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Dr Shaun Tan, FRACGP, MD, BMSC
Medical Examiner | Associate Lecturer
Scored 90% on the AKT & Top 15th percentile in the KFP
Imagine confidently logging into your RACGP portal, your heart racing slightly as your results load. Picture that moment of relief, pride, and accomplishment when you realise you've successfully passed your AKT, knowing you can now fully focus on your clinical work without exam anxiety weighing you down.
Historically, the AKT has been challenging, with recent pass rates around 79.48% in 2025.1 [1] and 82.15% in 2024.2 [2]. The good news is, first-time candidates consistently perform well, with 87% passing at their initial attempt [1].
With effective AKT exam preparation, you can ensure you land among those who pass with confidence, eliminating unnecessary stress and uncertainty from your path. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share practical and evidence-based strategies on how to prepare for AKT, drawing from both my own experience as an examiner and the successful approaches of numerous candidates.
Know the AKT Exam Format and Expectations
Understanding the structure of the RACGP AKT exam is critical to effective revision and exam-day confidence. The AKT comprises 150 multiple-choice questions, conducted over 4 hours, delivered as a paper-based exam in invigilated venues across Australia, providing roughly 96 seconds per question [3,4].
Important details about the AKT include:
Questions assess clinical reasoning and applied clinical knowledge.
Question formats include single best-answer and modified extended matching questions.
The pass mark recently was 65.54% for 2025.1 [1] and 66.44% for 2024.2 [2].
For more details, see our [AKT question format guide].
Start Early: The Foundation of Successful AKT Exam Preparation
Starting your AKT exam preparation early is crucial. Evidence consistently shows candidates beginning their revision 4 to 6 months prior to their exam significantly outperform peers who delay revision [2].
Key benefits of starting early include:
Flexibility in managing clinical duties and personal responsibilities alongside your revision.
Reduced stress levels by avoiding last-minute cramming.
Many GP trainees successfully integrate study sessions before or after clinical shifts, maximising effective use of their time. Explore our [AKT planning and timing guide] for detailed schedules.
Focus on High Yield Topics and Your Weak Areas
Efficient revision targets high-yield topics and your personal areas of difficulty. Common clinical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, mental health, women’s health, dermatology, and musculoskeletal presentations frequently appear on AKT exams [1,2].
Practical revision strategies include:
Early identification and prioritisation of challenging or weaker topics in your schedule.
Dedicated study time for interpreting data, statistics, and critical appraisal.
Regular revision of practice management, ethical and medico-legal scenarios.
Using RACGP feedback reports to identify common candidate pitfalls and challenging exam areas [2].
Targeted revision ensures efficient use of your revision time and builds exam-day confidence.
Use Quality Study Resources
Your choice of revision materials significantly impacts exam preparedness and performance. Ensure all materials are current, authoritative, and aligned with Australian general practice guidelines and RACGP standards.
Recommended study resources include:
NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS) for guideline-based management of common conditions.
British National Formulary (BNF) for accurate pharmacological information.
Trusted AKT-specific question banks, including GP SelfTest and RACGP practice question sets.
Key textbooks such as Murtagh’s General Practice and the Oxford Handbook of General Practice.
Australian journals such as Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP) and Australian Prescriber.
See our full [Fellow Academy AKT resource list] for further recommendations.
Sample Week-by-Week AKT Study Plan
Here’s a simplified version of a 12-week AKT study roadmap:
Weeks 1–2: Cardiovascular, endocrine, women’s health (core reading + 30 Qs daily)
Weeks 3–4: Respiratory, paediatrics, dermatology (add spaced recall tools)
Weeks 5–6: Mental health, MSK, men’s health, preventive screening (timed quizzes)
Weeks 7–8: Admin topics, prescribing rules, non-clinical (review PBS, TGA, ethics)
Weeks 9–10: Practice full-length exams (150 Qs, 3.5 hours), review every item
Weeks 11–12: Final consolidation, sleep, wellbeing, and strategy reminders
Don’t underestimate your environment. Book study sessions like appointments. Ask your supervisor for time and support. You don’t have to do this alone.
