Passmedicine has been the default UK postgraduate Q-bank for over a decade. iatroX is the adaptive alternative. In 2026, the comparison has shifted — the AKT format changed to 160 questions, iatroX now covers GPhC alongside medical exams, and the niche diploma gap has widened further.
What Has Changed Since the Last Comparison
AKT format change (October 2025). The MRCGP AKT moved from 200 questions in 190 minutes to 160 questions in 160 minutes. Both platforms cover the AKT — but iatroX's adaptive engine automatically adjusts question targeting to the clinical, EBM, and admin domains at the new proportions. Passmedicine's static bank requires you to manage your own topic routing.
Passmedicine Pharmacy (free). Passmedicine now offers a free pharmacy Q-bank covering GPhC CRA content. This is relevant for foundation trainee pharmacists. The bank is static — questions rotate regardless of performance.
iatroX GPhC bank (new). iatroX Boards now includes an adaptive GPhC CRA Q-bank covering Part 1 calculations (with adaptive difficulty scaling) and Part 2 SBAs/EMQs. This is the only adaptive GPhC Q-bank with BNF/NICE integration.
iatroX niche diploma expansion. iatroX Boards now covers DRCOG (600+), DFSRH (850+), DGM (400+), DipIMC (700+), FFICM (700+), DTM&H (600+), and DCH — all with adaptive engines. Passmedicine covers DRCOG with a static 1,000+ question bank but does not cover any of the other diplomas.
Updated Feature Comparison
| Feature | iatroX | Passmedicine |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive engine | Yes — performance-based | No — static rotation |
| NICE/BNF integration | Yes (RAG-based) | No |
| MRCGP AKT | Yes — free | Yes — paid (~£30-50) |
| MRCP | Yes — free | Yes — paid |
| UKMLA | Yes — free | Yes — paid |
| DRCOG | Yes — paid (600+ adaptive) | Yes — paid (1,000+ static) |
| DFSRH | Yes — paid (850+) | No |
| DGM | Yes — paid (400+) | No |
| DipIMC | Yes — paid (700+) | No |
| FFICM | Yes — paid (700+) | No |
| GPhC CRA | Yes — paid (adaptive) | Yes — free (static) |
| Mobile app | Yes (iOS + Android) | No (web only) |
| Performance dashboard | Topic-level proficiency | Basic |
Who Should Use Which
For MRCGP AKT: The most cost-effective approach is iatroX (free, adaptive) + Passmedicine (affordable volume). iatroX targets your weak domains; Passmedicine provides breadth. Together they are stronger than either alone.
For DRCOG: Both platforms cover DRCOG. Passmedicine has more questions (1,000+ vs 600+). iatroX has the adaptive engine and guideline integration. The optimal approach: iatroX for adaptive precision + Passmedicine for supplementary volume.
For GPhC: Passmedicine Pharmacy is free — good for budget-constrained trainees. iatroX is adaptive with BNF integration — better for targeted preparation. Use both.
For niche diplomas (DFSRH, DGM, DipIMC, FFICM, DTM&H): iatroX only. Passmedicine does not cover these exams.
Pricing (2026)
Passmedicine: Free (pharmacy) / approximately £30-50 for 3-6 months (medical exams). iatroX: Free (UKMLA, MRCGP, MRCP). Niche diploma banks via iatroX Boards subscription.
The platforms are complementary, not competitive, for most candidates. Use both for mainstream exams. Use iatroX alone for niche diplomas.