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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
Mastering how to pass AKT KFP effectively is crucial for GP trainees aiming to achieve RACGP Fellowship. This comprehensive blog explores why many trainees choose to sit both the AKT and KFP simultaneously, clarifies the key differences between these exams, offers efficient study strategies tailored for dual exam preparation, and recommends the most trusted combined AKT KFP resources to maximise your chances of success.
Why Most Candidates Sit AKT and KFP Together
Many trainees wonder if attempting both AKT and KFP simultaneously is advisable. The evidence strongly suggests it is both practical and strategic. Sitting the exams together:
Maintains momentum: Regular and consistent study ensures you retain more knowledge, significantly reducing revision workload as exams approach.
Fits RACGP’s exam calendar: The AKT and KFP are scheduled within days of each other, so preparing simultaneously is efficient and logical.
Accelerates your Fellowship journey: Passing both exams in the same cycle allows you immediate eligibility for the Clinical Competency Exam, avoiding delays and associated stress.
Benefits from content overlap: Both AKT and KFP cover almost identical clinical domains, allowing integrated revision to save time and effort.
Statistical evidence clearly supports this strategy. First time AKT pass rates sit at around 91.3%, but drop to 72.6% on second attempts, 53.8% on third attempts, and 23.9% by a fourth or subsequent attempt (RACGP, 2024.2) [1]. Similarly, first time KFP pass rates are approximately 83.8%, declining to 48.6% on second attempts, 36% on third attempts, and 19.3% by a fourth or subsequent attempt (RACGP, 2024.2) [2].
Key Differences in Exam Format and Thinking Style
Clearly understanding the differences between AKT and KFP helps you tailor your study approach precisely. The exams differ notably in format and required thinking style:
AKT exam format:
- Consists of 150 single best answer multiple choice questions (RACGP) [3].
- The total test duration is 4 hours, which is about 1.6 minutes per question when averaged across the paper (RACGP) [4,5].
- Emphasises breadth over depth in general practice knowledge.
KFP exam format:
- Contains 70 individual multi selection questions linked to clinical scenarios (RACGP) [3].
- Each question instructs you to select a specified number of responses, and there is an over selection penalty of 0.35% for each extra option selected beyond what is requested (RACGP) [4,5].
- Evaluates clinical reasoning, prioritisation skills, and context sensitive decision making.
To illustrate recent performance differences, in the 2024.2 cycle the AKT pass rate was 82.15% from 829 candidates with a pass mark of 66.44% (RACGP) [6]. In the 2024.2 KFP the pass rate was 67.83% from 945 candidates with a pass mark of 56.70% (RACGP) [7]. These figures reinforce that AKT typically tests broad factual recall, while KFP places greater demands on applied reasoning within the clinical context.
Efficient Study Strategies for Dual Prep
Efficiently preparing for both AKT and KFP is achievable with evidence backed study strategies. Here is a structured approach proven by successful candidates:
Start early and stay consistent:
- Aim to start your preparation at least 4 to 6 months before exams to avoid cramming (RuralMedEd, 2021) [2].
- Consistent, regular revision sessions enhance memory retention and improve overall confidence.
Practise with official resources:
- RACGP data show a strong association between use of practice exams and higher pass rates. For the 2019.2 KFP, 62% of candidates who attempted the practice exam passed the real exam compared with 31% who did not attempt the practice exam (newsGP) [8].
- Treat practice exams seriously by simulating real conditions, timing yourself, and reviewing rationales carefully. For planning tips and timed strategies, see our [AKT and KFP exam preparation guide].
Reflect on clinical practice daily:
- Daily patient consultations can be transformed into KFP like scenarios. Reflect on these encounters to strengthen your clinical reasoning and management decisions.
Prioritise high yield topics:
- Focus your study on frequently examined areas such as diabetes, hypertension, mental health, and dermatology, guided by RACGP curriculum and BEACH data.
- Pay attention to historically challenging areas highlighted in exam reports. For example, topics like diabetic retinopathy or lichen sclerosus often challenge candidates in reasoning and management detail.
Stay updated with Australian clinical guidelines:
- Anchor your study in authoritative sources such as the RACGP Red Book, Therapeutic Guidelines, and the Australian Medicines Handbook to ensure evidence based answers aligned with current best practices (RACGP, TG, AMH) [4,5].
- For timing tactics and topic mapping, see our detailed [AKT timing guide].
Leverage study groups and mentoring:
- Participate in study groups or seek a mentor to regularly discuss challenging clinical cases. Collaborative learning improves understanding and recall.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should I prepare for AKT and KFP
Plan a structured study period of at least 4 to 6 months to ensure comprehensive coverage and confident exam performance (RuralMedEd, 2021) [2].
2. Is passing both exams in one attempt realistic
Yes. First time pass rates are high, approximately 91.3% for AKT and 83.8% for KFP, underlining the value of thorough initial preparation (RACGP, 2024.2) [1,2].
3. Do I need different strategies for AKT compared to KFP
Study similar topics but adjust approach. AKT requires broad recall of facts, while KFP demands deeper clinical reasoning and context based decision making that aligns with scenario details (RACGP) [3,4,5].
4. What mistakes do candidates commonly make on KFP
Common pitfalls include providing overly broad responses, ignoring patient context, or listing excessive irrelevant actions beyond what the scenario requests. The new multi selection format also penalises extra options by 0.35% per additional selection, so only select what is requested (RACGP) [4,5].
5. How can I manage exam related stress effectively
Start early, study consistently, use brief relaxation techniques, and engage actively with supportive peers or mentors. Use practice exams to build familiarity and confidence. For a structured timeline, see our [AKT and KFP exam preparation guide] (RACGP) [4,5,8].
