The Applied Knowledge Test is the written component of MRCGP — 200 questions across clinical medicine (80%), evidence interpretation (10%), and organisational/administrative topics (10%). It tests UK general practice knowledge specifically, making guideline currency and UK-specific content non-negotiable in your preparation resources.
The AKT is hard. Pass rates fluctuate between 70-80%, and the questions increasingly test clinical reasoning through vignettes rather than isolated factual recall. Choosing the right Q-bank — and combining it with the right complementary tools — is a genuine performance differentiator.
PassMedicine (Paid — ~£55/6 months)
The incumbent. Over 4,500 AKT-specific questions aligned to the 2025 RCGP curriculum. Extensive teaching notes accompany each question and build into a comprehensive reference library over time. Real-time performance analytics compare your scores against other current AKT candidates — so you know where you stand before the exam.
Strengths: Largest AKT-specific question pool. 15+ years of exam data informing question quality. Peer benchmarking against current candidates. Teaching notes that build into a reference library. Proven track record — generations of GP trainees have used it.
Limitations: Adaptive features are basic compared to AI-native tools. The interface feels dated to some users. Question style can feel more recall-heavy than the current AKT, which has shifted toward longer vignettes.
Pastest (Paid — ~£70-100/6 months)
Over 2,800 AKT questions with detailed, expert-written explanations. Strong revision mode and timed test options. A long track record in UK postgraduate exam preparation across MRCGP, MRCP, and MRCS.
Strengths: Question quality and explanation depth. Detailed rationales that teach the underlying clinical reasoning, not just the correct answer. Strong reputation among GP trainers and programme directors.
Limitations: Smaller AKT question pool than PassMedicine. Higher price point. Interface is functional but not modern.
Quesmed (Paid — ~£60-80/6 months)
All-in-one platform combining Q-bank, OSCE mark schemes, doctor-written notes, and video courses. The question curriculum matches the MLA content map. RCGP AKT-specific content is available alongside UKMLA, PSA, and OSCE preparation.
Strengths: Integrated notes and questions — study a topic and test yourself in the same platform. Modern interface. OSCE and PSA preparation included for the same subscription. Good for trainees who want one platform covering AKT and RCA/SCA.
Limitations: Smaller AKT-specific question pool than PassMedicine. Newer to the AKT market than PassMedicine or Pastest.
iatroX Q-Bank (Free)
iatroX provides an adaptive Q-Bank mapped to the AKT curriculum with spaced repetition algorithms that target your weaknesses. Every explanation is grounded in NICE, CKS, SIGN, and BNF — the exact sources the AKT tests. When you get a question wrong, Ask iatroX provides the specific guideline recommendation with a citation link in seconds.
Strengths: Adaptive weakness targeting through spaced repetition — the evidence-based method for durable knowledge. Guideline-grounded explanations linked to primary sources. Integrated clinical reasoning via Brainstorm. CPD logging via the CPD module. Completely free.
Limitations: Smaller question pool than the established paid banks. Best used as a complement to a primary Q-bank rather than the sole resource.
Free Resources Worth Adding
BMJ OnExamination: Often free for BMA members. Good supplementary question source for AKT.
RCGP eLearning: Free modules covering AKT curriculum areas. Particularly useful for evidence interpretation and organisational topics.
NICE CKS: Free. The authoritative UK primary care reference. Not a Q-bank, but the source material the AKT is built on.
BNF app: Free. Essential for every prescribing question.
The Recommended AKT Stack
Primary Q-bank: PassMedicine (for volume and peer comparison) or Pastest (for explanation quality). One paid bank is essential for exam-volume practice.
Adaptive layer: iatroX Q-Bank. Daily spaced repetition targeting your weakest areas. Free.
Guideline verification: Ask iatroX. Instant NICE/CKS/BNF answers when explanations are unclear. Free.
Evidence interpretation: RCGP eLearning modules on critical appraisal, statistics, and evidence-based medicine. Free.
Mock exams: At least 3-4 full timed mocks from your primary bank. Simulate exam conditions including timing pressure.
CPD documentation: iatroX CPD. Your AKT preparation generates documented professional development. Free.
The strongest AKT candidates combine exam-realistic practice (PassMedicine/Pastest) with adaptive weakness targeting (iatroX) and instant guideline verification (Ask iatroX). The paid bank provides volume. The free tools provide precision and verification.