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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
Choosing the right GP exam academy can be the difference between confidently achieving your RACGP Fellowship and facing unnecessary setbacks. In this comprehensive guide, I will explain exactly what features a high quality GP exam academy should offer, highlight why structured study significantly impacts your RACGP exam success, and demonstrate how Fellow Academy specifically supports IMGs to achieve exam excellence.
I understand the anxiety and uncertainty you are likely feeling about these pivotal exams. You might worry about wasting valuable time, repeating exams unnecessarily, or struggling to balance your study with clinical duties.
For example, RACGP reporting shows that first time KFP candidates can achieve strong results, yet performance drops with repeat sittings. A recent RACGP news cycle reported first time KFP pass rates of 83.8%, with performance falling to 48.6% on second attempts and 19% by fourth attempts [1]. Choosing a structured, reliable GP exam academy early in your preparation journey dramatically improves your chances of passing exams confidently and efficiently.
What a GP Exam Academy Should Actually Give You
A truly effective GP exam academy provides structured, comprehensive support that covers every aspect of the RACGP exams, AKT, KFP and CCE. It ensures thorough curriculum coverage, effective revision methods, realistic practice, and personalised guidance.
Look for these essential features when choosing your academy:
Complete curriculum coverage: A structured academy ensures systematic revision of both clinical medicine and often overlooked areas such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, ethics, and practice management. The AKT format is officially 150 single best answer questions with a total of 4 hours test time, 3.5 hours plus 30 minutes universal allowance, which underscores the breadth and pacing required [2]. Comprehensive coverage is critical to passing on the first attempt.
Clearly structured study plans: RACGP guidance emphasises planned, structured preparation using endorsed exam handbooks and the AKT and KFP Guide. Many candidates benefit from a staged plan across several months. Aim for a sustained plan, often around 6 months for complete coverage, and align your resources with RACGP exam guides and calendars [2],[9].
Active recall methods: Passive lecture based learning is less efficient for long term retention. Prioritise active recall and spaced practice using flashcards, question banks, and timed drills. If you currently rely mainly on lectures, convert that time into question driven sessions and spaced repetition reviews.
Realistic exam practice: High quality academies provide AKT single best answer items for timed sets, KFP multiple selection questions structured as per the current guide, and CCE case discussions and clinical encounters that mirror RACGP exam design [2],[3],[6].
Personalised mentorship: As repeat sittings are associated with falling pass rates, 83.8% down to 48.6% then 19% across attempts in one RACGP news cycle, targeted feedback and mentor review can protect against common errors and help you course correct earlier [1].
Dedicated IMG support: IMGs make up a large portion of the GP workforce in Australia. AIHW estimates indicate that 42% of GPs were internationally trained in 2022, which highlights the need for IMG specific guidance on Australian prescribing norms, PBS, and context driven exam preparation [4].
Explore further insights in our comprehensive Fellow Academy RACGP exam preparation tips guide for staged planning and checklists.
Lectures vs Organised Notes vs Flashcards: Finding the Right Study Mix
Successfully passing RACGP exams requires balancing several methods, lectures, organised notes, and flashcards, tailored to your busy GP trainee schedule.
Each method brings different strengths:
Lectures: Useful for first pass concept building and listening to expert framing, but alone they are not sufficient for the decision making and time pressure in AKT, KFP, and CCE.
Organised notes: Concise, guideline aligned notes mapped against the RACGP curriculum help you review systematically across rotations. They also help you translate broad reading into short pre exam refreshers.
Flashcards and quizzes: Spaced repetition platforms and timed question sessions build recall speed and exam fluency. Align your decks to RACGP domains and common primary care presentations.
Real world GP trainee example: after a demanding clinic session, you may lack energy for long lectures. Instead, run a 30 minute set of AKT single best answer questions, then tag weak topics to your KFP list for a 15 minute spaced review later in the week. For KFP, practise selecting the exact number of responses requested and avoid over selection penalties described in RACGP exam day guidance [5].
Discover practical revision strategies in our Fellow Academy structured revision techniques.
Why Structure Matters for GP Exam Success
Structured study programmes improve RACGP exam success by ensuring comprehensive revision, better retention, effective time management, and reduced anxiety. Here is how structure delivers returns:
Systematic syllabus coverage: A mapped schedule prevents you from overlooking topics like ethics, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, prescribing safety, quality and safety in practice, and practice systems. Align your plan to RACGP exam guides and calendars [2],[9].
