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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
Avoid burnout and boost your RACGP exam success by choosing targeted, high quality resources.
Navigating RACGP Fellowship exam preparation can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with countless resources and recommendations. Many candidates initially assume that using every possible study tool guarantees success, but in reality, effective preparation comes down to quality, not quantity. In this detailed guide, GP Exam Academy vs Fellow Academy: quality over volume, I will explain why selecting targeted, examiner approved content dramatically enhances your chances of passing, helps you retain more information, and prevents exam related burnout.
As someone who has been exactly where you are now, I understand the pressure of trying to balance clinical responsibilities with effective study. Fortunately, evidence clearly supports the advantage of quality focused preparation strategies. For instance, first time AKT sitters achieved an 85.9% pass rate in 2025.2, compared to only 31% among those attempting the exam for the fourth time [1]. Clearly, getting your preparation approach right from the start is critical.
Here’s what you can expect from this article:
Clear comparisons between quantity driven versus quality focused approaches
Practical guidance on avoiding burnout
Why examiner created, structured materials make a genuine difference
Strategies specifically tailored for IMGs, GP registrars, and supervisors
Big Providers Offer Breadth, Fellow Academy Offers Organisation
At first glance, large providers offering thousands of questions and extensive resources may seem appealing. However, this breadth often comes at the cost of structure, clarity, and relevance. High volume providers typically lack clear organisation, leaving you uncertain about which topics are genuinely important for your exam.
RACGP guidance emphasises targeted, curriculum aligned preparation, practice under exam like conditions, and review of official practice materials, rather than indiscriminate volume, to support safer and more effective study for working trainees [2].
Risks of choosing a high volume study approach include:
Difficulty knowing where to focus your revision
Greater likelihood of fatigue and exam related anxiety
Decreased retention due to cognitive overload
Wasted study hours on irrelevant or outdated materials
Conversely, Fellow Academy provides carefully structured and meticulously curated content developed by experienced RACGP examiners. The advantage is straightforward, resources precisely match the exam’s expectations, ensuring you spend every hour of study on high yield, relevant topics [2][3][4].
Why We Lead With High Quality Questions
Quality questions directly influence your ability to perform under exam conditions. Examiner led, authentic practice scenarios help you develop the critical clinical reasoning skills RACGP assessors expect. RACGP reporting consistently shows that candidates who engage early with official practice materials and align study to the curriculum demonstrate better preparation and performance patterns, with first time sitters markedly outperforming repeat attempts in 2025.2, 85.9% vs 31% for AKT [1].
Key advantages of examiner led practice materials:
Direct reflection of real exam scenarios and complexity
Clear identification of your strengths and weaknesses
Enhanced clinical reasoning and decision making skills
Reduced anxiety and improved overall exam confidence
Using low quality, generic questions is a common but damaging mistake. RACGP exam reports note that candidates can be disadvantaged when relying on outdated guidance or resources not aligned to current Australian practice, which contributes to avoidable errors in reasoning and decision making [4].
Understanding the RACGP Exams Structure and Focus
A clear grasp of the assessment landscape helps you study with intent. The RACGP highlights the purpose of each component and expects preparation that mirrors authentic tasks in Australian general practice [2][3][4].
You can orient your study by matching tasks to domains, mapping common presentations to guidelines, and practising under timed conditions that reflect real exam pressure.
Key focus areas to keep in view:
Alignment with the Curriculum for Australian General Practice, clinical reasoning, safe prescribing, and communication
Use of official practice resources to benchmark performance and identify gaps
Consistency in applying current Australian guidance across scenarios
Common Pitfalls Seen in RACGP Reports and How to Avoid Them
RACGP public exam reports highlight recurring errors. These often relate to outdated references, incomplete safety checks, or failure to justify decisions using Australian guidance [4].
Avoiding these pitfalls requires you to practise decision making with current references and to articulate the why behind each choice.
Watch outs and fixes:
Relying on non Australian guidance, anchor on current Australian sources in your rationales
Skipping safety steps in time pressure, rehearse concise safety checks and documentation
Over reading distractors, focus on data points that change management
Who Should Use Both Approaches?
While Fellow Academy strongly advocates quality focused preparation, some trainees initially benefit from combining broad review with focused refinement. This balanced approach works especially well for International Medical Graduates, who may initially need broader content coverage to bridge knowledge gaps, before transitioning to targeted, high quality revision. Likewise, GP supervisors advising trainees can encourage a structured transition from broad content review towards increasingly targeted resources.
This balanced strategy aligns with RACGP exam statistics, which clearly illustrate that first attempt RACGP exam pass rates are significantly higher than repeat attempts, specifically, first time AKT sitters achieved an 85.9% pass rate compared to only 31% for fourth time takers in 2025.2 [1]. Focusing early on examiner aligned materials and official practice activities supports safer, more efficient preparation [2][3][4].
