AKT vs KFP: Which RACGP Exam Is Harder (and How to Prepare for Both)

The AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) and KFP (Key Feature Problem) exams each test different yet complementary GP competencies. While the AKT assesses broad factual clinical knowledge, the KFP specifically evaluates clinical reasoning and your ability to apply your medical knowledge in realistic patient scenarios [1] ,[2]

Both exams require different skill sets:

• AKT demands rapid recall and wide-ranging clinical knowledge.
• KFP emphasises detailed clinical reasoning and patient-specific decision-making.

Understanding this distinction early can drastically enhance your targeted exam preparation.

Question Format

• AKT: 150 single best answer multiple choice questions (MCQs) covering all clinical domains within general practice [1].
• KFP: Recently updated in 2025, the KFP exam now includes 70 multiple selection questions, each scenario requiring identification of several clinically relevant answers from provided options [2].

Time Pressure

• AKT: You have roughly 1.5 minutes per question (4 hours total), so speed and time management are crucial [1].
• KFP: You’ll have approximately 3 to 4 minutes per scenario, across 4 hours, allowing for deeper clinical consideration per question [2].

Skill Focus: Knowledge and Clinical Reasoning

• AKT: Tests breadth of knowledge across the RACGP curriculum, from clinical guidelines to preventive health strategies.
• KFP: Tests in-depth clinical judgement, requiring you to precisely identify and apply relevant clinical features for patient management [1] ,[2].

AKT: Breadth of Knowledge

Preparing for the AKT involves thorough coverage of the RACGP curriculum, specifically:

• Regularly revising Australian clinical guidelines, such as Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) criteria and the Australian immunisation schedules [3],[4].
• Completing hundreds of practice MCQs, ideally using RACGP Self-Assessment Practice Tests (SAPTs), to build speed, accuracy, and familiarity with exam style [5]
• Focusing on strict timing strategies, aiming to confidently answer 150 questions within the allocated 4-hour exam timeframe.
• Identifying and addressing personal knowledge gaps using essential resources such as John Murtagh’s General Practice [6].

(For detailed tips, see our comprehensive [AKT timing guide].)

KFP: Applied Clinical Decision Making

Effective KFP preparation is fundamentally about sharpening your clinical reasoning and decision-making:

• Regularly practice scenario-based questions, swiftly identifying critical clinical features that influence management.
• Practice carefully selecting precise and clinically relevant management actions per scenario, avoiding overly generic answers, a common pitfall identified by RACGP examiners [2].
• Consistently study and apply current Australian clinical guidelines, using Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG) as your primary reference [7].
• Frequently review RACGP’s KFP public exam reports to understand common candidate mistakes and learn from these pitfalls [2].

(Enhance your KFP prep with our free [KFP case packs].)

Deciding whether to sit both exams simultaneously requires careful reflection:

Advantages of Sitting Both Together:

• Efficient study due to considerable curriculum overlap.
• Sustained exam momentum can maintain your confidence and motivation.
• Holistic clinical understanding due to integrated exam preparation.

Potential Risks:

• Higher likelihood of burnout and stress due to intensive preparation load.
• Risk of reduced confidence and motivation if performance dips in one exam.

Effective Strategies:

• Many trainees successfully sit both exams in a single exam cycle, strategically benefiting from integrated study.
• Use structured, balanced study plans to ensure adequate coverage and minimise burnout.

Preparing efficiently for both AKT and KFP involves careful planning and strategic resource selection:

• Create a combined study plan, balancing broad AKT knowledge revision with detailed KFP scenario practice.
• Select integrated study resources (such as Fellow Academy’s combined [AKT and KFP exam preparation bundles]) designed specifically to complement each other.
• Regularly alternate practice sessions between rapid-fire AKT MCQs and in-depth KFP clinical reasoning scenarios.
• Reflect critically on your answers using RACGP SAPTs and resources to constantly improve and fine-tune your reasoning and recall abilities [5].

Using quality AKT KFP resources significantly boosts your chances of success:

• Official RACGP resources, including SAPTs, public exam reports, and curriculum guides [5].
• John Murtagh’s General Practice, essential for comprehensive coverage of common clinical scenarios in Australian GP [6].
• Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG Complete), providing trusted evidence-based clinical recommendations [7].
• GPSA resources tailored specifically for GP registrars and supervisors [8].
• Structured external exam preparation courses offering mock exams, guided explanations, and expert mentorship.

Fellow Academy’s integrated AKT and KFP Preparation Bundle provides structured support to confidently tackle both exams. Our bundle includes structured study schedules, comprehensive AKT questions, detailed KFP clinical scenarios, targeted study advice, and personalised mentorship.

Leveraging structured exam preparation will significantly reduce exam anxiety, enhance your confidence, and greatly improve your likelihood of exam success.