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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
Deciding between GP Academy vs Fellow Academy for structured RACGP prep is one of the most significant choices international medical graduates will make. Many IMGs, despite being highly skilled clinicians, struggle with the volume of information, unclear study pathways, and the pressure of balancing clinical duties with exam preparation. This guide compares the two approaches so you can choose a pathway that fits your context, preserves your time, and improves your readiness.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, you are in good company. Over the years, I have guided many trainees through this exact decision. Below, we outline why GP Academy is often chosen first, where IMGs commonly get stuck with content volume, how Fellow Academy’s active learning model addresses those barriers, and how to combine both effectively for exam success.
Why GP Academy Dominates the Market
GP Academy is frequently chosen because it offers a single structured pathway that covers the breadth of RACGP curriculum domains and provides a predictable weekly rhythm. The attraction is clear, a one place hub for content coverage, guided teaching, and a mapped schedule from start to finish.
Key reasons GP Academy is often selected first by trainees:
Perceived completeness: A full set of lectures, notes, and schedules gives candidates the sense that nothing will be missed in core coverage.
Predictable structure: A fixed timetable can reduce decision fatigue and provide accountability for busy IMG schedules.
Mentored learning: Candidates value contact with experienced educators who explain how examiners think and how to apply guidelines under time pressure.
Consistency: A single framework limits resource switching, which can otherwise sap time and attention.
For candidates who want a direct comparison of content breadth versus applied practice, see our KFP exam techniques guide for practical examples of how structure translates into performance [2].
Where IMGs Often Get Stuck
Large content volumes can reduce retention when learning remains passive. Many IMGs report spending long hours in slide sets and notes, then feeling unsure what to recall under exam conditions. This is a common and solvable study bottleneck.
Typical challenges IMGs encounter:
Information overload: Very large slide volumes can be hard to triage into must know, should know, nice to know.
Passive study: Reading notes without retrieval practice limits transfer to AKT stems and KFP case prompts.
Prioritisation uncertainty: Without repeated retrieval, it is difficult to identify which clinical cues, thresholds, or red flags must be instant recall.
Weak retention over time: Without spaced practice, facts fade, particularly guideline thresholds and medication details.
A practical way forward is to keep your content source, then layer in structured retrieval and spaced repetition. For pacing and planning, see our comprehensive AKT timing guide for early rhythm setting and error tracking.
The Importance of Exam Realistic Questions for AKT, KFP, and CCE
You improve most when practice mirrors the real exam. Exam realistic questions surface knowledge gaps, train exam technique, and reduce surprise on the day. That is why an active cycle of attempt, review, and spaced recall is so powerful.
The core benefits you should see:
Faster gap detection: Hard questions expose weak areas early so your revision is precise rather than broad [2].
Better exam behaviour: Regular practice builds item parsing, distractor elimination, and structured responses that match marking logic [2].
Time control: Repeated timed practice conditions you for sustained pacing across the full paper and reduces late section rushes [2].
Lower stress reactivity: Familiarity with complex stems and role plays reduces cognitive load and preserves working memory for reasoning [2].
For orientation to exam scope and format, confirm the current RACGP exam structures before building your study plan. The AKT is a single sitting computer based paper with a fixed item count and a defined total duration, the KFP has a fixed number of clinical cases with multiple keyed responses, and the CCE comprises a defined number of stations with standard per station timing. Always verify the latest official details on the RACGP exam pages when you enrol and when you schedule your mocks [2].
FAQs about GP Academy vs Fellow Academy
1. What exactly does GP Academy offer trainees preparing for RACGP exams
GP Academy offers a structured sequence of lectures, notes, and scheduled study that many trainees find helpful for full curriculum coverage. The appeal is a single framework that reduces planning load and provides accountability through a predictable timetable. Use that structure to map your weeks, then add retrieval layers so knowledge transfers to exam stems.
2. How is Fellow Academy different from traditional RACGP preparation courses like GP Academy
Fellow Academy is built for active study. You start with exam realistic questions, learn from concise explanations, then lock knowledge using spaced flashcards. Over 500 AKT items, 500 KFP items, and 700 flashcards form the spine of that cycle so study remains applied, time efficient, and retention focused [1].
3. Can IMGs realistically benefit by combining GP Academy and Fellow Academy
Yes. Foundation plus retrieval is a proven pairing. Use GP Academy for coverage and cadence. Use Fellow Academy for application, repetition, and memory. The blend improves recall under pressure and reduces last month panic by spreading retrieval throughout the term [1], [2].
