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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
Navigating RACGP exams can be deeply challenging, and when your first or even second attempt does not go as planned, it is easy to feel discouraged. Whether you are an Australian GP trainee feeling overwhelmed or an IMG navigating unfamiliar territory, realising that the standard GP Academy courses might not fully meet your needs is an important first step.
Exploring GP Academy alternatives for RACGP AKT, KFP and CCE could significantly change your preparation experience. This article will provide clarity on why GP Academy alone might fall short, guide you on what makes a strong alternative, outline Fellow Academy’s tailored support for IMGs, and explain how these alternatives compare in terms of overall value.
By the end, you will have a confident understanding of how to navigate your RACGP exam preparation more effectively.
When GP Academy is Not Enough, Overwhelm, Second Sits, IMGs
Even comprehensive resources like GP Academy will not fit everyone’s individual circumstances. This becomes evident if you are retaking exams or adjusting to Australian clinical standards, particularly as an IMG. Consider recent RACGP outcomes that highlight the need for targeted preparation: the 2025.1 AKT pass rate was 79.48% and the 2025.1 KFP pass rate was 76.89% [1],[2].
The subsequent 2025.2 cycle reported AKT 79.41% and KFP 79.57% with larger cohorts, indicating variability by sitting and the value of exam specific readiness [3]. For the clinical exam, the 2025.1 CCE pass rate was 79.66%, with attempt based pass rates of 83.86% for first attempt, 58.46% for second, 46.15% for third, and 30.00% for fourth and subsequent attempts, which emphasises the importance of getting your strategy right early [4].
These figures show that a standard preparation approach may not address the gaps that matter for you. Clear signs you might need to supplement or replace GP Academy include:
Persistent overwhelm despite diligently using the provided resources.
Unexpected setbacks or failures when your clinical knowledge is sound, pointing to gaps in exam craft.
Specific struggles with exam technique, question decoding, or clinical reasoning under time constraints.
For focused timing strategies that fit busy rosters, see our AKT timing guide and KFP time management checklist.
What to Look For in an Alternative, Organisation, Revision, Harder Questions
Choosing the right GP Academy alternatives for RACGP AKT, KFP and CCE involves matching features to the exam blueprints and the latest format changes. Effective alternatives should provide:
Structured content mapped to the RACGP curriculum and domains.
Frequently updated revision materials aligned with formal exam guidance and reports. The KFP format change is a critical example. From 2025.2, the KFP consists of 70 scenarios, each with a multiple selection question, with short answer removed, and the total testing time set at 4 hours with universal allowance, which changes how candidates practise selection accuracy and prioritisation [5,6].
Realistic, exam standard practice questions that meet or exceed difficulty, reflecting current marking and standard setting approaches.
Coaching in exam technique for timing, safe decision making, and structured responses.
Flexible access that suits clinical schedules, nights, and family responsibilities.
To align preparation with official specifications, confirm AKT and KFP parameters using RACGP’s current guide. The AKT consists of 150 single best answer questions and is 4 hours in duration with universal allowance, while the KFP is 4 hours total with 70 multiple selection questions that contribute equally, with graded scoring within items and penalties for over selection as outlined in RACGP documentation [6].
For deeper structure building, see our Curriculum mapped study planner.
KFP Format and Scoring Changes to Know
Understanding the 2025.2 KFP changes helps you prioritise selection accuracy over narrative recall. With short answer removed, selection traps, distractor design, and penalties for over selection are now central to success.
From 2025.2 the KFP includes 70 scenarios with multiple selection items only, short answer is removed [5].
Total testing time is 4 hours with universal allowance, producing a high decision density per minute [6].
Scoring includes graded credit within items and penalties for over selection as set out in current RACGP guidance [6].
Practise with option sets that match RACGP style, focus on safety actions, medication suitability, and investigation prioritisation in Australian primary care.
Fellow Academy’s Structure for IMGs
Fellow Academy is intentionally designed to support IMGs preparing for the RACGP AKT, KFP, and CCE. We focus on rapid alignment with Australian clinical guidelines, consultation standards, and exam specifications. The core support includes:
A broad library of digital flashcards and concise topic summaries that emphasise Australian primary care guidelines, PBS context, and common exam patterns.
Exam standard practice questions crafted to reflect RACGP styles, including multiple selection structure for KFP 2025.2 onwards, single best answer for AKT, and consultation skills assessed in the CCE.
Explicit drilling of clinical reasoning, safe prescribing within PBS constraints, and context appropriate investigations aligned to Australian primary care.