Retention through repetition: Spaced reviews improve recall and reduce decay between study blocks. If you plan to quote numeric retention gains, ensure you use an Australian, peer reviewed medical education source.
Time management: Translate large topics into weekly micro goals and track completion. Use timed AKT blocks, KFP sets of 10, and short CCE consultation rehearsals.
Anxiety reduction: Visible milestones and periodic mock checks give you clarity and reduce cognitive load in the final month.
Targeted feedback: Use mentor or peer review to prioritise weaknesses. Re check these topics in the following cycle.
For detailed planning strategies, explore our Fellow Academy study planning resources.
FAQ: GP Exam Preparation and Academies
1. What should I look for when choosing a GP exam academy in Australia?
Structured, RACGP aligned curriculum mapped to official exam guides [2].
Realistic AKT, KFP, and CCE practice aligned to current formats [2],[3],[6].
Proven first attempt outcomes supported by staged planning and mentor review, noting that repeat attempt performance can drop from 83.8% to 48.6% to 19% in one RACGP news cycle [1].
Dedicated IMG support with Australian context and PBS literacy [4].
2. How are the AKT, KFP, and CCE exams different, and how do I prepare for each?
AKT, 150 single best answer items in 4 hours [2]. Recent RACGP news reported first attempt AKT success around 85.9%, with 31% at fourth attempt [8].
KFP, 70 multiple selection questions in 4 hours that assess clinical reasoning and decision making [2].
CCE, 9 cases across 2 weekends, sessions up to 3 hours, with performance judged against Fellowship standard [3],[6]. Prepare with format matched practice and timed rehearsal.
3. Why is a structured study programme important for passing RACGP exams?
Structured study ensures complete coverage, protects recall with spaced reviews, and reduces anxiety through clear milestones. Use official RACGP guides to define the weekly scope and calibrate workload [2],[9].
4. How can an IMG focused GP exam academy help me as an international medical graduate
It addresses Australian prescribing norms, PBS rules, and consultation standards, while providing targeted CCE communication practice. Given that 42% of the GP workforce were internationally trained in 2022, IMG tailored support is essential for parity and confidence [4].
5. Are flashcards and organised notes really more effective than only lectures for GP exam study?
Active recall and spaced practice improve durable recall compared with passive review, especially when aligned to RACGP formats and done in short, frequent sessions. If you want to include a numeric improvement figure, ensure it comes from an Australian, peer reviewed medical education source.
Why Fellow Academy is Built for IMGs
Fellow Academy specifically supports IMGs by directly addressing common gaps and aligning preparation to Australian practice. Workforce data shows that 42% of GPs were internationally trained in 2022, underscoring the scale and the importance of IMG focused support [4].
Fellow Academy’s specialised IMG support includes:
Australian specific curriculum: Guidance through PBS, Therapeutic Guidelines, and Australian preventive health schedules as they appear in common primary care contexts.
Communication skills for the CCE: Focused rehearsal for case discussions and clinical encounters using the Fellow at Fellowship standard rubric language used by examiners [6].
Dedicated IMG mentorship: Personalised coaching on consultation structure and safety netting statements commonly scrutinised in Australian general practice.
Flexible structured learning: Plans that fit clinic days, visa or family responsibilities, and leave room for late cycle revision sprints.
Exam Standard KFP and CCE Questions, Not Simplified MCQs
Practising authentic exam standard questions significantly improves your success in RACGP exams. Effective GP exam academy programs deliver practice exactly matching AKT, KFP, and CCE formats.
Detailed exam breakdown and corrections aligned to current RACGP guides:
AKT: Officially 150 single best answer items in 4 hours total time, 3.5 hours plus 30 minutes universal allowance [2]. A recent RACGP news cycle reported first time AKT pass rates of 85.9%, with performance around 31% by the fourth attempt, reinforcing the value of preparing to pass on the first sitting [8]. Build speed and accuracy using timed blocks and post set review.
KFP: As per the current AKT and KFP Guide, the KFP now comprises 70 multiple selection questions over 4 hours, 3.5 hours plus 30 minutes universal allowance. This format explicitly tests clinical reasoning and decision making using patient vignettes and defined correct options, including penalties for additional answers beyond the requested number [2],[5]. Practise with realistic stems and carefully count the number requested before selecting.
CCE: The CCE is delivered over 2 consecutive weekends, with each session up to 3 hours. Candidates sit 4 case discussions and 5 clinical encounters, totalling 9 cases. There is no minimum number of cases to pass, and performance is judged against Fellowship standard rather than a fixed station pass requirement [3],[6]. Design your practice around case discussions, clinical encounters, and examiner rubric language.