4. Why is structured RACGP preparation particularly essential for IMGs
Structure protects your time and ensures alignment with Australian practice expectations. A plan that locks in weekly coverage, timed practice, and spaced recall will reduce drift, highlight gaps early, and build exam behaviours you can rely on on the day. Confirm exam scope and format on the official RACGP pages as they publish updates before each cycle [2].
5. Between GP Academy and Fellow Academy, which is better for RACGP exam prep
Choose the tool that fixes your current constraint. If you lack a plan and want coverage with accountability, start with a structured course. If you know the content but cannot convert to marks under time, emphasise application and spaced recall. Many candidates do both in sequence because coverage without retrieval leaves marks on the table, while retrieval without coverage can leave blind spots [1], [2].
Can You Combine GP Academy and Fellow Academy?
Yes, you can combine both effectively. Use GP Academy for broad, scheduled coverage and teaching. Use Fellow Academy to convert that coverage into applied skill and long term recall. The combination preserves structure while adding daily retrieval and exam realism.
A simple integration pattern that works for busy IMGs:
Foundation first: Follow a GP Academy block to establish baseline understanding for a topic.
Immediate application: In the same week, attempt aligned AKT items and KFP cases from Fellow Academy to force retrieval and identify misses [1], [2].
Close the loop: Review explanations, then add the high yield flashcards to your spaced deck so the facts recur until stable [1].
Track weak domains: Keep a running list of misses and time losses and revisit with targeted sets weekly. For pacing strategies, see our comprehensive AKT timing guide and our KFP exam techniques guide for structured error analysis [2].
This approach minimises duplication, maintains momentum, and focuses your limited time on actions that change scores.
Fellow Academy’s Solution: Questions, Notes, and Flashcards
Fellow Academy is built to convert knowledge into performance through a cycle of exam realistic questions, concise notes, and spaced flashcards. The aim is to keep study active from day one and to move quickly from recognition to recall and application.
What you can expect with this model:
Exam realistic question banks: Over 500 AKT multiple choice questions and 500 KFP style questions written to exam standard, so you practise the way you will be tested [1].
Concise explanatory notes: Each item links to focused notes that teach the reasoning, show common distractors, and anchor back to Australian guideline logic where applicable [1].
Spaced repetition flashcards: Over 700 high yield flashcards use proven spacing principles so critical thresholds, criteria, and steps are refreshed before they decay [1].
Mobile friendly, session based: Short cycles fit around clinics and commutes, so you can keep momentum even on heavy weeks [1].
This sequence, questions to notes to flashcards, is designed to identify gaps fast, close them with targeted teaching, then lock in memory over time.
Feeling uncertain about the RACGP exams is normal, but you can make this manageable with a simple pattern, cover the syllabus with structure, then practise and repeat. Whether you prefer a scheduled content pathway or an active question first approach, your plan should include weekly retrieval and spacing so knowledge survives clinic pressure and exam timing.
If you want a ready made active layer, Fellow Academy includes exam realistic AKT and KFP questions, concise exam notes, and a large bank of high yield flashcards based on spacing principles. You will also find free KFP case packs, webinars, and practical study resources to guide your next steps. For pacing and error analysis, see our comprehensive AKT timing guide and our KFP exam techniques guide for stepwise drills and review templates [2].
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 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. 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] Fellow Academy. 2025. RACGP exam preparation resources and active learning model, question counts and flashcard catalogue. Fellow Academy Pty Ltd. https://www.passracgp.com.au/
[2] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 2024 to 2025. RACGP Fellowship examinations information, AKT, KFP, and CCE format and candidate guidance. East Melbourne, VIC, RACGP.
AKT information: https://www.racgp.org.au/education/education-providers/exams/examinations/akt
KFP information: https://www.racgp.org.au/education/education-providers/exams/examinations/kfp
CCE information: https://www.racgp.org.au/education/education-providers/exams/examinations/cce
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
Deciding between GP Academy vs Fellow Academy for structured RACGP prep is one of the most significant choices international medical graduates will make. Many IMGs, despite being highly skilled clinicians, struggle with the volume of information, unclear study pathways, and the pressure of balancing clinical duties with exam preparation. This guide compares the two approaches so you can choose a pathway that fits your context, preserves your time, and improves your readiness.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, you are in good company. Over the years, I have guided many trainees through this exact decision. Below, we outline why GP Academy is often chosen first, where IMGs commonly get stuck with content volume, how Fellow Academy’s active learning model addresses those barriers, and how to combine both effectively for exam success.
