Dr Kola Tytler (MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP)|21 April 2026|6 min read
UK medical trainees — particularly those on GP and medical specialty pathways — often sit multiple exams within a few years. The MSRA typically comes first (F2/F3), followed by the AKT (ST2/ST3 for GP) or MRCP Part 1 (any point during medical training). Understanding how much content overlaps between these exams allows you to build a cumulative knowledge base rather than starting from scratch each time.
The Overlap Analysis
MSRA CPS → MRCGP AKT Clinical Section: ~60–70% Overlap
The MSRA Clinical Problem Solving paper and the MRCGP AKT clinical section (80% of the AKT) test broadly similar clinical knowledge. Both require understanding of diagnosis, investigation, and management across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, and other specialties.
The overlap is approximately 60–70%. The MSRA CPS tests broader hospital and primary care knowledge. The AKT adds GP-specific elements: primary care management of chronic disease, referral thresholds (two-week wait criteria), contraception and sexual health, child safeguarding in the community, and conditions that present predominantly in general practice.
The AKT also adds two sections that the MSRA does not cover: statistics and EBM (10%) and administration and organisation (10%). These require dedicated preparation — they do not carry over from MSRA revision.
For a detailed comparison, see the MSRA vs MRCGP AKT comparison page.
MSRA CPS → MRCP Part 1: ~40–50% Overlap
The overlap between MSRA CPS and MRCP Part 1 is moderate but lower than the MSRA-AKT overlap. Both test clinical medicine, but MRCP Part 1 goes significantly deeper — particularly in basic sciences (genetics, immunology, cell biology), clinical pharmacology (mechanism of action, drug interactions), and specialist topics (tropical medicine, dermatology, ophthalmology) that the MSRA tests only superficially.
MRCP Part 1 also tests at a higher cognitive level. MSRA questions tend to test first-line management of common conditions. MRCP questions often present atypical presentations, complications, or management of conditions that have failed first-line treatment.
A candidate who has prepared well for the MSRA has a foundation for MRCP Part 1, but substantial additional preparation is required — typically 3–6 months of dedicated study.
MRCGP AKT Clinical → MRCP Part 1: ~40% Overlap
The AKT and MRCP Part 1 overlap in general clinical medicine but diverge in depth and breadth. The AKT is GP-focused (primary care management, referral thresholds, community-based care). MRCP Part 1 is hospital-focused (acute medicine, specialist management, basic sciences).
The overlap is primarily in common medical conditions (cardiology, respiratory, endocrinology, gastroenterology) where both exams test diagnosis and management. The non-overlapping content is where the exams differ: AKT tests admin, statistics, and primary care management; MRCP tests basic sciences, pharmacology, and specialist topics.
The Combined Study Strategy
For GP Trainees (MSRA → AKT)
Prepare for the MSRA first. The clinical knowledge base you build will carry forward to the AKT. When you transition to AKT preparation, focus your incremental effort on three areas.
GP-specific clinical topics: primary care management of chronic disease, referral criteria, community prescribing, and conditions that present predominantly in general practice. These are the clinical topics the MSRA does not adequately cover.
Statistics and EBM: the AKT's 10% stats section. This requires dedicated structured revision — see the AKT statistics guide.
Administration and organisation: the AKT's 10% admin section. DVLA, GMC, CQC, sick notes, safeguarding, MHA, MCA. These are concrete facts that can be memorised with spaced repetition.
For Medical Trainees (MSRA → MRCP Part 1)
Prepare for the MSRA first. The clinical foundation helps but is not sufficient for MRCP Part 1. When transitioning, add: basic sciences (genetics, immunology, cell biology), detailed pharmacology, and specialist topics (tropical medicine, dermatology, ophthalmology, clinical chemistry).
Allow at least 3–4 months of dedicated MRCP Part 1 preparation beyond your MSRA knowledge base.
For Both Pathways: Use a Consistent Platform
Using a platform that covers multiple exams means your performance data and adaptive progress carry forward. iatroX covers MSRA, AKT, and MRCP for free — so the weak areas identified during MSRA preparation inform the adaptive targeting during AKT or MRCP preparation. PassMedicine offers MSRA, AKT, and MRCP as separate modules within the same account.
This continuity is one of the strongest arguments for choosing a multi-exam platform over single-exam resources.
Information based on public sources as of 21 April 2026. Trademarks belong to their owners.