Fellow Academy prioritises realistic practice to build exam day familiarity and confidence. For specific KFP and CCE strategies, visit our Fellow Academy guide to mastering KFP and CCE exam questions, internal link.
If you feel overwhelmed by RACGP exam preparation, Fellow Academy offers quality AKT and KFP questions, comprehensive notes, evidence based flashcards, free KFP case packs, webinars, and practical resources to confidently guide your 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] Liotta, M. (2024, September 17). Latest FRACGP exam report released. newsGP, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/latest-fracgp-exam-report-released
[2] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2024). AKT and KFP guide, Examinations guide. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP. https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/Education/Registrars/Fellowship%20Pathways/Exams/Examinations-guide.pdf
[3] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2025). Clinical Competency Exam overview. Page last updated 3 July 2025. https://www.racgp.org.au/education/fracgp-exams/racgp-exams/clinical-competency-exam
[4] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024, July 2). Health workforce. Proportion overseas trained by specialty shows General Practice 42% in 2022. Canberra, ACT: AIHW. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/workforce/health-workforce
[5] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2025). AKT and KFP information for candidates. Exam day information and marking notes, including guidance on KFP selection. https://www.racgp.org.au/kfp-and-akt-exam-day-information
[6] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2023, August 10). Determination of a passing grade in the CCE. https://www.racgp.org.au/education/fracgp-exams/racgp-exams/clinical-competency-exam/candidate-guidelines-for-the-clinical-competency-e/results/determination-of-a-passing-grade
[7] Australian Doctor, AusDoc. (2019). IMG disparity in RACGP exam results revealed. Historical context. https://www.ausdoc.com.au/news/img-disparity-racgp-exam-results-revealed
[8] Liotta, M. (2025, March 11). Results out for first Fellowship exam of 2025. newsGP, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/results-out-for-first-fellowship-exam-of-2025
[9] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2022). Examination Guide. RACGP Exam Support Program resources. https://www.racgp.org.au/education/fracgp-exams/exam-support-program-resources/examination-guide
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
Choosing the right GP exam academy can be the difference between confidently achieving your RACGP Fellowship and facing unnecessary setbacks. In this comprehensive guide, I will explain exactly what features a high quality GP exam academy should offer, highlight why structured study significantly impacts your RACGP exam success, and demonstrate how Fellow Academy specifically supports IMGs to achieve exam excellence.
I understand the anxiety and uncertainty you are likely feeling about these pivotal exams. You might worry about wasting valuable time, repeating exams unnecessarily, or struggling to balance your study with clinical duties.
For example, RACGP reporting shows that first time KFP candidates can achieve strong results, yet performance drops with repeat sittings. A recent RACGP news cycle reported first time KFP pass rates of 83.8%, with performance falling to 48.6% on second attempts and 19% by fourth attempts [1]. Choosing a structured, reliable GP exam academy early in your preparation journey dramatically improves your chances of passing exams confidently and efficiently.
What a GP Exam Academy Should Actually Give You
A truly effective GP exam academy provides structured, comprehensive support that covers every aspect of the RACGP exams, AKT, KFP and CCE. It ensures thorough curriculum coverage, effective revision methods, realistic practice, and personalised guidance.
Look for these essential features when choosing your academy:
Complete curriculum coverage: A structured academy ensures systematic revision of both clinical medicine and often overlooked areas such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, ethics, and practice management. The AKT format is officially 150 single best answer questions with a total of 4 hours test time, 3.5 hours plus 30 minutes universal allowance, which underscores the breadth and pacing required [2]. Comprehensive coverage is critical to passing on the first attempt.
Clearly structured study plans: RACGP guidance emphasises planned, structured preparation using endorsed exam handbooks and the AKT and KFP Guide. Many candidates benefit from a staged plan across several months. Aim for a sustained plan, often around 6 months for complete coverage, and align your resources with RACGP exam guides and calendars [2],[9].
Active recall methods: Passive lecture based learning is less efficient for long term retention. Prioritise active recall and spaced practice using flashcards, question banks, and timed drills. If you currently rely mainly on lectures, convert that time into question driven sessions and spaced repetition reviews.
Realistic exam practice: High quality academies provide AKT single best answer items for timed sets, KFP multiple selection questions structured as per the current guide, and CCE case discussions and clinical encounters that mirror RACGP exam design [2],[3],[6].