Practical frameworks for the CCE which is delivered online via Zoom, with 9 cases across two days, and each case 15 minutes plus 5 minutes reading time, covering 4 case discussions and 5 clinical encounters at Fellowship standard [7,8,9].
For IMG specific onboarding to Australian primary care norms, see our IMG RACGP preparation guide and consultation skills primer.
Pricing and Value Compared with Large Providers
Cost is a genuine consideration when selecting RACGP preparation resources. Publicly posted fees for courses vary by provider, inclusions, and cycle, and can total several thousand dollars for comprehensive written plus clinical preparation. Because competitor pricing pages change frequently and competitor information is not considered an authoritative source for evidence, specific competitor figures have been removed for accuracy and compliance.
A practical way to evaluate value is to compare:
Breadth of coverage versus your known gaps.
Alignment with official formats and cycle specific changes, for example KFP multiple selection from 2025.2 [5].
Access to examiner level feedback and realistic mocks that match RACGP timing, for example AKT 150 questions in 4 hours and KFP 70 questions in 4 hours [6].
Clear guidance for CCE delivery mode and station structure, which is fully online via Zoom with 9 cases and 15 plus 5 minutes per case [7,8,9].
For budgeting strategies and to avoid duplication of resources you already have, see our Cost effective RACGP preparation guide and mock exam planning worksheet.
FAQs: GP Academy Alternatives for RACGP AKT, KFP and CCE
1. What is the best way to pass the RACGP exams on the first attempt?
Build a plan that pairs curriculum coverage with exam specific practice under time. Use official specifications to define your mocks. Recent RACGP results show variability by cycle, for example AKT 79.48% in 2025.1 and 82.15% in 2024.2, and KFP 76.89% in 2025.1 and 79.57% in 2025.2 which highlights the need for targeted, cycle aware preparation [1,10,2,3]. See our First attempt roadmap for a staged plan.
2. What specific AKT exam support is available for IMGs?
Leverage gplearning modules, current RACGP exam guides, and resources that model Australian primary care decisions. Anchor timing to 150 single best answer questions in 4 hours with universal allowance and rehearse elimination strategy, safety flags, and guideline based management [6]. See our AKT elimination strategies.
3. Is GP Academy enough to pass the RACGP Fellowship exams?
Some candidates pass with a single provider, but RACGP data shows meaningful spread in outcomes by sitting. The 2025.1 AKT pass rate was 79.48%, the 2025.1 KFP pass rate was 76.89%, and the 2025.1 CCE pass rate was 79.66%, with lower pass rates for later attempts in the CCE, reinforcing the benefit of tailored support beyond a single resource [1,2,4]. See our targeted weak area drill plan.
4. How much do RACGP exam preparation courses typically cost in Australia?
Comprehensive preparation can cost several thousand dollars depending on inclusions, support level, and provider. Because competitor pricing is not an authoritative evidence source and changes often, we recommend comparing scope, realism of mocks, exam craft teaching, and alignment with current formats, for example KFP 70 multiple selection questions from 2025.2, AKT 150 questions, and CCE 9 cases online [5,6,7,8,9]. See our budgeting template.
5. What should candidates look for in a RACGP exam preparation course?
Seek curriculum mapped content, realistic question design that reflects current formats, coaching on timing and reasoning, and guidance for CCE communication and structure. Confirm written exam specifications, for example AKT 150 questions and 4 hours, KFP 70 multiple selection and 4 hours, and confirm CCE logistics, 9 cases, 15 plus 5 minutes per case, delivered online [6,7,8,9] See our course comparison checklist.
CCE Logistics and Station Structure
Clarity on CCE logistics allows you to tailor consultation skills practice to the real environment. Rehearsing within the same time windows and delivery mode improves reliability of your performance on the day.
The CCE is delivered fully online via Zoom with secure invigilation and technical requirements set by RACGP [7,8].
There are 9 cases across two days that include 4 case discussions and 5 clinical encounters at Fellowship standard [7].
Each station provides 5 minutes reading time and 15 minutes assessment time, so you must structure your information gathering, explanation, and safety netting to fit the window [7,8,9].
Build a consistent opening, focused hypothesis testing, and clear patient centred explanation and planning.
AKT Format and Timing Essentials
You can reduce uncertainty by anchoring your practice to the official AKT structure. The AKT tests applied knowledge through single best answer questions under strict time pressure, so pacing and elimination strategies matter. Aligning your mocks to timing and item volume builds endurance and decision confidence.
The AKT consists of 150 single best answer questions delivered in one sitting [6].
The total testing time is 4 hours with universal allowance, which requires consistent pacing across the paper [6]
Item stems often require distinguishing first line versus second line choices, PBS constraints, and red flag recognition for safety.
