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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
Understanding the FRACGP Pathway
The day you finally become a Fellowed GP is unforgettable. After years of clinical rotations, countless late night study sessions, and those nerve racking RACGP exams, earning your FRACGP suddenly feels like breathing fresh air after a long dive. It means independence in practice, higher Medicare rebates, and a future where your professional decisions truly become your own.
Yet, the path towards achieving your FRACGP can feel daunting. Between the years spent studying medicine, passing your internship, enduring rigorous vocational training, and ultimately conquering the challenging FRACGP exams (AKT, KFP, CCE), it’s natural to wonder if the finish line will ever appear.
While it’s true that obtaining the FRACGP takes around 10 to 12 years in total, understanding each step clearly can ease the anxiety that often clouds your vision. This guide is designed to show you exactly how long each stage takes, offering clear direction to Australian GP trainees and IMGs aiming for success in the FRACGP pathway [1].
Overview: The GP Training Journey in Australia
The FRACGP journey involves several structured phases designed to build your expertise as a GP systematically. It includes completing your medical degree, hospital internship, vocational GP training through the AGPT program, and successfully passing the RACGP fellowship exams [1].
Medical degree: typically 4 to 6 years [1].
Hospital internship: mandatory 1 year post medical school [1].
GP vocational training (AGPT): usually 3 years full time (part time available) [1].
Fellowship exams: Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), Key Feature Problems (KFP), Clinical Competency Exam (CCE).
Fellowship Award (FRACGP): achieving specialist GP recognition.
Completing your training via the RACGP pathway allows you to practise independently, qualify for specialist Medicare rebates, and positions you clearly as a recognised GP specialist [1].
Undergraduate to Internship: Building Your Medical Foundation
Your journey begins with a medical degree. Australian medical degrees vary as follows [1]:
Undergraduate entry programs: usually 5 or 6 years.
Graduate entry programs (after completing another bachelor's degree): typically 4 years.
After graduation, you're awarded either an MBBS or MD and obtain provisional registration with AHPRA.
Next is the mandatory internship:
1 year supervised practice in hospital rotations, typically including general medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine [1].
Successful completion leads to general medical registration, essential for progressing towards GP specialisation [1].
Many GP candidates also complete at least 1 additional hospital year as residents, building extra clinical experience and fulfilling GP training prerequisites [1].
FRACGP Exams and Fellowship Award: Completing Your Qualification
Successfully completing your RACGP fellowship exams (AKT, KFP, and CCE) is essential for achieving FRACGP status. Here's a breakdown of each:
Applied Knowledge Test (AKT):
150 single best answer questions, delivered face to face using paper answer sheets and bubble sheets.
Total exam duration 4 hours (3.5 hours plus 30 minutes universal allowance) [4,5,6].
Recent pass rate was 82.15% in 2024 [7].
Key Feature Problem (KFP) exam:
70 multiple selection questions from 2025.2, face to face delivery, paper bubble sheets.
Total exam duration 4 hours (3.5 hours plus 30 minutes universal allowance).
Recent pass rate: 76.89% (2025.1), with first attempt candidates achieving an 87.6% pass rate, whereas fourth attempts had a pass rate of 41% [8].
Clinical Competency Exam (CCE):
Delivered over 2 consecutive weekends, each session up to 3 hours.
Practical exam testing consultation, diagnostic, and communication skills through simulated patient scenarios [9].
Pass rates vary yearly; structured preparation significantly improves performance.
Fellow Academy offers [comprehensive FRACGP exam preparation resources](See our comprehensive AKT timing guide) specifically designed to help you pass these critical assessments confidently.
Tips for Accelerating Your Progress (Without Burning Out)
Practical, proven strategies to help you progress efficiently towards FRACGP while maintaining personal wellbeing:
Early Planning: Complete mandatory hospital rotations promptly; apply to AGPT early.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Document hospital experiences clearly to shorten training requirements.
Optimal Scheduling: Train full time (38 hours clinical per week), schedule AKT, KFP, CCE exams early [3].
Strategic Placement Choices: Opt for broad clinical experiences, including rural placements.
Burnout Prevention Strategies: Regular breaks, leisure activities, peer support.
Regular Milestones and Reviews: Set achievable goals, monitor progress, adjust proactively.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a GP salary in Australia?
No fixed GP salary as earnings depend on location, hours, and experience; many clinics offer 60% to 70% of billings.
2. How many years does it take to become a doctor in Australia?
Typically 4 to 6 years for medical school plus 1 year internship; specialty GP training adds 3 years [1].
3. Is becoming a GP hard in Australia?
Yes, demanding due to multiple years of rigorous RACGP exams including AKT (82.15% pass rate) and KFP (76.89% pass rate) [7,8].
