Emedica vs Pastest (2026): Exam-Representative Specialist vs Premium Multi-Exam Platform
At a Glance
Who is it for?
Emedica:GP Trainees / Specialty Applicants (MSRA, AKT)
Pastest:MSRA / AKT / MRCP / Multiple Exams
Why choose Emedica?
- Widely considered the most exam-representative question style
- Excellent SJT/Professional Dilemmas content for MSRA
- Focused on MSRA and AKT — deep specialisation
- Frequently cited by high-scorers
Why choose Pastest?
- Massive question banks with actual past papers
- Excellent native mobile app with offline mode
- Video lectures and podcast library
- Covers multiple exams (MRCP, AKT, MSRA, PLAB, UKMLA)
Feature Comparison
| Capability | Emedica | Pastest |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Mid-range subscription | Mid-to-high tier pricing |
| Exam Representativeness | **Best in class** for MSRA/AKT | High quality — often deliberately harder than real exam |
| Mock Exams | Limited mock exam functionality | **Strong** — reconstructed past papers and timed mocks |
| Multimedia | Text and image-based | Video lectures, podcasts, and written content |
| Mobile App | Web-based (responsive) | **Excellent** native app with offline download |
| Multi Exam Coverage | MSRA, AKT (primary focus) | MSRA, AKT, MRCP, PLAB, UKMLA, and more |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
Emedica and Pastest are both premium Q-banks used by GP trainees and specialty applicants, but they serve different needs.
Emedica is the specialist: narrowly focused on MSRA and AKT, with a reputation for the most exam-representative questions available. Its SJT content is frequently cited as the best MSRA resource.
Pastest is the generalist: a broad platform covering multiple exams with large banks, mock exams, video lectures, and an excellent mobile app. Its deliberate "harder than the real exam" approach builds resilience.
Key Differences
Choose Emedica if you want the closest simulation of the actual MSRA/AKT exam, especially for Professional Dilemmas. Choose Pastest if you want a broader platform with multimedia resources, mock exam functionality, and the ability to study offline on your phone.
For a free alternative to either, iatroX offers MSRA and AKT banks at no cost with AI-powered guideline interrogation.
Public information as of 2 April 2026. Trademarks belong to their owners.
Looking for a faster way?
While Emedica and Pastest are powerful tools, iatroX offers a free, AI-driven alternative focused specifically on rapid UK guideline retrieval and exam prep.
Use-Cases
MSRA Preparation (Final 4–6 Weeks)
When to choose Emedica
- **Recommended.** Exam-representative questions and excellent SJT content for final-stage preparation.
When to choose Pastest
- Timed mock exams simulate real exam conditions. Good for building pacing and stamina.
MRCGP AKT Preparation
When to choose Emedica
- Well-regarded AKT bank. Questions often harder than the real exam.
When to choose Pastest
- Large AKT bank with revision notes and video content. Past paper functionality.
On-the-Go Study (Commuting)
When to choose Emedica
- Functional on mobile but web-based.
When to choose Pastest
- **Winner.** Native app allows downloading questions for offline use on trains/tubes.