Executive summary
Preparing for the MRCGP SCA and AKT exams requires a smart, efficient, and targeted revision strategy. For UK GP trainees, the most effective approach starts with the official materials from the RCGP, which provide the definitive blueprint for both exams. This foundation should then be combined with a "free core" of essential, day-one resources like NICE CKS and the BNF, which you will use throughout your career.
In 2025, this traditional stack is being supercharged by a new generation of AI-powered tools. iatroX offers a free, UK-centric platform with AI-driven Q&A and an adaptive, spaced-repetition quiz engine to consolidate your learning. For the SCA, a new wave of low-cost simulation platforms—including SCA Revision, MedTutor AI, and Clinitalk—now offers targeted case practice. This guide provides a practical map to building a high-impact, low-cost study plan.
1. Know the exams (bookmark these first)
Your first step is to read the official RCGP guidance. Everything you need to know about format, content, and dates is here:
- SCA hub: This details the structure (12 simulated consultations), marking domains, and key dates.
- AKT hub: This provides an overview of the exam, tutorials, and essential information on the data interpretation component.
2. The free core you’ll use daily (and at work post-CCT)
These resources are non-negotiable for both exam preparation and your day-to-day work as a GP.
- NICE CKS: The Clinical Knowledge Summaries are concise, practical, and evidence-based guides on over 370 primary-care topics. They are perfect for debriefing AKT questions and structuring your SCA management plans.
- BNF (web & app): The British National Formulary is the definitive UK reference for prescribing, interactions, and monitoring. You must be fluent in navigating it for the AKT and for safe practice.
- iatroX (free, UK-centric): An AI-powered platform designed for UK clinicians and trainees.
- Ask/Knowledge Centre: Provides fast, citation-first answers from a curated library of peer-reviewed research and other UK-accepted guidance. Use this to explore clinical concepts and close knowledge gaps alongside your CKS/BNF checks.
- Quiz: A free adaptive and spaced repetition engine mapped to UK curricula, which is ideal for locking in knowledge.
3. SCA practice: free trials and low-cost options
Simulating the 12-minute consultation is key to passing the SCA. These platforms offer cost-effective ways to practise.
- SCA Revision (SCAreVision): Offers a large bank of over 340 cases, mark-scheme breakdowns, and videos. It provides a free sample and a low-cost monthly subscription.
- MedTutor AI: A dedicated AI-powered patient simulator for the SCA. It uses a transparent, low-cost, credit-based pricing model (e.g., £10 for 3 scenarios).
- Clinitalk: Lets you upload your own practice consultation recordings and provides immediate, SCA-style feedback. It is built by RCGP examiners and offers a "try-now" free option.
- SCAprep: Another AI-assisted platform offering SCA cases and coaching content.
- RCGP courses: Keep an eye on the official RCGP exam preparation courses, as they are examiner-led and may offer bursaries.
4. AKT practice: free/cheap question sources
- RCGP: The official website provides example AKT questions and tutorials, which are your best guide to question style.
- i-Medics: Offers a large bank of over 3,000 free AKT-style MCQs.
- Deanery lists: Your local training hub or deanery (e.g., NHS North West Postgraduate Education) often provides curated links to high-yield CKS pages and other free guideline sites.
- Zero to AKT: An offshoot of the popular Zero to Finals site, offering concise notes and a coursebook, with many free pages.
5. “AI + fundamentals” study loop
A smart study loop combines question practice with verification and retention.
- Do a short block: Complete an SCA practice case or 20-30 AKT MCQs.
- Verify weak items: For any questions you're unsure about, go directly to the primary sources: NICE CKS for management pathways and the BNF for prescribing.
- Explore concepts: Use a tool like iatroX Ask to explore the underlying principles of a topic with cited answers from its own evidence base.
- Retain: Add your error-log topics to a spaced repetition queue, like the free iatroX Quiz adaptive engine.
- Simulate: Once a week, run a timed SCA practice set with a tool like SCA Revision, MedTutor AI, or Clinitalk.
6. “Best free (or nearly free)” picks by task
- Guideline look-ups: NICE CKS and the BNF app.
- Fast clarifications + retention: iatroX (free; UK-centric AI answers with citations + adaptive review).
- SCA case practice: Clinitalk (try-free feedback), MedTutor AI (low-cost per-scenario credits), or SCA Revision (free sample video, low monthly cost).
- AKT question volume: i-Medics (3,000+ free questions) and the official RCGP example questions.
7. Weekly blueprint (≤2 hours/day)
- Mon–Thu: 45–60 min AKT MCQs → 15 min verification in CKS/BNF → 15 min iatroX Quiz spaced review.
- Fri: 60 mins of SCA drills. Use a case from SCA Revision or MedTutor AI and debrief it against the official SCA marking criteria.
8. Resource matrix
| Task | Free/Low-Cost Tool | Why It’s High-Yield | Upgrade Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescribing/Monitoring | BNF (app/web) | The definitive UK source | None (this is the core tool) |
| Clinical Policy Checks | NICE CKS | Concise, UK primary care focus | None (this is the core tool) |
| Quick Answers + Retention | iatroX | AI answers (cited) + free adaptive quiz | Keep using post-CCT for daily Q&A and CPD |
| SCA Simulation | SCA Revision / MedTutor / Clinitalk | Realistic cases + feedback | Add an official RCGP course if needed |
| AKT Volume | i-Medics (free) + RCGP examples | Breadth + exam-style questions | Add a paid bank (e.g., Passmedicine) later if required |
FAQs
- Are there truly free AKT questions?
- Yes, i-Medics offers a bank of over 3,000 free MCQs, and the RCGP provides official example questions on its website.
- What’s genuinely free for SCA practice?
- The official RCGP guidance on the SCA is the best free resource. For simulation, Clinitalk advertises a "try-free" flow, SCA Revision has a free sample video, and MedTutor AI uses a low-cost, pay-per-scenario credit model.
- Which tools will still help me after I qualify (CCT)?
- NICE CKS and the BNF will be your daily companions for your entire career. iatroX is also designed to be used post-CCT for on-the-job clinical queries and to log your ongoing CPD.