4. How many years is GP training in Australia?
GP training for FRACGP usually takes 3 years full time, rural generalist stream taking 4 years, with part time arrangements extending duration [1,3].
5. How long is a GP fellowship?
GP fellowship training via RACGP typically lasts 3 years full time after internship. Fellowship itself is lifelong once obtained, subject to meeting ongoing CPD requirements annually [1].
Typical Duration for IMGs vs Domestic Graduates
The journey to FRACGP varies depending on your background:
Domestic Medical Graduates:
Typically complete GP vocational training (AGPT) within 3 years full time post internship.
Overall timeline: roughly 10 to 12 years from medical school entry [1].
International Medical Graduates (IMGs):
IMGs with recognised overseas GP specialist qualifications:
May complete RACGP comparability assessment, supervised practice, and required assessments within 1 to 2 years depending on comparability outcome and work pattern [10].
IMGs without prior overseas GP specialist training:
Generally require 3 to 5 years post registration, including AMC exams, supervised practice, and RACGP fellowship exams [10].
Additional statistics:
For 2025, 1,506 junior doctors accepted specialist GP training places through the AGPT program [11].
IMGs currently make up 54.5% of Australia’s general practice workforce [12].
GP Registrar Stage: Specialising in General Practice
The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program is your next major step. It’s government funded, structured training designed to prepare you comprehensively for independent practice as a GP. AGPT annually offers approximately 1,500 training places nationwide [2].
The typical AGPT training structure includes [1]:
12 months hospital rotations (unless shortened through Recognition of Prior Learning or RPL).
18 months supervised placements in accredited general practice clinics.
6 months extended skills training, allowing you to focus on specific clinical areas such as paediatrics, dermatology, women's health, mental health, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Additional options within GP training include:
Rural Generalist Pathway: includes an additional year (total of 4 years), offering specialised skills in rural or remote medicine [1].
Flexible training options: part time training (minimum 14.5 hours per week clinical practice), proportionally extends the time to complete training [3].
Full time training is defined as 38 hours per week and underpins time cap calculations [3].
Maximum allowed training time: RACGP expects completion within 4 years full time, although exceptional circumstances and part time arrangements allow flexibility [3].
Common challenges registrars face at this stage:
Balancing busy clinical days with dedicated study time for fellowship exams.
Adjusting from a hospital environment to community based practice, requiring greater autonomy.
Planning training placements strategically to cover required clinical competencies and maximise learning outcomes.
If you're looking for structured guidance through the FRACGP preparation journey, Fellow Academy offers comprehensive resources including [high-quality AKT and KFP exam preparation](internal linking prompt), concise study notes, evidence-based flashcards, and practical webinars. Our materials are tailored specifically to help you navigate the FRACGP pathway confidently, manage your study effectively, and achieve exam success.
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.
References
[1] RACGP. (2025). The pathway to Fellowship. https://www.racgp.org.au/the-pathway-to-fellowship
[2] Australian Government Department of Health. (2025). Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/australian-general-practice-training-agpt-program
[3] RACGP. (2025). Training Program Requirements Policy. https://www.racgp.org.au/education/gp-training/gp-training/education-policy-and-supporting-documents/training-program-policies/training-program-requirements-policy
[4] RACGP. (2025). RACGP Examinations Guide. https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/Education/Registrars/Fellowship%20Pathways/Exams/Examinations-guide.pdf
[5] RACGP. (2025). AKT and KFP examination delivery information. https://www.racgp.org.au/kfp-and-akt-exam-day-information
[6] RACGP. (2025). RACGP exam venues and exam day information. https://www.racgp.org.au/education/fracgp-exams/racgp-exams/exam-enrolment-instructions/exam-venues
[7] RACGP. (2024). RACGP releases final AKT exam report, 2024.2. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/racgp-releases-final-akt-exam-report-of-the-year
[8] RACGP. (2025). Latest Fellowship exam results surpass previous records. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/latest-fellowship-exam-results-surpass-previous
[9] RACGP. (2025). Clinical Competency Exam (CCE) candidate guidelines. https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/a5a6a184-7266-4d2b-a9f7-fc924320db68/Candidate-guidelines-for-the-Clinical-Competency-Exam.aspx
[10] RACGP. (2024). Practice Experience Program Specialist Stream. https://www.racgp.org.au/education/imgs/fellowship-pathways/fellowship-programs-for-imgs/practice-experience-program/practice-experience-program-specialist-stream
[11] RACGP. (2024). RACGP fills GP training places but warns more funding needed. https://www.racgp.org.au/gp-news/media-releases/2024-media-releases/november-2024/racgp-fills-gp-training-places-but-warns-more-fund
[12] RACGP. (2025). RACGP launches big picture vision for general practice, IMG workforce update. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/racgp-launches-big-picture-vision-for-general-prac
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
Understanding the FRACGP Pathway
The day you finally become a Fellowed GP is unforgettable. After years of clinical rotations, countless late night study sessions, and those nerve racking RACGP exams, earning your FRACGP suddenly feels like breathing fresh air after a long dive. It means independence in practice, higher Medicare rebates, and a future where your professional decisions truly become your own.