Why GP Academy Dominates the Market
GP Academy is frequently chosen because it offers a single structured pathway that covers the breadth of RACGP curriculum domains and provides a predictable weekly rhythm. The attraction is clear, a one place hub for content coverage, guided teaching, and a mapped schedule from start to finish.
Key reasons GP Academy is often selected first by trainees:
Perceived completeness: A full set of lectures, notes, and schedules gives candidates the sense that nothing will be missed in core coverage.
Predictable structure: A fixed timetable can reduce decision fatigue and provide accountability for busy IMG schedules.
Mentored learning: Candidates value contact with experienced educators who explain how examiners think and how to apply guidelines under time pressure.
Consistency: A single framework limits resource switching, which can otherwise sap time and attention.
For candidates who want a direct comparison of content breadth versus applied practice, see our KFP exam techniques guide for practical examples of how structure translates into performance [2].
Where IMGs Often Get Stuck
Large content volumes can reduce retention when learning remains passive. Many IMGs report spending long hours in slide sets and notes, then feeling unsure what to recall under exam conditions. This is a common and solvable study bottleneck.
Typical challenges IMGs encounter:
Information overload: Very large slide volumes can be hard to triage into must know, should know, nice to know.
Passive study: Reading notes without retrieval practice limits transfer to AKT stems and KFP case prompts.
Prioritisation uncertainty: Without repeated retrieval, it is difficult to identify which clinical cues, thresholds, or red flags must be instant recall.
Weak retention over time: Without spaced practice, facts fade, particularly guideline thresholds and medication details.
A practical way forward is to keep your content source, then layer in structured retrieval and spaced repetition. For pacing and planning, see our comprehensive AKT timing guide for early rhythm setting and error tracking.
The Importance of Exam Realistic Questions for AKT, KFP, and CCE
You improve most when practice mirrors the real exam. Exam realistic questions surface knowledge gaps, train exam technique, and reduce surprise on the day. That is why an active cycle of attempt, review, and spaced recall is so powerful.
The core benefits you should see:
Faster gap detection: Hard questions expose weak areas early so your revision is precise rather than broad [2].
Better exam behaviour: Regular practice builds item parsing, distractor elimination, and structured responses that match marking logic [2].
Time control: Repeated timed practice conditions you for sustained pacing across the full paper and reduces late section rushes [2].
Lower stress reactivity: Familiarity with complex stems and role plays reduces cognitive load and preserves working memory for reasoning [2].
For orientation to exam scope and format, confirm the current RACGP exam structures before building your study plan. The AKT is a single sitting computer based paper with a fixed item count and a defined total duration, the KFP has a fixed number of clinical cases with multiple keyed responses, and the CCE comprises a defined number of stations with standard per station timing. Always verify the latest official details on the RACGP exam pages when you enrol and when you schedule your mocks [2].
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 about GP Academy vs Fellow Academy
1. What exactly does GP Academy offer trainees preparing for RACGP exams
GP Academy offers a structured sequence of lectures, notes, and scheduled study that many trainees find helpful for full curriculum coverage. The appeal is a single framework that reduces planning load and provides accountability through a predictable timetable. Use that structure to map your weeks, then add retrieval layers so knowledge transfers to exam stems.
2. How is Fellow Academy different from traditional RACGP preparation courses like GP Academy
Fellow Academy is built for active study. You start with exam realistic questions, learn from concise explanations, then lock knowledge using spaced flashcards. Over 500 AKT items, 500 KFP items, and 700 flashcards form the spine of that cycle so study remains applied, time efficient, and retention focused [1].
3. Can IMGs realistically benefit by combining GP Academy and Fellow Academy
Yes. Foundation plus retrieval is a proven pairing. Use GP Academy for coverage and cadence. Use Fellow Academy for application, repetition, and memory. The blend improves recall under pressure and reduces last month panic by spreading retrieval throughout the term [1], [2].
4. Why is structured RACGP preparation particularly essential for IMGs
Structure protects your time and ensures alignment with Australian practice expectations. A plan that locks in weekly coverage, timed practice, and spaced recall will reduce drift, highlight gaps early, and build exam behaviours you can rely on on the day. Confirm exam scope and format on the official RACGP pages as they publish updates before each cycle [2].
5. Between GP Academy and Fellow Academy, which is better for RACGP exam prep
Choose the tool that fixes your current constraint. If you lack a plan and want coverage with accountability, start with a structured course. If you know the content but cannot convert to marks under time, emphasise application and spaced recall. Many candidates do both in sequence because coverage without retrieval leaves marks on the table, while retrieval without coverage can leave blind spots [1], [2].
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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