Practice Under Exam Conditions
Practising under realistic exam conditions significantly enhances exam-day performance, pacing, and stamina. Regular mock exams are essential in reducing anxiety and familiarising yourself with the AKT format.
Practical exam strategies:
Regularly complete full-length mock exams with 150 questions in 4 hours [3,4].
Aim for an average pacing of approximately 38 questions per hour, adjusting for longer or shorter stems [3,4].
Carefully read each question: RACGP feedback consistently highlights errors from misreading question stems [2].
Always answer every question, as there is no negative marking [5].
Practising with paper-based mock exams and time constraints greatly reduces exam-day anxiety. For detailed pacing strategies, view our [AKT exam pacing guide].
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far in advance should I begin AKT exam preparation?
You should ideally begin revision 4 to 6 months prior to the AKT, dedicating a minimum of 3 months to structured, consistent study [2]. Starting early improves knowledge retention, reduces stress, and significantly boosts your chance of first-time success.
2. What are the best resources for AKT exam preparation?
Essential resources include RACGP’s official AKT guides, NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries, the British National Formulary (BNF), reputable AKT question banks such as GP SelfTest, and authoritative textbooks like Murtagh’s General Practice [1,2]. Integrating these resources provides comprehensive, aligned exam preparation.
3. How hard is the AKT exam?
The AKT is demanding, assessing a wide range of general practice knowledge and clinical reasoning skills required by a competent Australian GP. Pass rates recently have been approximately 79.48% (2025.1) [1] and 82.15% (2024.2) [2], indicating a significant challenge. However, robust preparation, targeted revision, and extensive practice under exam conditions substantially improve your likelihood of success.
4. What score do I need to pass the AKT exam?
Recent AKT pass marks have ranged around 65.54% (2025.1) [1] and 66.44% (2024.2) [2]. Consistently scoring above these thresholds in your practice exams provides a reliable benchmark of readiness.
5. How many times can I take the AKT if I fail?
If you commenced GP training before August 2023, you are permitted 4 attempts, while trainees starting from 2 August 2023 onwards can make up to 6 attempts [1]. After any unsuccessful attempt, thoroughly review your exam performance to guide your targeted preparation and maximise your chance of passing subsequently.
Study Actively and Collaboratively
Active learning techniques significantly outperform passive reading for knowledge retention and recall. Engaging actively enhances your clinical reasoning and deepens understanding.
Effective active study techniques include:
The "read, recall, test" cycle, proven to strengthen long-term memory [5].
Frequent integration of practice questions alongside theory revision.
Participation in peer-led study groups, case discussions, or mentorship groups.
Structured clinical reasoning discussions with your supervisor or GP mentors.
Collaborative and active revision enhances motivation, reduces exam fatigue, and improves performance. For further tips, view our [AKT peer study framework].
Building a High-Yield Study Plan
If you're wondering how to prepare for the AKT without losing your mind or your weekends, the answer lies in structure.
Here’s a four-phase approach used by high-performing candidates:
Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1–4)
Review major systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, musculoskeletal.
Start with conditions you manage regularly but drill into guideline-based details (e.g. targets in diabetes, asthma step-ups).
Use the RACGP curriculum and recent exam reports to shape your scope.
Phase 2: Practice & Application (Weeks 5–8)
Introduce daily AKT-style MCQs under time pressure.
Focus on question rationale—understanding why correct answers are right and wrong ones are wrong.
Use active recall and spaced repetition methods (like flashcards or question banks).
Phase 3: Diagnostic Review (Weeks 9–11)
Take weekly mock exams under full timed conditions.
Analyse patterns in errors: are they content gaps or interpretation errors?
Target weaker topics. For instance, women’s health, dermatology, and musculoskeletal medicine are common weak points in reports [5].
Phase 4: Consolidation & Exam Readiness (Week 12)
Focus on short, high-yield revision blocks.
Review flagged questions, revisit missed topics.
Maintain your routine but prioritise rest and calm leading into the exam.
