BMJ OnExamination carries the weight of the BMJ brand — trusted, established, and widely recognised. iatroX is the adaptive alternative with guideline integration and the broadest exam coverage in the UK market. Here is how they compare in 2026.
BMJ OnExamination — Strengths
BMJ OnExamination provides Q-banks for MRCGP AKT, MRCP, UKMLA, MRCEM, and other mainstream UK exams. The brand trust is genuine — BMJ-authored content carries authority. Some questions are influenced by past exam papers. The platform is well-established with a large user base.
BMJ OnExamination — Limitations
Pricing: Approximately £150+/year per exam. This is among the most expensive Q-bank options. For a GP trainee sitting AKT + DRCOG, the total cost is significant.
No adaptive engine. Questions are served statically — no personalisation based on your performance profile. You manage your own topic routing.
No NICE/BNF integration. Explanations are authored but not anchored to live guideline text.
No mobile app. Web-based access only.
No niche diploma coverage. BMJ OnExam does not cover DRCOG, DCH, DipIMC, FFICM, DGM, DFSRH, DTM&H, or GPhC.
Updated Feature Comparison
| Feature | iatroX | BMJ OnExamination |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive engine | Yes — performance-based | No |
| NICE/BNF integration | Yes (RAG-based) | No |
| MRCGP AKT | Yes — free | Yes — ~£150/year |
| MRCP | Yes — free | Yes — ~£150/year |
| UKMLA | Yes — free | Yes — paid |
| DRCOG | Yes — paid (600+) | No |
| DFSRH / DGM / DipIMC / FFICM / DTM&H | Yes — all covered | No — none covered |
| GPhC CRA | Yes — paid | No |
| Mobile app | Yes (iOS + Android) | No (web only) |
| Brand recognition | Growing | Established (BMJ) |
| MHRA-registered | Yes | No |
Who Should Use Which
Candidates who value brand trust and past-paper-influenced content: BMJ OnExamination. The BMJ name carries weight, and some candidates prefer exam-influenced questions from a legacy institution.
Candidates who want adaptive targeting, guideline integration, and value: iatroX. Free for AKT, UKMLA, and MRCP — compared to £150+/year for BMJ OnExam. Plus adaptive intelligence and NICE/BNF grounding that BMJ does not offer.
Candidates sitting niche diplomas: iatroX Boards is the only option. BMJ does not cover DRCOG, DFSRH, DGM, DipIMC, FFICM, DTM&H, or GPhC.
Pricing Comparison
BMJ OnExamination: ~£150/year per exam. iatroX: Free for core UK exams. Niche diploma banks via iatroX Boards.
For MRCGP AKT alone, iatroX is free. BMJ OnExam is £150. The adaptive engine, guideline integration, and mobile app come at no additional cost.