A combined approach typically benefits:
IMGs needing foundational coverage before targeted revision
Registrars unfamiliar initially with RACGP exam structures
GP supervisors seeking structured revision strategies for trainees
Trainees previously struggling with unfocused study methods
Practical Day by Day Study Tactics for Busy Registrars
Small, consistent efforts compound. Linking tasks to your work week makes preparation sustainable and more relevant to daily practice [2].
Practical tactics you can implement now:
Convert 1 clinic case per day into a 5 line learning note with guideline links
Complete 1 short, timed practice set on a priority topic, review the rationale the same day
Use commute or lunch windows for quick flashcard cycles
Schedule a weekly debrief to turn errors into targeted objectives for the next cycle
These habits anchor learning in real work and keep your study plan focused without adding unnecessary volume.
FAQ: GP Exam Academy vs Fellow Academy: Quality Over Volume
1. Is quality or quantity more important for RACGP Fellowship exam preparation?
Quality matters significantly more than quantity. RACGP emphasises curriculum alignment, exam aligned practice, and targeted remediation of gaps, which correlate with stronger first attempt performance, 85.9% vs 31% for AKT in 2025.2 [1][2].
2. Can using too many resources negatively impact my exam results?
Yes, excessive, unfocused resources can increase cognitive overload and confusion, reducing retention and performance. RACGP recommends targeted planning, official practice activities, and curriculum linked revision rather than indiscriminate volume [2][3].
3. What are effective study techniques for RACGP exams?
Effective techniques include mapping study to the RACGP curriculum, using official practice exams under timed conditions, and reviewing rationales with current Australian guidelines, supported by structured notes and iterative revision cycles [2][3][4].
4. How can IMGs best prepare for RACGP exams?
IMGs benefit most from combining initial broad orientation to Australian primary care with targeted, examiner aligned practice and feedback, focusing on local guidelines, prescribing frameworks, and communication standards outlined by RACGP resources [2][3][4].
5. Should GP supervisors recommend Fellow Academy to trainees?
Yes, supervisors should recommend structured, examiner aligned resources that mirror RACGP expectations, integrate official practice activities, and support targeted remediation against the curriculum, which align with the preparation principles highlighted by RACGP [2][3][4].
Building a Targeted Weekly Study Loop
A repeatable cycle helps you make steady gains while working in clinical practice. RACGP guidance encourages planning, time bound practice, and review that links back to the curriculum and official activities [2].
A simple weekly loop can look like this:
Set learning objectives mapped to the curriculum, choose 2 to 3 priority topics
Complete a timed practice set that reflects exam conditions
Review rationales against current Australian guidelines and record takeaways in concise notes
Revisit key items with focused flashcards later in the week
This loop keeps you engaged with high yield content, reduces overwhelm, and builds confidence session by session.
Notes and Flashcards to Fix Forgetting
Memory retention is one of the biggest challenges facing GP trainees. Even if you have studied thoroughly, recalling essential details under exam conditions can be challenging. RACGP exam preparation advice supports structured, iterative revision, linkage to the Curriculum for Australian General Practice, and use of official practice resources to consolidate learning over time, rather than broad unspecific reading [2][3].
Structured notes and question linked flashcards tailored to RACGP exams help by focusing attention on guideline aligned, frequently examined areas, strengthening long term recall through repeated exposure across weeks, and translating knowledge into exam ready decisions.
Structured flashcards and notes benefit trainees by:
Emphasising high yield, frequently tested exam topics
Strengthening long term memory via active, repeated exposure
Increasing confidence by reinforcing critical clinical concepts
Providing efficient revision, significantly reducing study related stress
Generic or overly comprehensive notes, meanwhile, often consume valuable study time without significantly improving memory retention. A targeted, structured approach prevents this frustration, enhancing your overall learning experience [2][3].
If you are feeling overwhelmed by RACGP exam preparation, Fellow Academy offers structured, examiner led AKT and KFP questions, concise and comprehensive notes, and high yield, evidence based flashcards. Explore our practical resources, including free KFP case packs and focused webinars, to make your exam journey clearer and less stressful.
Remember, successful preparation does not mean studying every available resource, but rather strategically selecting materials that genuinely enhance your knowledge and performance. Your wellbeing matters, so choose wisely.
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 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 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] Liotta, M. 2025, August 22. RACGP releases 2025.2 exam cycle results. newsGP, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/professional/racgp-releases-2025-2-exam-cycle-results
[2] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 2025, March. AKT and KFP Examination Guide, Fellowship Pathways Exam Guide. East Melbourne, VIC, RACGP. https://www.racgp.org.au/education/fellowship/fellowship-assessments/exam-guide
[3] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 2025. AKT examination information page, Fellowship assessments, RACGP. East Melbourne, VIC, RACGP. https://www.racgp.org.au/education/fellowship/fellowship-assessments/akt
[4] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 2023. Public Exam Report 2023.2, Key Feature Problem KFP. East Melbourne, VIC, RACGP. https://www.racgp.org.au/education/fellowship/fellowship-assessments/kfp
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
Avoid burnout and boost your RACGP exam success by choosing targeted, high quality resources.
