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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
There’s a moment in every doctor’s career when you realise the path ahead is more than just a set of exams. It’s a test of endurance, purpose, and your ability to hold your nerve under pressure. For many, the FRACGP journey embodies that moment. It’s not simply about passing – it’s about proving you’re ready to carry the responsibility of independent practice in Australia, where every clinical decision impacts a life.
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. You’re balancing long clinic days, exam deadlines, family, and the constant pressure to perform. Perhaps you’ve caught yourself worrying about your study plan, or wondering if you’re doing enough. The truth is: most GPs have been there. The FRACGP exams can feel like an uphill climb, but with the right structure, mindset, and guidance, it becomes a challenge you can conquer.
In this complete guide, FRACGP Exams Explained, AKT, KFP, and CCE Made Simple, you’ll find clarity. Each section walks you through what to expect, how to prepare, and why certain strategies work. Think of this as sitting down with an examiner who’s on your side – one who understands exactly what you’re facing and wants you to succeed.
Overview of FRACGP Exams
The FRACGP exams consist of three essential components, each assessing different core skills needed for general practice in Australia:
Applied Knowledge Test (AKT): 150 multiple-choice questions testing your clinical knowledge across all general practice areas.
Key Feature Problem (KFP): 70 multi-selection questions examining your clinical reasoning and prioritisation skills.
Clinical Competency Exam (CCE): Nine simulated patient scenarios assessing your real-time consultation and communication abilities.
You must pass the AKT and KFP exams before attempting the CCE. This progression ensures you're systematically building the knowledge, reasoning, and practical skills required for safe, independent practice in Australia [4].
Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)
The AKT assesses your clinical knowledge through 150 multiple-choice questions completed within 4 hours. The test aims to measure your ability to apply clinical guidelines effectively to real-life general practice scenarios. Each question carries equal weight, with no negative marking applied [4].
Key statistics:
In the 2024.2 exam cycle, the AKT pass rate was 82.15%, with candidates achieving a mean score of 75.67% [1].
Candidates who actively completed RACGP's official practice exams demonstrated 20–37% higher pass rates [6].
Common challenges include:
Time Pressure: 150 questions in 240 minutes means approximately 1.5 minutes per question.
Misinterpretation of Questions: Overlooking phrases like "initial investigation" or "most appropriate management."
Surface-level Knowledge: Relying only on first-line treatments without considering alternatives.
Recommended AKT study strategies:
Start preparation early—ideally 4–6 months prior (300–500+ hours recommended).
Use official RACGP resources, including Self-Assessment Practice Tests (SAPT).
Regularly undertake timed practice exams to build exam stamina.
Address weak areas identified in practice assessments promptly.
Review public exam reports to understand common pitfalls and examiner expectations [4].
For detailed strategies on time management, see our comprehensive AKT timing guide.
Clinical Competency Exam (CCE)
The CCE evaluates your ability to apply clinical knowledge practically, communicate effectively, and provide patient-centred care. You'll encounter nine simulated scenarios (four examiner discussions, five patient encounters) each lasting 15 minutes, conducted online over two weekends [3].
Key statistics:
CCE pass rates typically range from 80–85%, reflecting comprehensive preparation by candidates [6].
Examiners focus on assessing your:
Clinical reasoning clarity and diagnostic accuracy.
Communication effectiveness, empathy, and rapport building.
Professional conduct and ethical standards.
Clinical safety, including effective safety-netting and recognition of red flags.
Effective CCE preparation methods include:
Continuously practising consultations in real clinical settings.
Participating regularly in mock scenarios to refine consultation skills.
Practising clear verbalisation of your reasoning for examiners.
Developing structured consultation strategies to manage consultation time effectively (15-minute windows).
Preparing technically for the online format to avoid exam-day challenges.
For practical tips and sample scenarios, visit our comprehensive CCE practice case library.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does FRACGP stand for?
FRACGP stands for Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, a qualification certifying competence for independent GP practice in Australia [4].
2. What are typical pass rates for FRACGP exams?
Recent RACGP statistics indicate AKT pass rates around 82.15%, KFP around 71%, and CCE consistently between 80 to 85% [6].
3. How long should I prepare for FRACGP exams?
Most successful candidates dedicate approximately 4 to 6 months (300 to 500 hours) for the AKT and KFP, and an additional 2 to 3 months specifically for the CCE.