Build session plans that simulate 1 hour blocks, track guess thresholds, and refine a repeatable triage approach.
For planning support, see our AKT elimination strategies and first pass review method.
Realising when standard preparation methods like GP Academy fall short is an empowering first step towards achieving your RACGP exam goals. Fellow Academy provides high quality AKT and KFP questions, comprehensive exam notes, high yield flashcards, and resources tailored to improve confidence and performance.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you will also find free KFP case packs, supportive webinars, and practical study resources to guide you each step of the way.
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. The strategies shared are based on personal and peer experiences and intended for general study guidance only.
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. The strategies shared are based on personal and peer experiences and intended for general study guidance only.
References
[1] RACGP. 2025. Results out for first Fellowship exam of 2025. newsGP, 11 March 2025.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/results-out-for-first-fellowship-exam-of-2025
[2] RACGP. 2025. Latest Fellowship exam results surpass previous. newsGP, 2 April 2025.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/latest-fellowship-exam-results-surpass-previous
[3] RACGP. 2025. RACGP releases 2025.2 exam cycle results. newsGP, 22 August 2025.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/racgp-releases-2025-2-exam-cycle-results
[4] RACGP Education. 2025. Exam report 2025.1 CCE. Public Exam Report.
https://www.racgp.org.au/getmedia/f4fc7ea1-ba17-4eae-86ea-d4369d22e5aa/2025-1-CCE-Public-Exam-Report.pdf.aspx
[5] Wisbey, M. 2024. Key Feature Problem exam changes on the way. newsGP, 16 October 2024.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/key-feature-problem-exam-changes-on-the-way
[6] RACGP. 2025. AKT and KFP guide, Examinations guide.
https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/Education/Registrars/Fellowship%20Pathways/Exams/Examinations-guide.pdf
[7] RACGP. 2025. Clinical Competency Exam, How the CCE works.
https://www.racgp.org.au/education/fracgp-exams/racgp-exams/clinical-competency-exam
[8] RACGP. 2025. CCE candidate technical guidelines.
https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/cb2a167e-a466-4f73-8f3b-f98d35f2e8e6/CCE-candidate-technical-guidelines.aspx
[9] RACGP. 2025. Exam venues, delivery mode and logistics.
https://www.racgp.org.au/education/fracgp-exams/racgp-exams/exam-enrolment-instructions/exam-venues
[10] RACGP. 2024. RACGP releases final AKT exam report of the year. newsGP, 27 August 2024.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/racgp-releases-final-akt-exam-report-of-the-year

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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Complete the Form to Access 30 FREE KFP MSQs & AKTs + Invite to Our Free 2026.1 RACGP Exam Prep Webinar

Dr Shaun Tan, FRACGP, MD, BMSC
Medical Examiner | Associate Lecturer
Scored 90% on the AKT & Top 15th percentile in the KFP
Summary
Navigating RACGP exams can be deeply challenging, and when your first or even second attempt does not go as planned, it is easy to feel discouraged. Whether you are an Australian GP trainee feeling overwhelmed or an IMG navigating unfamiliar territory, realising that the standard GP Academy courses might not fully meet your needs is an important first step.
Exploring GP Academy alternatives for RACGP AKT, KFP and CCE could significantly change your preparation experience. This article will provide clarity on why GP Academy alone might fall short, guide you on what makes a strong alternative, outline Fellow Academy’s tailored support for IMGs, and explain how these alternatives compare in terms of overall value.
By the end, you will have a confident understanding of how to navigate your RACGP exam preparation more effectively.
When GP Academy is Not Enough, Overwhelm, Second Sits, IMGs
Even comprehensive resources like GP Academy will not fit everyone’s individual circumstances. This becomes evident if you are retaking exams or adjusting to Australian clinical standards, particularly as an IMG. Consider recent RACGP outcomes that highlight the need for targeted preparation: the 2025.1 AKT pass rate was 79.48% and the 2025.1 KFP pass rate was 76.89% [1],[2].
The subsequent 2025.2 cycle reported AKT 79.41% and KFP 79.57% with larger cohorts, indicating variability by sitting and the value of exam specific readiness [3]. For the clinical exam, the 2025.1 CCE pass rate was 79.66%, with attempt based pass rates of 83.86% for first attempt, 58.46% for second, 46.15% for third, and 30.00% for fourth and subsequent attempts, which emphasises the importance of getting your strategy right early [4].
These figures show that a standard preparation approach may not address the gaps that matter for you. Clear signs you might need to supplement or replace GP Academy include:
Persistent overwhelm despite diligently using the provided resources.
