PassMedicine vs Emedica (2026): Volume & Value vs Exam Representativeness
At a Glance
Who is it for?
PassMedicine:GP Trainees / Specialty Applicants (MSRA, AKT)
Emedica:GP Trainees / Specialty Applicants (MSRA, AKT)
Why choose PassMedicine?
- Massive question bank (3,000+ MSRA; 4,500+ AKT)
- Very affordable (~£20–35 per exam module)
- Integrated revision notes ('Knowledge Tutor')
- Community comment threads with mnemonics and tips
Why choose Emedica?
- Widely considered the most exam-representative question style
- Highly regarded SJT/Professional Dilemmas content for MSRA
- Questions often harder than real exam — builds exam resilience
- Frequently cited by high-scorers as a key resource
Feature Comparison
| Capability | PassMedicine | Emedica |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Very affordable (~£20–35/module) | Mid-range pricing (check emedica.co.uk) |
| Question Volume | Larger bank — often 3,000–4,500+ questions | Smaller but more curated bank |
| Exam Representativeness | Good — covers breadth well | **Best in class** — widely cited as closest to real exam |
| S J T Content | Included but not the primary strength | **Excellent** — often cited as the single best MSRA SJT resource |
| Revision Notes | Yes — integrated 'Knowledge Tutor' textbook | Detailed explanations per question |
| Community Features | Comment threads (user mnemonics, debates) | Primarily expert-authored content |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
This is the comparison every GP trainee and specialty applicant asks about. PassMedicine and Emedica are the two dominant Q-banks for the MSRA and MRCGP AKT, but they optimise for different things.
PassMedicine is the volume play: massive question banks, integrated revision notes, and the lowest price in the market. Its community comment threads are a legendary learning resource.
Emedica is the quality play: smaller but more curated banks where questions are widely regarded as the closest to the real exam experience, especially for the MSRA.
Key Differences
The MSRA SJT Question
The Professional Dilemmas paper is 50% of the MSRA. This is where the biggest difference lies. Emedica's SJT content is frequently cited by high-scorers (600+) as the single most valuable MSRA resource. PassMedicine covers SJT but it is not its headline strength.
Volume vs Representativeness
PassMedicine gives you more questions to grind through. Emedica gives you questions that feel more like the real exam. Many trainees use both: PassMedicine for breadth and knowledge building, Emedica for exam simulation and SJT practice.
The Price Gap
PassMedicine is roughly half the price of Emedica for most modules. For trainees on a budget, this matters. For trainees who prioritise exam-representativeness, the premium is worth it.
Our View
The optimal approach for most trainees is to use both. Start with PassMedicine to build a knowledge base (use the revision notes + high-volume questions). Switch to Emedica in the final 4–6 weeks for exam simulation, especially for the SJT paper.
For a free alternative or supplement to either, iatroX offers MSRA and AKT Q-banks at no cost, with AI-powered guideline interrogation for understanding the "why" behind wrong answers.
Public information as of 2 April 2026. Trademarks belong to their owners.
Looking for a faster way?
While PassMedicine and Emedica are powerful tools, iatroX offers a free, AI-driven alternative focused specifically on rapid UK guideline retrieval and exam prep.
Use-Cases
MSRA Preparation (Clinical Problem Solving)
When to choose PassMedicine
- Large volume of CPS questions. Good for building breadth and identifying weak areas. Lower cost.
When to choose Emedica
- **More exam-representative.** Questions match real MSRA CPS difficulty and style more closely.
MSRA Preparation (Professional Dilemmas / SJT)
When to choose PassMedicine
- SJT questions available. Solid but not the primary selling point.
When to choose Emedica
- **Widely considered the best MSRA SJT resource.** Frequently cited by 600+ scorers.
MRCGP AKT Preparation
When to choose PassMedicine
- 4,500+ AKT questions. Unbeatable on volume. Revision notes integrated.
When to choose Emedica
- Well-regarded AKT bank. Questions often harder than the real exam — good for building resilience.
Budget-Conscious Revision
When to choose PassMedicine
- **Winner on price.** ~£20–35 per module is the best value in the market.
When to choose Emedica
- Higher price point, but many high-scorers consider it worth the investment.