🔗 Download our AKT weekly planner template for your own editable study schedule.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by RACGP exam preparation, Fellow Academy offers comprehensive and targeted AKT and KFP question banks, concise and detailed exam notes, and practical, evidence-based flashcards. You'll also find free KFP case packs, webinars, and practical revision resources designed specifically to support your journey to Fellowship success with clarity and confidence.
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). The strategies shared are based on personal experiences and those of successful GP candidates. This guidance is general in nature and should not be considered official RACGP advice.
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). The strategies shared are based on personal experiences and those of successful GP candidates. This guidance is general in nature and should not be considered official RACGP advice.
References
[1] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2025). Exam report 2025.1 AKT. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
[2] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2024). Exam report 2024.2 AKT. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
[3] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2025). RACGP Examinations: Exam day overview (AKT). East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
https://www.racgp.org.au/kfp-and-akt-exam-day-information
[4] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2025). AKT exam candidate handbook. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
[5] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2025). RACGP Examinations Guide. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
[6] Liotta, M. (2018). Tips for candidates to improve AKT exam outcomes. newsGP, RACGP.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/tips-for-candidates-to-improve-akt-exam-outcomes
AKT Exam Preparation: Study Strategies That Work
AKT vs KFP: Which RACGP Exam Is Harder (and How to Prepare for Both)
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Dr Shaun Tan, FRACGP, MD, BMSC
Medical Examiner | Associate Lecturer
Scored 90% on the AKT & Top 15th percentile in the KFP
Summary
Imagine confidently logging into your RACGP portal, your heart racing slightly as your results load. Picture that moment of relief, pride, and accomplishment when you realise you've successfully passed your AKT, knowing you can now fully focus on your clinical work without exam anxiety weighing you down.
Historically, the AKT has been challenging, with recent pass rates around 79.48% in 2025.1 [1] and 82.15% in 2024.2 [2]. The good news is, first-time candidates consistently perform well, with 87% passing at their initial attempt [1].
With effective AKT exam preparation, you can ensure you land among those who pass with confidence, eliminating unnecessary stress and uncertainty from your path. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share practical and evidence-based strategies on how to prepare for AKT, drawing from both my own experience as an examiner and the successful approaches of numerous candidates.
Know the AKT Exam Format and Expectations
Understanding the structure of the RACGP AKT exam is critical to effective revision and exam-day confidence. The AKT comprises 150 multiple-choice questions, conducted over 4 hours, delivered as a paper-based exam in invigilated venues across Australia, providing roughly 96 seconds per question [3,4].
Important details about the AKT include:
Questions assess clinical reasoning and applied clinical knowledge.
Question formats include single best-answer and modified extended matching questions.
The pass mark recently was 65.54% for 2025.1 [1] and 66.44% for 2024.2 [2].
For more details, see our [AKT question format guide].
Start Early: The Foundation of Successful AKT Exam Preparation
Starting your AKT exam preparation early is crucial. Evidence consistently shows candidates beginning their revision 4 to 6 months prior to their exam significantly outperform peers who delay revision [2].
Key benefits of starting early include:
Flexibility in managing clinical duties and personal responsibilities alongside your revision.
Reduced stress levels by avoiding last-minute cramming.
Many GP trainees successfully integrate study sessions before or after clinical shifts, maximising effective use of their time. Explore our [AKT planning and timing guide] for detailed schedules.
Focus on High Yield Topics and Your Weak Areas
Efficient revision targets high-yield topics and your personal areas of difficulty. Common clinical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, mental health, women’s health, dermatology, and musculoskeletal presentations frequently appear on AKT exams [1,2].
Practical revision strategies include:
Early identification and prioritisation of challenging or weaker topics in your schedule.
Dedicated study time for interpreting data, statistics, and critical appraisal.
Regular revision of practice management, ethical and medico-legal scenarios.
Using RACGP feedback reports to identify common candidate pitfalls and challenging exam areas [2].
Targeted revision ensures efficient use of your revision time and builds exam-day confidence.
Tools That Make Active Recall Easy
Digital tools simplify the process of integrating active recall and spaced repetition into your RACGP exam preparation.
-
Brainscape: Uses adaptive algorithms to determine when you should review each flashcard based on your confidence level.
-
Anki: Allows custom deck creation for topics like PBS rules or emergency management.
