Executive summary
For UK clinicians in training, preparing for high-stakes exams while managing a demanding clinical workload is a significant challenge. Artificial intelligence can dramatically accelerate exam preparation and deepen understanding when it is paired with evidence-based study methods like retrieval practice and spaced repetition. However, the outputs from any AI tool still require critical appraisal and checking against authoritative sources to ensure accuracy (PubMed, PMC).
This article provides a definitive blueprint for doctors, physician associates, and medical students on how to prepare for major UK medical exams, including the AKT/SCA, MRCP/PACES, MRCS, PSA, and UKMLA. We will map out the high-yield resources for each exam and demonstrate how to layer powerful AI tools like iatroX and AMBOSS onto classic question banks and official guidelines to study smarter, not just harder.
Know your exam: blueprints & official rules
Before starting any study plan, it is essential to understand the specific format, scope, and rules of your target exam. Always refer to the official guidance from the governing bodies.
- MRCGP AKT & SCA: The RCGP website provides the definitive curriculum, exam dates, and prep guidance for the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and the Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA), including details on the October 2025 AKT format change. Official Guidance Here.
- MRCP(UK) PACES: The Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK outlines the purpose, dates, and application process for the Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES). Official Guidance Here.
- MRCS (Intercollegiate): The Joint Committee on Intercollegiate Examinations (JCST) provides a complete overview of the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) exam structure and governance. Official Guidance Here.
- PSA: The Prescribing Safety Assessment is a crucial exam for foundation doctors. The official website and the BPSA Learner Portal detail its purpose, structure, and sections. Official Guidance Here.
- UKMLA: The General Medical Council (GMC) outlines what the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) is and how students should prepare for this national standard. Official Guidance Here.
Study science that actually works (anchor your method)
The most effective study plans are built on two core principles of learning science:
- Retrieval practice (test-enhanced learning): The act of actively trying to recall information from memory strengthens that memory far more than passively rereading it. Consistent, daily quizzing has been shown to produce significant learning gains across all health professions. Build it into your plan (PubMed).
- Spaced repetition: To combat the natural forgetting curve, review information at increasing intervals over time. This method dramatically improves long-term retention and clinical problem-solving. Use software to manage your repetition schedule instead of cramming (PMC, BioMed Central).
Core toolkit: where AI fits (and where it doesn’t)
Your digital toolkit should combine AI-driven platforms with tried-and-tested UK-focused question banks.
AI-powered learning platforms
- iatroX (Ask & Brainstorm + Quiz): Use Ask iatroX for rapid, evidence-linked answers to clarify concepts from UK guidelines. Use Brainstorm as an educational tool to structure differentials or management plans. The iatroX Quiz feature provides adaptive and spaced repetition quizzes to lock in knowledge.
- AMBOSS (Library + Qbank + mobile): An integrated platform with an extensive Qbank and a comprehensive medical library. Its pop-up explanations are excellent for drilling down on concepts during question review.
- UWorld (USMLE-style reasoning drills): While focused on US exams, its question banks are renowned for their deep rationales and are an excellent resource for practising complex clinical reasoning.
Question-bank mainstays for UK exams
- Passmedicine: A cornerstone for UK trainees, offering high-quality question banks for the AKT, MRCP, and UKMLA.
- Pastest: A leading resource for postgraduate exams, with a strong focus on MRCP Parts 1/2 and excellent materials for PACES preparation.
- BMJ OnExamination: A trusted provider with a large question bank for the AKT and numerous other medical specialties.
- Quesmed: A popular and rapidly growing platform offering comprehensive resources, including mock exams and notes for the UKMLA and PSA.
- Geeky Medics: An essential free resource with a vast bank of OSCE/CPSA stations. Its new AI feedback tools can help refine consultation skills.
Complementary tools
- Video-first concept refreshers: Osmosis (Elsevier) provides concise, visual explanations of complex topics, perfect for patching weak areas.
- Flashcards for spaced repetition: Anki remains the gold-standard, open-source Spaced Repetition System (SRS), using powerful algorithms to schedule your card reviews for optimal retention.
Workflow templates (role/exam-specific “how to use AI”)
- AKT (GP): Build a weekly loop: start with a block of questions on Passmedicine → use iatroX Ask to quickly cross-check a guideline or BNF detail mentioned in an explanation → read the corresponding article in the AMBOSS library for a deeper understanding → create spaced repetition flashcards in Anki for any concepts you got wrong.
- SCA (consultation skills): Rehearse scenarios using Geeky Medics OSCE stations and its AI scoring feature. Use iatroX Brainstorm in your personal study time to structure alternative counselling points or explore different ways to address patient ideas, concerns, and expectations (ICE).
- MRCP (PACES): Focus on case-based reps in Pastest and refresh the underlying guidelines. Keep a tight Anki deck for classic murmurs, signs, and syndromes. Debrief each practice session by actively retrieving the key learning points.
- MRCS: Map out the Intercollegiate blueprint, then work through relevant surgical sections in Pastest or AMBOSS. Use flashcards for high-volume topics like anatomy and trauma protocols.
- PSA: Drill the calculation and prescription review sections against the official structure. Use iatroX Ask to clarify specific BNF-style prescribing rules or interactions, then create Anki cards to lock in the knowledge.
- UKMLA (students): Alternate between timed mocks on Quesmed and Passmedicine. Use Osmosis videos to patch conceptual weak spots in specific systems. End every study day with a scheduled spaced review of your flashcards.
A 4-week AI-enabled study plan (modular)
- Week 1 — Blueprint & baseline: Sit one full timed mock exam for your specific test. Tag your weak subject domains. Set up your Anki decks and the iatroX Quiz spaced repetition mode.
- Week 2 — Retrieval ramp: Commit to a daily block of 40–60 single-best-answer questions. For every question you miss, read the authoritative explainer in your Qbank (AMBOSS or BMJ OnExamination are great for this) and schedule a re-test of that concept within 48–72 hours.
- Week 3 — Mix & simulate: Complete two more full mocks under exam conditions. For clinical exams, run through SCA/OSCE stations with peers or using Geeky Medics. Debrief difficult cases using iatroX Brainstorm to structure alternative approaches.
- Week 4 — Consolidate & taper: Shift to short, mixed-subject blocks of questions daily. Focus on reviewing your "marked" or "difficult" flashcards. Use iatroX Ask for any "last-mile" topics from your weakest areas, getting quick, cited clarifications.
Integrity & governance (important caveats)
- Follow exam rules: Always adhere to the official conduct rules for your exam. Generative AI is for preparation only and is strictly forbidden during any assessment.
- Verify clinical content: The learning process involves critical appraisal. Always verify clinical content against authoritative sources like NICE or the BNF before applying it in your practice.
- Protect privacy: Never paste any patient-identifiable data into consumer-grade AI tools. Prefer enterprise or UK-hosted solutions designed for clinical reference.
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- Start today: Set up a daily retrieval practice block and a spaced repetition system (using Anki or the iatroX Quiz).
- Choose your tools: Pick one primary Qbank aligned to your exam (e.g., Passmedicine, Pastest, BMJ OnExamination, Quesmed) and one primary concept resource (e.g., AMBOSS, Osmosis).
- Study smarter: Use iatroX Ask for quick, cited clarifications during study sessions, and use Brainstorm to structure your thinking for differentials or management frameworks in a safe, educational setting.