Choosing a Q-bank is one of the most consequential revision decisions UK doctors and medical students make. The platforms look similar — they all have questions. But they are built on fundamentally different models: static vs adaptive, single-exam vs multi-exam, text-based vs guideline-integrated. The one you choose affects how efficiently you prepare and, ultimately, whether you pass.
This comparison is structured and factual. iatroX is one of the platforms reviewed — we are transparent about that. Features are verified from each platform's own website. Pricing may change — verify before purchasing.
Master Feature Comparison Matrix
| Feature | iatroX | Passmedicine | Pastest | Quesmed | BMJ OnExam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adaptive engine | True adaptive (performance-based) | No | No | Partial (daily scheduling) | No |
| NICE/BNF integration | Yes (RAG-based) | No | No | No | No |
| Free tier | Yes (UKMLA, MRCGP, MRCP) | Yes (Pharmacy only) | No | Trial only | No |
| MRCGP AKT | Yes — free | Yes | Yes (3,400+ Qs) | Yes | Yes |
| MRCP | Yes — free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UKMLA | Yes — free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DRCOG | Yes — paid (600+ Qs) | Yes (1,000+ static) | No | No | No |
| DCH | Yes — paid | Partial | No | No | No |
| DFSRH | Yes — paid (850+ Qs) | No | No | No | No |
| DGM | Yes — paid (400+ Qs) | No | No | No | No |
| DipIMC | Yes — paid (700+ Qs) | No | No | No | No |
| FFICM | Yes — paid (700+ Qs) | No | No | No | No |
| DTM&H | Yes — paid (600+ Qs) | No | No | No | No |
| GPhC CRA | Yes — paid | Yes (free) | No | No | No |
| Mobile app (iOS + Android) | Yes | No (web only) | Limited | Yes | No |
| Offline access | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Performance dashboard | Topic-level proficiency | Basic | Basic | Basic | Basic |
| Flashcards | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Spaced repetition | Yes (adaptive) | Partial | No | Yes (daily feed) | No |
| MHRA-registered | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Exam Coverage — Who Covers What
This is the biggest differentiator. Passmedicine, Pastest, Quesmed, and BMJ OnExamination all cover the mainstream exams (MRCGP AKT, MRCP, UKMLA). For these exams, you have multiple options.
For niche postgraduate diplomas — DRCOG, DFSRH, DGM, DipIMC, FFICM, DTM&H — iatroX Boards is the only adaptive platform. Passmedicine covers DRCOG with a static bank; no other competitor covers the remaining diplomas at all. If you are sitting any niche diploma, iatroX is not an alternative — it is the only adaptive resource.
Adaptive Learning — What Is the Actual Difference?
True adaptive (iatroX): The next question is selected based on your cumulative performance profile across all topics. If you are weak in neurology, the engine serves more neurology questions — not because it is scheduled, but because your performance data shows that is where marks will be gained.
Scheduling algorithm (Quesmed): Content rotates on a time-based spaced repetition schedule. You see everything at appropriate intervals. The system does not respond to your individual performance profile — it ensures coverage, not targeting.
Static rotation (Passmedicine, Pastest, BMJ): Questions appear in order or randomly. No personalisation. You manage your own topic routing.
The difference matters for time-poor working doctors. Adaptive targeting means every minute of study time addresses your actual gaps. Static banks require you to identify and address your own weaknesses — a task most candidates do poorly under exam pressure.
Pricing — Total Cost Analysis
Cheapest for MRCGP AKT: iatroX (free) → Passmedicine (£35/4 months) → Quesmed (£45/3 months) → Pastest (£80+) → BMJ (£150).
Cheapest for niche diplomas: iatroX Boards — a single subscription provides access to all diploma Q-banks. No meaningful alternative exists for adaptive diploma preparation.
Total cost for a GP trainee (MSRA → AKT → DRCOG + DFSRH):
- iatroX: Free (AKT) + subscription for diplomas.
- Traditional stack: Passmedicine MSRA + Pastest AKT + Passmedicine DRCOG: ~£200-300+.
Who Should Use What — Decision Framework
UKMLA/MRCGP AKT candidates: iatroX (free adaptive) + Passmedicine (volume) — most cost-effective combination.
MRCP candidates: Pastest (largest bank) + iatroX (adaptive targeting) — complementary.
Niche diploma candidates (DRCOG, DCH, DFSRH, DGM, DipIMC, FFICM, DTM&H): iatroX Boards — no competitor covers these adaptively.
Flashcard-first learners: Quesmed + iatroX.
Budget-constrained candidates: iatroX free tier (AKT, UKMLA, MRCP) + PassMedicine free pharmacy tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free UK medical Q-bank? iatroX is the only fully free adaptive Q-bank for MRCGP AKT, UKMLA, and MRCP in the UK. PassMedicine Pharmacy is free for GPhC candidates.
Does Quesmed have DRCOG questions? No. Quesmed does not currently have a dedicated DRCOG, DCH, DGM, DipIMC, or FFICM bank. iatroX is the only adaptive platform covering these exams.
Which Q-bank has the most questions for MRCGP AKT? Pastest has approximately 3,400+ AKT questions — the largest single bank. iatroX provides adaptive targeting alongside any volume bank.
Is there a Q-bank that covers all UK postgraduate exams? iatroX has the broadest exam coverage of any single platform — from UKMLA and MRCGP through to DRCOG, FFICM, DipIMC, DGM, DFSRH, DTM&H, and GPhC.
Try iatroX free for your main UK exam.
Features verified from platform websites as of April 2026. Pricing may change — verify before purchasing. Updated quarterly.