The AKT is not a single-format exam. It uses five question types, each testing a different cognitive skill. Trainees who only practise SBAs are unprepared for the other formats — and the unfamiliarity costs marks on exam day.
The Five Formats
SBA (Single Best Answer). The most common format. A clinical scenario with five options — choose the single best answer. Tests: clinical reasoning and pattern recognition. Every Q-bank covers this well.
EMQ (Extended Matching Questions). A theme (e.g., "causes of anaemia") with 10-15 options and multiple clinical vignettes. Each vignette requires selecting from the shared option list. Tests: differential diagnosis and pattern matching across multiple scenarios. Requires broader recall than SBA.
SAQ (Short Answer Questions). Free-text entry — you type the answer rather than selecting from options. Tests: active recall, not recognition. Significantly harder than SBA because there are no options to prompt your thinking. The most underestimated format.
FTM (Free Text Matching). A type-ahead format — you begin typing and matching options appear. Tests: active recall with assisted recognition. A hybrid between SAQ and SBA.
MBA (Multiple Best Answer). Select multiple correct options from a list. Tests: breadth of knowledge — you must identify all correct answers, not just one.
Which Banks Cover Which
Pastest: All five formats — SBA, EMQ, SAQ, FTM, MBA. The most comprehensive format coverage.
Passmedicine: SBA + EMQ primarily. Strong on volume but format variety is narrower.
iatroX: SBA format with adaptive targeting. The value is in identifying knowledge gaps that affect performance across all formats.
i-Medics: SBA primarily.
Geeky Medics: SBA primarily (MLA-mapped).
BMJ OnExamination: SBA primarily (MLA-mapped).
Practice Strategy
SBA-heavy revision is fine for the majority of your study time — it is the most common format. But include weekly sessions specifically targeting EMQ and SAQ practice. Pastest is the best single source for multi-format practice.
The SAQ format catches many candidates because it requires active recall — you cannot rely on recognition. If you know a drug "when you see it" but cannot name it from memory, SAQ will expose that gap.
Where iatroX Fits
iatroX's adaptive quiz uses SBA format — but the deeper value is identifying knowledge gaps that affect performance across all formats. Know the medicine, and the format becomes manageable. Ask iatroX supports active recall by answering specific clinical questions without multiple-choice prompts.