaker areas and less time repeating what you already know. The question styles match the level and tone you will see in the exam, which helps you build steady confidence as you practise. You can also view samples of our AKT mock exams through the package trial.
Keep a few key references close during your preparation. These guide many questions and build steady understanding:
– RCGP curriculum
– NICE guidance
– BNF and Paediatric BNF
– RCGP Online InnovAiT journals
– Oxford Handbook of General Practice
If you want everything in one place, the AKT Ultimate package combines live teaching, videos, audios, the full AI question bank, mocks and flashcards. You can view details and samples on the AKT page of our website.
On the day
Bring two forms of ID:
– One photographic ID such as a passport or driving licence
– One secondary ID such as a credit or debit card that shows your name and signature
You cannot take personal items into the exam room. You can leave the room for water or toilet breaks if needed.
Before the exam starts, you will see a short on screen tutorial. This shows you how the system works. You can also try the same tutorial online at home at any time.
Results usually appear about three weeks after the exam. You will find them in your portfolio. You will see your overall score, the pass mark and your score in each of the three sections.
My own AKT experience
I passed the AKT on my first attempt with a strong score, but my preparation was not perfect. I took the exam early in ST2 and underestimated how much work it needed. I signed up to the usual online banks and then did very little for a few weeks. Once I started doing questions, I realised how wide the syllabus was. I spent a few weeks dipping in and out of random topics before stopping and planning the next two months properly. I mapped out holidays, on calls and protected days and set a firm target for when I needed to finish the full syllabus. I missed that target by one day.
The exam day felt similar to my driving theory test. I turned up just in time after a road accident caused a delay. I rushed through the ID checks and probably rushed through the first set of questions because of the adrenaline. After ten or twelve questions I settled down. I knew where I wanted to be by the one hour and two hour marks and stayed close to those points. I did not have long to review answers at the end, but I did not feel rushed. Many doctors do, which is why timed mocks matter.
I walked out without any sense of how I had performed. Several questions felt unusual. During the three week wait I went through cycles of confidence and doubt. When the result finally arrived, I had passed and could move on to the next challenge.
How Arora Medical Education Can Support You
Clear Teaching Built for Busy Trainees
If you want a guided path, our AKT resources help you build confidence at each step. Everything is created by senior UK doctors with experience in the exam and in teaching.
You can choose:
– AKT Ultimate – a full AKT preparation system with question banks, videos, audios, live teaching, flashcards and mock exams.
– A live AKT teaching programme held over a few months before each sitting.
– Individual resources such as audios, videos, question banks or mocks.
Each option follows a clear plan that helps you stay organised and focused. Explore these more here.
Also:
– Join National AKT WhatsApp Teaching Group here
– Get AKT Updates and Teaching Emails here
– Register for next Free AKT Webinar here
On a final positive note
Most people get through MRCGP AKT. You will get through AKT. It does however take a little planning and concerted effort. If you start early, you’re efficient in your preparation and don’t rely on one method of preparation, you have every chance of flying through this exam.
Good luck in your preparation and as always I’m here for any help, advice or queries
Aman
#CanPassWillPass
AKT Exam Success Stories
Read some of past student AKT exam preparation experiences and akt exam feedback below:
Author Bio — Dr Aman Arora
Hi! I’m Dr. Aman Arora, a Portfolio GP with over a decade of clinical and teaching experience, dedicated to helping doctors achieve their goals with confidence. Having had the privilege of supporting more than 50,000 doctors worldwide across exams such as MRCGP AKT, SCA, MSRA, PLAB 2 and PLAB 1, I understand the challenges you face and the strategies needed to overcome them. Through personalised face-to-face sessions, engaging online courses, mocks, audio and a vibrant social media community, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking to pass crucial exams or take the next big step in your medical career, we’re here to help you succeed. Feel free to get in touch with any thoughts, questions, or ideas — I look forward to working with you and being part of your journey.
Author Bio — Dr Pooja Arora
Dr Pooja Arora is a GP with a background in Medical Politics, where she passionately focuses on improving the opportunities and working conditions for junior doctors. She is proud to hold FRCGP (Fellow of Royal College of General Practitioners).
You can find out more about Pooja’s previous roles and qualifications here.
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