4. Can IMGs take FRACGP exams?
Yes, eligible International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must complete these same exams for independent general practice recognition in Australia [4].
5. How important are supervisors in FRACGP exam preparation?
Supervisors significantly enhance candidate preparation by offering clinical insights, structured feedback, and personalised support. Candidates working closely with supervisors typically demonstrate improved confidence and better exam outcomes [4].
How to Create a Balanced Study Plan Across All Three Exams
An effective FRACGP study plan integrates sustained study periods, structured practice, and regular assessments:
Structured 6-month plan outline:
Months 1–3 (AKT focus): Broad clinical knowledge consolidation.
Months 3–5 (KFP focus): Intensive clinical reasoning practice with scenario-based questions.
Months 5–6 (CCE focus): Consultation simulations and communication skills refinement.
Essential strategies for study success include:
Planning backwards from your exam date.
Integrating content learning and clinical reasoning (linking AKT and KFP content).
Consistently using RACGP’s practice tests and feedback tools to identify and strengthen weak areas.
Seeking regular supervisor and peer feedback.
Ensuring sustainable wellbeing practices to avoid burnout.
Important note: First-time candidates experience significantly higher success rates. In the 2025.2 exam, 85.9% of first-time AKT candidates passed, compared to only 31% on fourth or subsequent attempts [6].
Explore our detailed FRACGP pathway overview for further structured planning tips.
Key Feature Problem (KFP)
The KFP exam challenges you to demonstrate clinical reasoning and effective prioritisation within typical general practice scenarios. Since the 2025.2 cycle, this exam includes 70 multi-selection questions, each equally weighted (1.43% per question). Selecting more than the required number of answers results in a 0.25% penalty per extra answer [2].
Key statistics:
The average KFP pass rate is approximately 71% across recent exam cycles [6].
Candidates taking both AKT and KFP official practice exams showed up to 35% higher pass rates [6].
Examiners specifically assess your ability to:
Identify critical issues promptly within clinical scenarios.
Prioritise your clinical decisions appropriately.
Tailor management strategies to patient contexts (e.g., urban versus rural settings).
Provide specific, guideline-informed recommendations.
Common pitfalls in the KFP include:
Over-answering beyond the required number, incurring penalties.
Ignoring important patient context (e.g., social determinants or rural-specific guidelines).
Generic responses instead of specific recommendations.
Effective KFP study strategies:
Practise extracting key clinical features quickly from scenarios.
Always strictly adhere to the number of answers requested.
Conduct regular timed scenario practice to simulate exam conditions.
Use RACGP exam reports to identify common reasoning traps and improve precision [2].
For targeted support, refer to our detailed KFP clinical reasoning toolkit.
If you’re feeling unsure about your FRACGP exams, remember, you're not alone. Fellow Academy offers comprehensive, high-quality resources including AKT and KFP practice questions, concise revision notes, evidence-based flashcards, and practical case studies.
You can confidently pass FRACGP exams. Start your structured preparation today with Fellow Academy.
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.
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.
Reference
[1] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2024). Latest FRACGP Exam Report: 2024.2 Cycle. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
[2] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2025). KFP Examination Format and Candidate Guidance: 2025.2 Update. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
[3] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2025). Clinical Competency Examination: Candidate Information Guide. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
[4] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2024). Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and Key Feature Problem (KFP) Overview. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
[5] Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. (2024). Therapeutic Guidelines, 17th Edition. Melbourne, VIC: TGL.
[6] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2025). Public Candidate Statistics and Pass Rate Data (AKT, KFP, CCE). East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
https://www.racgp.org.au/education/fracgp-exams/racgp-exams/exam-results
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
There’s a moment in every doctor’s career when you realise the path ahead is more than just a set of exams. It’s a test of endurance, purpose, and your ability to hold your nerve under pressure. For many, the FRACGP journey embodies that moment. It’s not simply about passing – it’s about proving you’re ready to carry the responsibility of independent practice in Australia, where every clinical decision impacts a life.
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. You’re balancing long clinic days, exam deadlines, family, and the constant pressure to perform. Perhaps you’ve caught yourself worrying about your study plan, or wondering if you’re doing enough. The truth is: most GPs have been there. The FRACGP exams can feel like an uphill climb, but with the right structure, mindset, and guidance, it becomes a challenge you can conquer.