Yet, the path towards achieving your FRACGP can feel daunting. Between the years spent studying medicine, passing your internship, enduring rigorous vocational training, and ultimately conquering the challenging FRACGP exams (AKT, KFP, CCE), it’s natural to wonder if the finish line will ever appear.
While it’s true that obtaining the FRACGP takes around 10 to 12 years in total, understanding each step clearly can ease the anxiety that often clouds your vision. This guide is designed to show you exactly how long each stage takes, offering clear direction to Australian GP trainees and IMGs aiming for success in the FRACGP pathway [1].
Overview: The GP Training Journey in Australia
The FRACGP journey involves several structured phases designed to build your expertise as a GP systematically. It includes completing your medical degree, hospital internship, vocational GP training through the AGPT program, and successfully passing the RACGP fellowship exams [1].
Medical degree: typically 4 to 6 years [1].
Hospital internship: mandatory 1 year post medical school [1].
GP vocational training (AGPT): usually 3 years full time (part time available) [1].
Fellowship exams: Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), Key Feature Problems (KFP), Clinical Competency Exam (CCE).
Fellowship Award (FRACGP): achieving specialist GP recognition.
Completing your training via the RACGP pathway allows you to practise independently, qualify for specialist Medicare rebates, and positions you clearly as a recognised GP specialist [1].
Undergraduate to Internship: Building Your Medical Foundation
Your journey begins with a medical degree. Australian medical degrees vary as follows [1]:
Undergraduate entry programs: usually 5 or 6 years.
Graduate entry programs (after completing another bachelor's degree): typically 4 years.
After graduation, you're awarded either an MBBS or MD and obtain provisional registration with AHPRA.
Next is the mandatory internship:
1 year supervised practice in hospital rotations, typically including general medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine [1].
Successful completion leads to general medical registration, essential for progressing towards GP specialisation [1].
Many GP candidates also complete at least 1 additional hospital year as residents, building extra clinical experience and fulfilling GP training prerequisites [1].
FRACGP Exams and Fellowship Award: Completing Your Qualification
Successfully completing your RACGP fellowship exams (AKT, KFP, and CCE) is essential for achieving FRACGP status. Here's a breakdown of each:
Applied Knowledge Test (AKT):
150 single best answer questions, delivered face to face using paper answer sheets and bubble sheets.
Total exam duration 4 hours (3.5 hours plus 30 minutes universal allowance) [4,5,6].
Recent pass rate was 82.15% in 2024 [7].
Key Feature Problem (KFP) exam:
70 multiple selection questions from 2025.2, face to face delivery, paper bubble sheets.
Total exam duration 4 hours (3.5 hours plus 30 minutes universal allowance).
Recent pass rate: 76.89% (2025.1), with first attempt candidates achieving an 87.6% pass rate, whereas fourth attempts had a pass rate of 41% [8].
Clinical Competency Exam (CCE):
Delivered over 2 consecutive weekends, each session up to 3 hours.
Practical exam testing consultation, diagnostic, and communication skills through simulated patient scenarios [9].
Pass rates vary yearly; structured preparation significantly improves performance.
Fellow Academy offers [comprehensive FRACGP exam preparation resources](See our comprehensive AKT timing guide) specifically designed to help you pass these critical assessments confidently.
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 is a GP salary in Australia?
No fixed GP salary as earnings depend on location, hours, and experience; many clinics offer 60% to 70% of billings.
2. How many years does it take to become a doctor in Australia?
Typically 4 to 6 years for medical school plus 1 year internship; specialty GP training adds 3 years [1].
3. Is becoming a GP hard in Australia?
Yes, demanding due to multiple years of rigorous RACGP exams including AKT (82.15% pass rate) and KFP (76.89% pass rate) [7,8].
4. How many years is GP training in Australia?
GP training for FRACGP usually takes 3 years full time, rural generalist stream taking 4 years, with part time arrangements extending duration [1,3].
5. How long is a GP fellowship?
GP fellowship training via RACGP typically lasts 3 years full time after internship. Fellowship itself is lifelong once obtained, subject to meeting ongoing CPD requirements annually [1].
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.
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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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