Executive summary
For UK clinicians preparing for postgraduate exams, achieving a high score is the result of a smart, evidence-based strategy. The most effective revision plans align your practice with the official exam blueprint and exploit proven learning science: retrieval practice (the testing effect) and spaced repetition (PubMed, SAGE Journals). In 2025, a new generation of AI-driven tools can now automate the process of targeting your weak areas, scheduling your learning, and providing intelligent feedback.
This guide provides a definitive overview of the standout AI and "smart" revision options available to UK clinicians. We will explore how platforms like the iatroX adaptive Q-bank and BMJ OnExam PACES (AI) are changing the game. We will also cover how established question banks from Passmedicine, Pastest, and Quesmed are incorporating features like spaced repetition, and how supplementary content libraries from StatPearls and AMBOSS can complete your digital toolkit.
What “excellent” looks like: a scoring framework for revision tools
To choose the right resource, evaluate it against these four evidence-based criteria:
- Coverage vs. blueprint: Does the question bank's content align with the official syllabus for your exam, whether it's the MRCP written papers, PACES23 stations, or the MRCGP AKT domains?
- Learning science baked-in: Does the tool actively support retrieval practice and spaced repetition? These methods are scientifically proven to be more effective for long-term retention than passive rereading.
- Adaptivity & analytics: Does the platform offer features to target your weaknesses, calibrate question difficulty, and provide data on your performance?
- Transparency: Are the question rationales detailed and, where appropriate, linked to UK guideline sources? Is the content regularly updated?
Category A — AI-driven and adaptive question banks
iatroX (UK-centric, free tier)
- What it is: An AI-powered platform with an adaptive learning engine and a dedicated spaced repetition mode designed for major UK exams (MRCGP AKT, MRCP, UKMLA). It is supplemented by an instant, source-backed Q&A tool for rapid guideline look-ups.
- Why shortlist: Its UK-guideline alignment (NICE/SIGN) and peer-reviewed research base make it highly relevant for UK practice. It also offers a generous free access path, making high-quality adaptive learning accessible to all.
BMJ OnExam PACES (AI)
- What it is: An AI-driven OSCE simulator, co-developed with SimConverse, designed specifically for the MRCP PACES23 exam.
- Use-case: It provides a unique opportunity to practise the clinical communication and examination choreography required for PACES, with the AI providing iterative feedback on your performance.
Category B — Proven Q-banks with adaptive/SRS features
These established leaders have integrated smart learning features into their extensive question banks.
- Passmedicine: The "Knowledge Tutor" feature uses a powerful spaced repetition algorithm to help you consolidate learning. Its question banks for the AKT, MRCP, and other exams are a mainstay for UK trainees.
- Pastest: Known for its very large MRCP question banks and its focus on providing sets tailored to past-paper themes, covering over 600 clinical areas.
- Quesmed: A popular platform that combines question banks with spaced-repetition daily feeds and flashcards, alongside robust progress tracking.
- StatPearls: Offers broad question banks with progress analytics and is often used as a supplementary adaptive resource to identify and fill knowledge gaps.
- AMBOSS: A powerful combination of a searchable medical library and an integrated Q-bank. Its "smart" tooling makes it excellent for refreshing core medical concepts alongside your primary MRCP preparation.
Where each tool fits for MRCGP AKT and MRCP
- For MRCGP AKT: The UK-centric adaptive drills from iatroX are a great starting point. Combine this with Passmedicine for its spaced repetition and strong focus on prescribing and data-interpretation practice. Quesmed offers excellent structured daily feeds to keep your revision consistent.
- For MRCP Part 1/2 & PACES: Pastest is invaluable for its sheer scale and the recency of its question themes. Use StatPearls and AMBOSS as adjunct knowledge scaffolds to deepen your understanding. For PACES, the BMJ OnExam PACES AI is the standout tool for practising the specific skills of the clinical stations.
Evidence-based study tactics the best tools should enable
- Retrieval practice: This beats re-reading every time. Build daily, mixed-set quizzes into your schedule to actively test yourself.
- Spaced repetition: This dramatically improves long-term retention. Use a tool with a good algorithm to tune your review intervals based on your exam date.
- Interleaving & difficulty ramping: Mix up your topics to improve problem-solving and progressively increase the difficulty and time pressure of your practice sessions.
- Feedback loops: Keep a detailed error log. For every question you get wrong, read the rationale carefully and, if necessary, look up the primary source.
Quick comparison table
| Tool | AI/Adaptive Features | Key Exam Coverage | Notable Strengths | Caveats/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iatroX | Adaptive + SRS; UK guideline links | AKT, MRCP, UKMLA | Free tier; UK-first sources | Newer ecosystem—verify specific topic coverage |
| BMJ OnExam PACES AI | AI simulated encounters | MRCP PACES23 | Communication/exam rehearsal | Paid; OSCE-specific |
| Pastest | Theme-tailored sets, analytics | MRCP Part 1/2 & others | Scale + recency of themes | Subscription; confirm "adaptive" features |
| Passmedicine | Knowledge Tutor (SRS) | AKT & others | Efficient spacing engine | Less OSCE/clinical skills coverage |
| Quesmed | SRS daily feeds, flashcards | UKMLA, MRCP, AKT | Progress tracking | Confirm depth for postgraduate levels |
| StatPearls / AMBOSS | Progress analytics / smart library | Broad medicine | Reference + practice blend | Not aligned to specific UK blueprints |
Practical playbooks
- 6-week AKT sprint (adaptive-first):
- Sit a baseline mock exam.
- Use iatroX for daily adaptive drills.
- Use the Passmedicine Knowledge Tutor for evening consolidation.
- Schedule weekly mini-mocks on prescribing and EBM.
- 12-week MRCP Part 1 plan:
- Do mixed question blocks on Pastest (Mon–Thu).
- Recap weak topics with StatPearls or AMBOSS (Fri).
- Sit a cumulative mock exam at the weekend.
FAQs
- Which AI tool is best for UK-centric exams like the AKT?
- For an adaptive engine with a UK-guideline focus, iatroX is a strong choice. This should be combined with a large, established Q-bank like Passmedicine.
- Is there really an AI for PACES practice?
- Yes. The BMJ OnExam PACES AI, developed with SimConverse, is a dedicated tool for practising the communication and examination skills needed for the PACES23 format.
- Do I still need a big traditional Q-bank?
- Yes. The scale and recency of themes in a large bank like Pastest for the MRCP are invaluable. The new AI tools enhance this by adding layers of spaced repetition (Passmedicine, Quesmed) and adaptivity (iatroX).
- Why do spaced repetition and retrieval practice actually help?
- There is strong empirical support showing that both techniques dramatically improve long-term, delayed retention of knowledge compared to passive re-reading.
Calls to action
- Build your stack: Pick one adaptive engine (iatroX) plus one large, traditional Q-bank (Pastest for MRCP, Passmedicine for AKT). Turn on a spaced repetition system (Passmedicine Knowledge Tutor or Quesmed) for daily consolidation.
- Run a weekly loop: Commit to a weekly cycle of a timed mock exam, followed by a detailed analysis of your performance, which then informs your adaptive practice schedule for the following week.