Introduction
The MRCGP Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) is the primary hurdle for GP trainees in the UK. It is not just a test of medical facts; it is a test of your ability to practise safe, evidence-based medicine within the specific context of the NHS.
In 2026, the exam continues to evolve, demanding a revision strategy that goes beyond rote memorisation. This guide breaks down exactly what the AKT tests, the specific question formats you will face, and how to build a high-yield, adaptive revision system that ensures you pass first time.
What the AKT is actually testing
The AKT is designed to assess the knowledge base required for independent general practice in the UK. It focuses on:
- Clinical Medicine (80%): Diagnosis, management, and health promotion.
- Evidence-Based Practice (10%): Statistics, research methods, and guideline interpretation.
- Health Informatics and Admin (10%): Legal frameworks, DVLA rules, and practice management.
The "hidden curriculum" here is safety. The correct answer is rarely the most "clever" one; it is the one that aligns with current NICE, SIGN, and British National Formulary (BNF) guidance.
AKT question formats + what that means for preparation
The exam consists of 200 questions delivered over 3 hours and 10 minutes. While the Single Best Answer (SBA) format dominates, you must be prepared for others (RCGP):
- Single Best Answer (SBA): Choose the one "most appropriate" option from five. Strategy: Read the last line first to identify the task, then scan the vignette for discriminators.
- Extended Matching Questions (EMQ): Match scenarios to a list of options. Strategy: These test deep pattern recognition. Learn the key differentiating features of similar conditions.
- Table/Algorithm Completion: Fill in the blanks of a management flowchart. Strategy: Know your NICE pathways cold.
- Picture/Video Questions: Interpret a dermatological lesion or ECG. Strategy: Don't just read about rashes; look at them.
- Data Interpretation: Analyse a forest plot or scatter graph. Strategy: Do not neglect the 10% stats domain; it is often the difference between a pass and a fail.
The 3-part revision system that works
Don't just "do questions." Use a structured system to maximise retention.
- Timed Blocks: Simulate the exam pressure. Do 50 questions in 50 minutes. This builds the stamina and pacing you need.
- Deep Review: Spend as much time reviewing the block as you did taking it. Don't just read the right answer; understand why the other four were wrong. Verify every point against CKS or the BNF.
- Spaced Retest: If you get a question wrong, don't just move on. You must revisit that specific concept in 3 days, 10 days, and 30 days to lock it into long-term memory.
Choosing a question bank (the short checklist)
Your Q-bank is your primary tool. Evaluate it against this checklist:
- Curriculum Mapping: Does it cover the specific 2026 RCGP content guide?
- Explanation Depth: Does it link directly to NICE guidelines?
- Update Cadence: Is it updated when guidelines change (e.g., HTN or Asthma)?
- The Contenders:
- PassMedicine: The volume king. Huge bank, great value, strong community comments.
- Pastest: Offers detailed analytics and "test mode" features to simulate the exam day.
- GP SelfTest: The RCGP's own bank. Essential for benchmarking your readiness.
How to use AI/adaptive learning without wasting time
The biggest inefficiency in revision is studying what you already know.
- The Trap: Doing random 50-question blocks means you might see 10 questions on topics you've already mastered.
- The Fix: Use an adaptive engine. These tools track your performance and automatically serve you questions from your weakest domains. If you are failing Statistics but acing Cardiology, the system will force you to do more stats until you improve.
Where iatroX fits
iatroX is designed to be the "smart layer" in your revision stack.
- Adaptive Quiz: Our free adaptive engine is mapped specifically to the UK exams. It identifies your weak areas and uses spaced repetition to resurface those questions at the optimal time for memory retention.
- Citation-First: When you review a question, you can use Ask iatroX to get an instant, cited answer from the underlying NICE or BNF guidance, saving you from "tab fatigue."
6-week / 10-week / 14-week study plans
The 14-Week "Marathon" (Ideal)
- Weeks 1-8: Cover all clinical systems (2 per week). Use PassMedicine/Pastest for volume.
- Weeks 9-10: Deep dive into Admin/Stats (20% of the marks!).
- Weeks 11-14: Timed mock exams + adaptive "weakness sprints" on iatroX.
The 10-Week "Standard"
- Weeks 1-6: High-yield clinical systems + integrated Stats.
- Weeks 7-8: Admin/Org domain + weak clinical areas.
- Weeks 9-10: Mocks, mocks, mocks.
The 6-Week "Sprint" (High Risk)
- Daily: 100 questions minimum.
- Focus: Only high-yield topics (Cardio, Resp, Women's Health) + Stats/Admin.
- Strategy: Use adaptive learning exclusively to ruthlessly target gaps. No time for passive reading.
FAQ
When should I start revising? Most candidates need 3-4 months (14 weeks) alongside a full-time job.
Is the Admin domain really that important? Yes. It is 10% of the exam, and it is often the area that trips up otherwise strong clinical candidates.
Can I rely on just one Q-bank? It is safer to mix. Use one for your "daily grind" (e.g., PassMedicine) and another for your "mock exams" (e.g., GP SelfTest) to ensure you don't just memorise one writer's style.