-
Quizlet: Offers collaborative decks for study groups.
Using these tools allows you to:
-
Review flashcards during commutes or between patients.
-
Automatically revisit topics you’re struggling with.
-
Track progress and identify weak areas.
These platforms bring structure to your study plan, ensuring regular reinforcement and better recall.
(For time management strategies, see our AKT Study Planner.)
How to Combine These Methods for Peak Performance
When you combine active recall with spaced repetition, the results are exponential. This combination, known as “spaced retrieval practice”, creates a continuous cycle of learning, forgetting, and relearning that strengthens memory.
-
Start early (at least 6–12 months before your exam).
-
Create flashcards for each guideline or high-yield topic.
-
Use Brainscape or Anki daily to review material in spaced cycles.
-
Schedule mock exams every 3–4 weeks to test your applied knowledge.
Research indicates spaced repetition can significantly increase long-term retention, with spaced learners achieving approximately 58% accuracy compared to 43% among traditional learners (p<0.001) [4].
By six months into this method, most candidates report not only improved recall but also better confidence under pressure. You’re no longer scrambling to remember—you’re retrieving information automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far in advance should I begin AKT exam preparation?
You should ideally begin revision 4 to 6 months prior to the AKT, dedicating a minimum of 3 months to structured, consistent study [2]. Starting early improves knowledge retention, reduces stress, and significantly boosts your chance of first-time success.
2. What are the best resources for AKT exam preparation?
Essential resources include RACGP’s official AKT guides, NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries, the British National Formulary (BNF), reputable AKT question banks such as GP SelfTest, and authoritative textbooks like Murtagh’s General Practice [1,2]. Integrating these resources provides comprehensive, aligned exam preparation.
3. How hard is the AKT exam?
The AKT is demanding, assessing a wide range of general practice knowledge and clinical reasoning skills required by a competent Australian GP. Pass rates recently have been approximately 79.48% (2025.1) [1] and 82.15% (2024.2) [2], indicating a significant challenge. However, robust preparation, targeted revision, and extensive practice under exam conditions substantially improve your likelihood of success.
4. What score do I need to pass the AKT exam?
Recent AKT pass marks have ranged around 65.54% (2025.1) [1] and 66.44% (2024.2) [2]. Consistently scoring above these thresholds in your practice exams provides a reliable benchmark of readiness.
5. How many times can I take the AKT if I fail?
If you commenced GP training before August 2023, you are permitted 4 attempts, while trainees starting from 2 August 2023 onwards can make up to 6 attempts [1]. After any unsuccessful attempt, thoroughly review your exam performance to guide your targeted preparation and maximise your chance of passing subsequently.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by RACGP exam preparation, Fellow Academy offers high quality AKT and KFP questions, exam notes in concise and comprehensive format, and high yield, evidence based flashcards designed to help you study smarter and perform with confidence. You’ll also find free KFP case packs, webinars, and practical study resources to guide you every step of the way.
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). The strategies and approaches shared are based on personal experience and the experiences of other GP candidates who successfully passed their exams. They are intended as general study guidance only and should not be taken as official RACGP advice.
References
-
GP Supervisors Australia. (2025). Study Skills Guide for GP Registrars: Studying Smarter, Not Harder. GPSA.
-
Carpenter, S. K., Pan, S. C., & Butler, A. C. (2022). The science of effective learning with spacing and retrieval practice. Nature Reviews Psychology, 1(10), 496–511.
-
Durrani, S. F., Yousuf, N., Ali, R., et al. (2024). Effectiveness of spaced repetition for clinical problem solving amongst undergraduate medical students studying paediatrics in Pakistan. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), 676.
-
Price, D. W., Wang, T., O’Neill, T. R., et al. (2025). The effect of spaced repetition on learning and knowledge transfer in a large cohort of practising physicians. Academic Medicine, 100(1), 94–102.
RACGP Exam Mistakes: Common Pitfalls That Stop Candidates Passing the RACGP Exams
AKT Exam Preparation: Study Strategies That Work
AKT vs KFP: Which RACGP Exam Is Harder (and How to Prepare for Both)