In this complete guide, FRACGP Exams Explained, AKT, KFP, and CCE Made Simple, you’ll find clarity. Each section walks you through what to expect, how to prepare, and why certain strategies work. Think of this as sitting down with an examiner who’s on your side – one who understands exactly what you’re facing and wants you to succeed.
Overview of FRACGP Exams
The FRACGP exams consist of three essential components, each assessing different core skills needed for general practice in Australia:
Applied Knowledge Test (AKT): 150 multiple-choice questions testing your clinical knowledge across all general practice areas.
Key Feature Problem (KFP): 70 multi-selection questions examining your clinical reasoning and prioritisation skills.
Clinical Competency Exam (CCE): Nine simulated patient scenarios assessing your real-time consultation and communication abilities.
You must pass the AKT and KFP exams before attempting the CCE. This progression ensures you're systematically building the knowledge, reasoning, and practical skills required for safe, independent practice in Australia [4].
Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)
The AKT assesses your clinical knowledge through 150 multiple-choice questions completed within 4 hours. The test aims to measure your ability to apply clinical guidelines effectively to real-life general practice scenarios. Each question carries equal weight, with no negative marking applied [4].
Key statistics:
In the 2024.2 exam cycle, the AKT pass rate was 82.15%, with candidates achieving a mean score of 75.67% [1].
Candidates who actively completed RACGP's official practice exams demonstrated 20–37% higher pass rates [6].
Common challenges include:
Time Pressure: 150 questions in 240 minutes means approximately 1.5 minutes per question.
Misinterpretation of Questions: Overlooking phrases like "initial investigation" or "most appropriate management."
Surface-level Knowledge: Relying only on first-line treatments without considering alternatives.
Recommended AKT study strategies:
Start preparation early—ideally 4–6 months prior (300–500+ hours recommended).
Use official RACGP resources, including Self-Assessment Practice Tests (SAPT).
Regularly undertake timed practice exams to build exam stamina.
Address weak areas identified in practice assessments promptly.
Review public exam reports to understand common pitfalls and examiner expectations [4].
For detailed strategies on time management, see our comprehensive AKT timing guide.
Clinical Competency Exam (CCE)
The CCE evaluates your ability to apply clinical knowledge practically, communicate effectively, and provide patient-centred care. You'll encounter nine simulated scenarios (four examiner discussions, five patient encounters) each lasting 15 minutes, conducted online over two weekends [3].
Key statistics:
CCE pass rates typically range from 80–85%, reflecting comprehensive preparation by candidates [6].
Examiners focus on assessing your:
Clinical reasoning clarity and diagnostic accuracy.
Communication effectiveness, empathy, and rapport building.
Professional conduct and ethical standards.
Clinical safety, including effective safety-netting and recognition of red flags.
Effective CCE preparation methods include:
Continuously practising consultations in real clinical settings.
Participating regularly in mock scenarios to refine consultation skills.
Practising clear verbalisation of your reasoning for examiners.
Developing structured consultation strategies to manage consultation time effectively (15-minute windows).
Preparing technically for the online format to avoid exam-day challenges.
For practical tips and sample scenarios, visit our comprehensive CCE practice case library.
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. What does FRACGP stand for?
FRACGP stands for Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, a qualification certifying competence for independent GP practice in Australia [4].
2. What are typical pass rates for FRACGP exams?
Recent RACGP statistics indicate AKT pass rates around 82.15%, KFP around 71%, and CCE consistently between 80 to 85% [6].
3. How long should I prepare for FRACGP exams?
Most successful candidates dedicate approximately 4 to 6 months (300 to 500 hours) for the AKT and KFP, and an additional 2 to 3 months specifically for the CCE.
4. Can IMGs take FRACGP exams?
Yes, eligible International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must complete these same exams for independent general practice recognition in Australia [4].
5. How important are supervisors in FRACGP exam preparation?
Supervisors significantly enhance candidate preparation by offering clinical insights, structured feedback, and personalised support. Candidates working closely with supervisors typically demonstrate improved confidence and better exam outcomes [4].
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.
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AKT vs KFP: Which RACGP Exam Is Harder (and How to Prepare for Both)