BMJ OnExamination vs iatroX (2026): Legacy Premium Q-Bank vs AI-Integrated Platform
At a Glance
Who is it for?
iatroX:UK clinicians and trainees wanting integrated AI learning across multiple exams at low or no cost.
BMJ OnExamination:Trainees who want the editorial authority of BMJ and are willing to pay a premium per exam.
Why choose iatroX?
- **Free for major exams** (MRCP, AKT, MSRA, PLAB, UKMLA, MRCEM, PANE, PSA)
- **Specialist diploma banks** (FFICM, DipIMC, DTM&H, DFSRH, DRCOG, DGM) at £29/month or £99/year — all included
- **Integrated Learning Loop:** Quiz → Ask iatroX → Brainstorm → CPD
- AI-powered adaptive learning and spaced repetition
- UKCA-marked Class I medical device
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 | Free (major exams); £29/month or £99/year (all specialist diplomas) | Paid per-exam subscriptions (typically £40–£90+ per exam module) |
| Exam Coverage | MRCP, MRCGP AKT, MSRA, PLAB, UKMLA, MRCEM, PANE, PSA + FFICM, DipIMC, DTM&H, DFSRH, DRCOG, DGM | 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 is a newer, AI-integrated platform that offers free access to major UK exam Q-banks and affordable specialist diploma coverage (£29/month or £99/year for all niche diplomas). Its differentiator is the integrated learning loop: Quiz → Ask iatroX (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 free access to the major exams and bundles all 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 NICE/CKS/BNF, 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 Ask iatroX 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
- **Winner.** Free for major exams; £99/year unlocks every specialist diploma bank. No per-exam pricing.
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.** Ask iatroX returns cited NICE/CKS/BNF 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, PANE, DGM, DipIMC, DTM&H, and DFSRH.
- Is iatroX free for MRCP and AKT?
- Yes. iatroX Q-banks for MRCP Part 1, MRCGP AKT, MSRA, PLAB 1, UKMLA, MRCEM SBA, PANE, and PSA are completely free.
- 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.