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.
Source-linking model. BMJ OnExamination provides authored explanations; check its current product documentation for citation and update features rather than assuming that authored content is either live-linked or stale.
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 |
| Integration with NICE guidance and medicines information from SmPCs via eMC | 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 and source-linked follow-up: iatroX. Its Q-bank can be paired with Ask iatroX to retrieve cited UK guidance and medicines information from relevant SmPCs on eMC. Compare both platforms’ current plans, content, editorial processes and features directly before choosing.
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.