Personalised mentorship: As repeat sittings are associated with falling pass rates, 83.8% down to 48.6% then 19% across attempts in one RACGP news cycle, targeted feedback and mentor review can protect against common errors and help you course correct earlier [1].
Dedicated IMG support: IMGs make up a large portion of the GP workforce in Australia. AIHW estimates indicate that 42% of GPs were internationally trained in 2022, which highlights the need for IMG specific guidance on Australian prescribing norms, PBS, and context driven exam preparation [4].
Explore further insights in our comprehensive Fellow Academy RACGP exam preparation tips guide for staged planning and checklists.
Lectures vs Organised Notes vs Flashcards: Finding the Right Study Mix
Successfully passing RACGP exams requires balancing several methods, lectures, organised notes, and flashcards, tailored to your busy GP trainee schedule.
Each method brings different strengths:
Lectures: Useful for first pass concept building and listening to expert framing, but alone they are not sufficient for the decision making and time pressure in AKT, KFP, and CCE.
Organised notes: Concise, guideline aligned notes mapped against the RACGP curriculum help you review systematically across rotations. They also help you translate broad reading into short pre exam refreshers.
Flashcards and quizzes: Spaced repetition platforms and timed question sessions build recall speed and exam fluency. Align your decks to RACGP domains and common primary care presentations.
Real world GP trainee example: after a demanding clinic session, you may lack energy for long lectures. Instead, run a 30 minute set of AKT single best answer questions, then tag weak topics to your KFP list for a 15 minute spaced review later in the week. For KFP, practise selecting the exact number of responses requested and avoid over selection penalties described in RACGP exam day guidance [5].
Discover practical revision strategies in our Fellow Academy structured revision techniques.
Why Structure Matters for GP Exam Success
Structured study programmes improve RACGP exam success by ensuring comprehensive revision, better retention, effective time management, and reduced anxiety. Here is how structure delivers returns:
Systematic syllabus coverage: A mapped schedule prevents you from overlooking topics like ethics, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, prescribing safety, quality and safety in practice, and practice systems. Align your plan to RACGP exam guides and calendars [2],[9].
Retention through repetition: Spaced reviews improve recall and reduce decay between study blocks. If you plan to quote numeric retention gains, ensure you use an Australian, peer reviewed medical education source.
Time management: Translate large topics into weekly micro goals and track completion. Use timed AKT blocks, KFP sets of 10, and short CCE consultation rehearsals.
Anxiety reduction: Visible milestones and periodic mock checks give you clarity and reduce cognitive load in the final month.
Targeted feedback: Use mentor or peer review to prioritise weaknesses. Re check these topics in the following cycle.
For detailed planning strategies, explore our Fellow Academy study planning resources.
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 Preparation and Academies
1. What should I look for when choosing a GP exam academy in Australia?
Structured, RACGP aligned curriculum mapped to official exam guides [2].
Realistic AKT, KFP, and CCE practice aligned to current formats [2],[3],[6].
Proven first attempt outcomes supported by staged planning and mentor review, noting that repeat attempt performance can drop from 83.8% to 48.6% to 19% in one RACGP news cycle [1].
Dedicated IMG support with Australian context and PBS literacy [4].
2. How are the AKT, KFP, and CCE exams different, and how do I prepare for each?
AKT, 150 single best answer items in 4 hours [2]. Recent RACGP news reported first attempt AKT success around 85.9%, with 31% at fourth attempt [8].
KFP, 70 multiple selection questions in 4 hours that assess clinical reasoning and decision making [2].
CCE, 9 cases across 2 weekends, sessions up to 3 hours, with performance judged against Fellowship standard [3],[6]. Prepare with format matched practice and timed rehearsal.
3. Why is a structured study programme important for passing RACGP exams?
Structured study ensures complete coverage, protects recall with spaced reviews, and reduces anxiety through clear milestones. Use official RACGP guides to define the weekly scope and calibrate workload [2],[9].
4. How can an IMG focused GP exam academy help me as an international medical graduate
It addresses Australian prescribing norms, PBS rules, and consultation standards, while providing targeted CCE communication practice. Given that 42% of the GP workforce were internationally trained in 2022, IMG tailored support is essential for parity and confidence [4].
5. Are flashcards and organised notes really more effective than only lectures for GP exam study?
Active recall and spaced practice improve durable recall compared with passive review, especially when aligned to RACGP formats and done in short, frequent sessions. If you want to include a numeric improvement figure, ensure it comes from an Australian, peer reviewed medical education source.
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.
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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)