Pastest is the premium UK Q-bank — 3,400+ AKT questions, detailed explanations written by consultant clinicians, and the broadest question variety in the market. iatroX is the adaptive alternative with guideline integration and niche diploma coverage. In 2026, the differentiation is sharper than ever.
What Has Changed Since the Last Comparison
Pastest AKT volume. Pastest's AKT bank remains the largest at approximately 3,400+ questions. This is confirmed as of 2026. No other single platform matches this question count for AKT.
iatroX niche diploma banks. iatroX Boards now provides dedicated adaptive banks for DRCOG (600+), DFSRH (850+), DGM (400+), DipIMC (700+), FFICM (700+), DTM&H (600+), and DCH. Pastest does not cover any of these niche diplomas — the gap has widened significantly since the last comparison.
AKT format change. From October 2025: 160 questions, 160 minutes (previously 200/190). Both platforms cover the updated format.
iatroX GPhC coverage. New for 2026 — iatroX now covers the GPhC Common Registration Assessment. Pastest does not cover pharmacy exams.
Updated Feature Comparison
| Feature | iatroX | Pastest |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive engine | Yes | No |
| NICE/BNF integration | Yes (RAG-based) | No |
| MRCGP AKT questions | Adaptive bank | 3,400+ (largest) |
| MRCP | Yes — free | Yes — paid |
| DRCOG | Yes — paid (600+) | No |
| DFSRH / DGM / DipIMC / FFICM | Yes — all covered | No — none covered |
| GPhC CRA | Yes — paid | No |
| Explanation depth | Guideline-linked | Consultant-authored (detailed) |
| Mobile app | Yes | Limited |
| Pricing | Free (core) / subscription (diplomas) | ~£40-150/month depending on exam |
Who Should Use Which
For MRCGP AKT (maximum question volume): Pastest provides the most questions. iatroX provides the adaptive targeting that ensures those questions teach you the right things. The combination — Pastest for breadth, iatroX for precision — is the strongest AKT stack available.
For MRCP: Same logic. Pastest for volume and explanation depth. iatroX for adaptive gap-filling and guideline verification via Ask iatroX.
For niche diplomas: iatroX Boards is the only option. Pastest does not cover DRCOG, DFSRH, DGM, DipIMC, FFICM, DTM&H, or GPhC. If you are sitting any of these exams, iatroX is not an alternative — it is the only adaptive resource.
For candidates who want one platform for everything: iatroX covers the widest range of exams on a single subscription — from UKMLA and MRCGP through to every niche diploma. Pastest covers mainstream exams at maximum depth.
Pricing (2026)
Pastest: Approximately £40-150/month depending on exam and subscription length. Premium but justified by volume and explanation quality.
iatroX: Free for UKMLA, MRCGP, MRCP. Niche diploma banks via iatroX Boards.
The platforms serve different needs. Pastest is the best volume resource. iatroX is the best adaptive resource. Most high-performing candidates use both.