Unexpected setbacks or failures when your clinical knowledge is sound, pointing to gaps in exam craft.
Specific struggles with exam technique, question decoding, or clinical reasoning under time constraints.
For focused timing strategies that fit busy rosters, see our AKT timing guide and KFP time management checklist.
What to Look For in an Alternative, Organisation, Revision, Harder Questions
Choosing the right GP Academy alternatives for RACGP AKT, KFP and CCE involves matching features to the exam blueprints and the latest format changes. Effective alternatives should provide:
Structured content mapped to the RACGP curriculum and domains.
Frequently updated revision materials aligned with formal exam guidance and reports. The KFP format change is a critical example. From 2025.2, the KFP consists of 70 scenarios, each with a multiple selection question, with short answer removed, and the total testing time set at 4 hours with universal allowance, which changes how candidates practise selection accuracy and prioritisation [5,6].
Realistic, exam standard practice questions that meet or exceed difficulty, reflecting current marking and standard setting approaches.
Coaching in exam technique for timing, safe decision making, and structured responses.
Flexible access that suits clinical schedules, nights, and family responsibilities.
To align preparation with official specifications, confirm AKT and KFP parameters using RACGP’s current guide. The AKT consists of 150 single best answer questions and is 4 hours in duration with universal allowance, while the KFP is 4 hours total with 70 multiple selection questions that contribute equally, with graded scoring within items and penalties for over selection as outlined in RACGP documentation [6].
For deeper structure building, see our Curriculum mapped study planner.
KFP Format and Scoring Changes to Know
Understanding the 2025.2 KFP changes helps you prioritise selection accuracy over narrative recall. With short answer removed, selection traps, distractor design, and penalties for over selection are now central to success.
From 2025.2 the KFP includes 70 scenarios with multiple selection items only, short answer is removed [5].
Total testing time is 4 hours with universal allowance, producing a high decision density per minute [6].
Scoring includes graded credit within items and penalties for over selection as set out in current RACGP guidance [6].
Practise with option sets that match RACGP style, focus on safety actions, medication suitability, and investigation prioritisation in Australian primary care.
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.
FAQs: GP Academy Alternatives for RACGP AKT, KFP and CCE
1. What is the best way to pass the RACGP exams on the first attempt?
Build a plan that pairs curriculum coverage with exam specific practice under time. Use official specifications to define your mocks. Recent RACGP results show variability by cycle, for example AKT 79.48% in 2025.1 and 82.15% in 2024.2, and KFP 76.89% in 2025.1 and 79.57% in 2025.2 which highlights the need for targeted, cycle aware preparation [1,10,2,3]. See our First attempt roadmap for a staged plan.
2. What specific AKT exam support is available for IMGs?
Leverage gplearning modules, current RACGP exam guides, and resources that model Australian primary care decisions. Anchor timing to 150 single best answer questions in 4 hours with universal allowance and rehearse elimination strategy, safety flags, and guideline based management [6]. See our AKT elimination strategies.
3. Is GP Academy enough to pass the RACGP Fellowship exams?
Some candidates pass with a single provider, but RACGP data shows meaningful spread in outcomes by sitting. The 2025.1 AKT pass rate was 79.48%, the 2025.1 KFP pass rate was 76.89%, and the 2025.1 CCE pass rate was 79.66%, with lower pass rates for later attempts in the CCE, reinforcing the benefit of tailored support beyond a single resource [1,2,4]. See our targeted weak area drill plan.
4. How much do RACGP exam preparation courses typically cost in Australia?
Comprehensive preparation can cost several thousand dollars depending on inclusions, support level, and provider. Because competitor pricing is not an authoritative evidence source and changes often, we recommend comparing scope, realism of mocks, exam craft teaching, and alignment with current formats, for example KFP 70 multiple selection questions from 2025.2, AKT 150 questions, and CCE 9 cases online [5,6,7,8,9]. See our budgeting template.
5. What should candidates look for in a RACGP exam preparation course?
Seek curriculum mapped content, realistic question design that reflects current formats, coaching on timing and reasoning, and guidance for CCE communication and structure. Confirm written exam specifications, for example AKT 150 questions and 4 hours, KFP 70 multiple selection and 4 hours, and confirm CCE logistics, 9 cases, 15 plus 5 minutes per case, delivered online [6,7,8,9] See our course comparison checklist.
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
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GP Supervisors Australia. (2025). Study Skills Guide for GP Registrars: Studying Smarter, Not Harder. GPSA.
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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.

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)

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