BMJ OnExamination vs iatroX (2026): Legacy Premium Q-Bank vs AI-Integrated Platform
Current iatroX access
askiatroX and the PSA, PARA, MRCP Part 1, MRCEM SBA question banks are free. Other exam banks offer free samples, with full access included in all-access (£29/month or £99/year in the UK; US$29/month or US$99/year elsewhere).
Up to 10 new sample questions per day, shared across exams and subject to availability, with explanations and no account required. One complete guided Tutor session is included with a verified free account; continued Tutor use is included in all-access.
See all-access plans · Access checked . This comparison is published by iatroX.
At a Glance
Who is it for?
iatroX:UK clinicians and trainees wanting integrated AI learning across multiple exams at low-cost access with free sample questions.
BMJ OnExamination:Trainees who want the editorial authority of BMJ and are willing to pay a premium per exam.
Why choose iatroX?
- **Selected free banks and subscription exam access** (MRCP Part 1, MRCEM SBA, PARA and PSA remain free; AKT, MSRA, PLAB 1 and UKMLA have free samples with full subscription access)
- **Specialist diploma banks** (FFICM, DipIMC, DTM&H, DFSRH, DRCOG, DGM) at £29/month or £99/year — all included
- **Integrated Learning Loop:** Quiz → askiatroX → Brainstorm → CPD
- AI-powered adaptive learning and spaced repetition
- Exam-focused educational product
Why choose BMJ OnExamination?
- **BMJ editorial brand** — questions written by subject-matter experts under BMJ governance
- **Long track record** across MRCP, AKT, MRCEM, and DRCOG
- Detailed performance analytics and peer benchmarking
- Established trust with Royal College exam committees
Feature Comparison
| Capability | iatroX | BMJ OnExamination |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Selected free banks; £29/month or £99/year for subscription exams and specialist diplomas | Paid per-exam subscriptions (typically £40–£90+ per exam module) |
| Exam Coverage | MRCP Part 1, MRCEM SBA, PARA, PSA free; MRCGP AKT, MSRA, PLAB 1, UKMLA + FFICM, DipIMC, DTM&H, DFSRH, DRCOG, DGM with a subscription after free samples | MRCP, MRCGP AKT, MRCEM, DRCOG, FFICM (some overlap with FRCA content), PSA |
| Core Offering | Integrated Platform (Quiz + AI Q&A + Brainstorm + CPD) | Dedicated Q-Bank + Performance Analytics |
| Niche Diplomas | Dedicated banks for DGM, DipIMC, DTM&H, DFSRH (underserved exams) — all in one subscription | Limited niche coverage; FFICM content reportedly repurposed from FRCA bank |
| A I Integration | **Yes** — guideline Q&A, adaptive quiz engine, case simulation | Limited — primarily static Q-bank with basic analytics |
| Question Design | Blueprint-mapped, cognitive-science-based (spaced repetition, interleaving, retrieval practice) | Expert-written, exam-style questions with detailed explanations |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
BMJ OnExamination has been a fixture in UK postgraduate exam prep for over two decades. Its editorial authority (questions written under BMJ governance) and coverage of major Royal College exams (MRCP, MRCGP AKT, MRCEM) make it a trusted brand.
iatroX offers free MRCP Part 1, MRCEM SBA, PSA and PARA banks. Other exam banks have free samples and full access through one all-access subscription. Its differentiator is the integrated learning loop: Quiz → askiatroX (guideline Q&A) → Brainstorm (case simulation) → CPD logging.
When To Use Each
- Use BMJ OnExamination when: You specifically value BMJ editorial authority, want peer benchmarking data, and are preparing for a single high-stakes exam (e.g., MRCP Part 1) where you want a long-established, trusted bank.
- Use iatroX when: You want to prepare for multiple exams without multiple subscriptions, need access to underserved niche diploma banks (DGM, DipIMC, DTM&H, DFSRH), or want to understand the guidelines behind your mistakes through AI-powered Q&A.
Key Differences
Pricing Model
BMJ OnExamination charges per exam module. If you are preparing for MRCP Part 1 and MRCGP AKT and DRCOG, that is three separate subscriptions. iatroX offers MRCP Part 1, MRCEM SBA, PSA and PARA free, while the subscription bundles paid exams such as AKT, MSRA, UKMLA, PLAB 1, SCEs and specialist diplomas into a single subscription.
Niche Diploma Coverage
This is where the gap is widest. BMJ OnExamination does not offer dedicated banks for DGM, DipIMC, DTM&H, or DFSRH. Its FFICM content has been reported by candidates to overlap significantly with FRCA material. iatroX has purpose-built banks for all six specialist diplomas, each mapped to the relevant exam blueprint.
Learning Approach
BMJ OnExamination is a traditional Q-bank: answer questions, read explanations, track performance. iatroX adds an AI layer: when you get a question wrong, you can immediately ask "Why is this the guideline?" and receive a cited answer from current UK clinical guidance, then practise a simulated case on the same topic.
Public information as of 2 April 2026. Trademarks belong to their owners.
Use-Cases
MRCP Part 1 Preparation
When to choose iatroX
- Free adaptive Q-bank. Use askiatroX to interrogate guidelines behind wrong answers.
When to choose BMJ OnExamination
- Established, high-volume MRCP bank. Strong explanations and peer analytics.
Specialist Diploma Revision (FFICM, DRCOG, etc.)
When to choose iatroX
- **Stronger coverage.** Dedicated banks for DGM, DipIMC, DTM&H, DFSRH — exams BMJ does not cover. All included in one £99/year subscription.
When to choose BMJ OnExamination
- Covers FFICM and DRCOG. FFICM content may overlap with FRCA material. Does not cover DGM, DipIMC, DTM&H, or DFSRH.
Budget-Conscious Trainee Preparing for Multiple Exams
When to choose iatroX
- One subscription includes every paid exam bank. MRCP Part 1, MRCEM SBA, PSA and PARA remain free.
When to choose BMJ OnExamination
- Each exam module is a separate paid subscription. Preparing for MRCP + AKT + DRCOG = three separate payments.
Understanding Guidelines Behind Questions
When to choose iatroX
- **Recommended.** askiatroX returns cited current UK clinical guidance answers instantly.
When to choose BMJ OnExamination
- Read the static explanation provided with each question.
FAQs
- Does BMJ OnExamination cover all the same exams as iatroX?
- No. BMJ OnExamination covers MRCP, MRCGP AKT, MRCEM, DRCOG, FFICM, and PSA. iatroX additionally covers PLAB, UKMLA, MSRA, PARA, DGM, DipIMC, DTM&H and DFSRH.
- Is iatroX free for MRCP and AKT?
- MRCP Part 1, MRCEM SBA, PSA and PARA are free. UKMLA, PLAB 1, MSRA and MRCGP AKT include free sample questions, with full adaptive access with an iatroX subscription.
- How much does iatroX cost for specialist diplomas?
- £29/month or £99/year. This single subscription unlocks all specialist diploma banks: FFICM, DipIMC, DTM&H, DFSRH, DRCOG, and DGM.
- Are BMJ OnExamination questions higher quality?
- BMJ OnExamination questions are written under BMJ editorial governance and have a long track record. iatroX questions are blueprint-mapped and designed around cognitive science principles (spaced repetition, retrieval practice). Both are high quality; the approaches differ.