Navigating RACGP Fellowship exam preparation can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with countless resources and recommendations. Many candidates initially assume that using every possible study tool guarantees success, but in reality, effective preparation comes down to quality, not quantity. In this detailed guide, GP Exam Academy vs Fellow Academy: quality over volume, I will explain why selecting targeted, examiner approved content dramatically enhances your chances of passing, helps you retain more information, and prevents exam related burnout.
As someone who has been exactly where you are now, I understand the pressure of trying to balance clinical responsibilities with effective study. Fortunately, evidence clearly supports the advantage of quality focused preparation strategies. For instance, first time AKT sitters achieved an 85.9% pass rate in 2025.2, compared to only 31% among those attempting the exam for the fourth time [1]. Clearly, getting your preparation approach right from the start is critical.
Here’s what you can expect from this article:
Clear comparisons between quantity driven versus quality focused approaches
Practical guidance on avoiding burnout
Why examiner created, structured materials make a genuine difference
Strategies specifically tailored for IMGs, GP registrars, and supervisors
Big Providers Offer Breadth, Fellow Academy Offers Organisation
At first glance, large providers offering thousands of questions and extensive resources may seem appealing. However, this breadth often comes at the cost of structure, clarity, and relevance. High volume providers typically lack clear organisation, leaving you uncertain about which topics are genuinely important for your exam.
RACGP guidance emphasises targeted, curriculum aligned preparation, practice under exam like conditions, and review of official practice materials, rather than indiscriminate volume, to support safer and more effective study for working trainees [2].
Risks of choosing a high volume study approach include:
Difficulty knowing where to focus your revision
Greater likelihood of fatigue and exam related anxiety
Decreased retention due to cognitive overload
Wasted study hours on irrelevant or outdated materials
Conversely, Fellow Academy provides carefully structured and meticulously curated content developed by experienced RACGP examiners. The advantage is straightforward, resources precisely match the exam’s expectations, ensuring you spend every hour of study on high yield, relevant topics [2][3][4].
Why We Lead With High Quality Questions
Quality questions directly influence your ability to perform under exam conditions. Examiner led, authentic practice scenarios help you develop the critical clinical reasoning skills RACGP assessors expect. RACGP reporting consistently shows that candidates who engage early with official practice materials and align study to the curriculum demonstrate better preparation and performance patterns, with first time sitters markedly outperforming repeat attempts in 2025.2, 85.9% vs 31% for AKT [1].
Key advantages of examiner led practice materials:
Direct reflection of real exam scenarios and complexity
Clear identification of your strengths and weaknesses
Enhanced clinical reasoning and decision making skills
Reduced anxiety and improved overall exam confidence
Using low quality, generic questions is a common but damaging mistake. RACGP exam reports note that candidates can be disadvantaged when relying on outdated guidance or resources not aligned to current Australian practice, which contributes to avoidable errors in reasoning and decision making [4].
Understanding the RACGP Exams Structure and Focus
A clear grasp of the assessment landscape helps you study with intent. The RACGP highlights the purpose of each component and expects preparation that mirrors authentic tasks in Australian general practice [2][3][4].
You can orient your study by matching tasks to domains, mapping common presentations to guidelines, and practising under timed conditions that reflect real exam pressure.
Key focus areas to keep in view:
Alignment with the Curriculum for Australian General Practice, clinical reasoning, safe prescribing, and communication
Use of official practice resources to benchmark performance and identify gaps
Consistency in applying current Australian guidance across scenarios
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.
FAQ: GP Exam Academy vs Fellow Academy: Quality Over Volume
1. Is quality or quantity more important for RACGP Fellowship exam preparation?
Quality matters significantly more than quantity. RACGP emphasises curriculum alignment, exam aligned practice, and targeted remediation of gaps, which correlate with stronger first attempt performance, 85.9% vs 31% for AKT in 2025.2 [1][2].
2. Can using too many resources negatively impact my exam results?
Yes, excessive, unfocused resources can increase cognitive overload and confusion, reducing retention and performance. RACGP recommends targeted planning, official practice activities, and curriculum linked revision rather than indiscriminate volume [2][3].
3. What are effective study techniques for RACGP exams?
Effective techniques include mapping study to the RACGP curriculum, using official practice exams under timed conditions, and reviewing rationales with current Australian guidelines, supported by structured notes and iterative revision cycles [2][3][4].
4. How can IMGs best prepare for RACGP exams?
IMGs benefit most from combining initial broad orientation to Australian primary care with targeted, examiner aligned practice and feedback, focusing on local guidelines, prescribing frameworks, and communication standards outlined by RACGP resources [2][3][4].
5. Should GP supervisors recommend Fellow Academy to trainees?
Yes, supervisors should recommend structured, examiner aligned resources that mirror RACGP expectations, integrate official practice activities, and support targeted remediation against the curriculum, which align with the preparation principles highlighted by RACGP [2][3][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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