Recommended Combined Resources
To achieve optimal dual exam success, you need reliable akt kfp resources. Here is what I recommend as a trusted examiner:
RACGP public exam reports:
Essential for understanding exam trends, expectations, pass marks, and common candidate pitfalls. Recent reports include 2024.2 AKT and KFP cycles with pass rates and pass marks (RACGP) [6,7].Self Assessment Practice Tests:
RACGP endorsed practice tests that mirror the exam interface and question style, strongly recommended by exam advisors (RACGP) [4,5].RACGP curriculum and BEACH data:
Provide coverage guidance for high yield exam topics and help you prioritise study.Clinical guidelines and reference texts:
- RACGP Red Book for preventive guidelines.
- Therapeutic Guidelines for evidence based management.
- Murtagh’s General Practice for differential diagnosis structure.
- Australian Medicines Handbook for pharmacology details.
- Australian Medicines Handbook for pharmacology details.
These underpin safe, guideline aligned answers for both AKT and KFP (RACGP, TG, AMH) [4,5].
Integrated prep courses and question banks:
Platforms that provide realistic question practice, mock exams, and analytics can improve exam readiness when used alongside official materials and guidelines.
How to Balance Preparation Between the Two
The key to successfully preparing for both exams lies in balancing your study to cover shared clinical content, while still addressing each exam’s specific requirements. Here is how you can achieve that effectively:
Integrate your revision:
Study each clinical topic comprehensively by mastering factual knowledge for AKT and then practising clinical scenario reasoning for KFP. This method ensures efficient study and long term retention.Alternate your practice sessions:
Allocate regular sessions specifically for AKT style MCQs, and others for KFP style clinical cases. This balance prevents burnout and maintains engagement.Customise your study time:
Dedicate extra study time to your weaker exam style. For example, if clinical reasoning is harder for you, place greater emphasis on practising KFP cases.
Candidates who integrate their preparation strategies in this way typically report better outcomes and reduced stress levels (RuralMedEd, 2021) [2].
If you feel overwhelmed by RACGP exam preparation, Fellow Academy offers meticulously crafted AKT KFP resources, concise and comprehensive notes, evidence based flashcards, and expert led webinars. Explore our free KFP case packs and supportive resources designed to empower your study journey and boost your confidence.
Maximise your exam performance with our AKT and KFP combo bundle, tailored precisely for your dual exam success.
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] Liotta, M. 2024. RACGP releases final AKT exam report of the year. newsGP, RACGP. 5 July 2024. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/racgp-releases-final-akt-exam-report-of-the-year
[2] Liotta, M. 2024. Latest FRACGP exam report released. newsGP, RACGP. 22 August 2024. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/latest-fracgp-exam-report-released
[3] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 2025. Overview of Fellowship exams. East Melbourne, VIC, RACGP. https://www.racgp.org.au/education/registrars/fellowship-pathways/policy-framework/program-handbooks-and-guidance-documents/agpt-registrar-training-handbook/fellowship-exams/overview-of-fellowship-exams
[4] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 2025. AKT and KFP information for candidates, page last updated 31 July 2025. East Melbourne, VIC, RACGP. https://www.racgp.org.au/kfp-and-akt-exam-day-information
[5] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. 2024. AKT and KFP examinations guide. East Melbourne, VIC, RACGP. https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/Education/Registrars/Fellowship%20Pathways/Exams/Examinations-guide.pdf
[6] Liotta, M. 2024. RACGP releases final AKT exam report of the year. newsGP, RACGP. 5 July 2024. Pass rate 82.15%, 829 sat, pass mark 66.44%. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/racgp-releases-final-akt-exam-report-of-the-year
[7] RACGP media team. 2024. Latest FRACGP exam report released. newsGP, RACGP. 22 August 2024. KFP pass rate 67.83%, 945 sat, pass mark 56.70%. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/latest-fracgp-exam-report-released
[8] newsGP editorial. 2019. RACGP’s KFP exam report, tips to improve outcomes. newsGP, RACGP. 14 October 2019. Practice exam participation associated with 62% pass versus 31% without practice exam in 2019.2. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/racgp-s-kfp-exam-report-tips-to-improve-outcomes
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
Mastering how to pass AKT KFP effectively is crucial for GP trainees aiming to achieve RACGP Fellowship. This comprehensive blog explores why many trainees choose to sit both the AKT and KFP simultaneously, clarifies the key differences between these exams, offers efficient study strategies tailored for dual exam preparation, and recommends the most trusted combined AKT KFP resources to maximise your chances of success.
Why Most Candidates Sit AKT and KFP Together
Many trainees wonder if attempting both AKT and KFP simultaneously is advisable. The evidence strongly suggests it is both practical and strategic. Sitting the exams together:
Maintains momentum: Regular and consistent study ensures you retain more knowledge, significantly reducing revision workload as exams approach.
Fits RACGP’s exam calendar: The AKT and KFP are scheduled within days of each other, so preparing simultaneously is efficient and logical.
Accelerates your Fellowship journey: Passing both exams in the same cycle allows you immediate eligibility for the Clinical Competency Exam, avoiding delays and associated stress.
Benefits from content overlap: Both AKT and KFP cover almost identical clinical domains, allowing integrated revision to save time and effort.
Statistical evidence clearly supports this strategy. First time AKT pass rates sit at around 91.3%, but drop to 72.6% on second attempts, 53.8% on third attempts, and 23.9% by a fourth or subsequent attempt (RACGP, 2024.2) [1]. Similarly, first time KFP pass rates are approximately 83.8%, declining to 48.6% on second attempts, 36% on third attempts, and 19.3% by a fourth or subsequent attempt (RACGP, 2024.2) [2].
Key Differences in Exam Format and Thinking Style
Clearly understanding the differences between AKT and KFP helps you tailor your study approach precisely. The exams differ notably in format and required thinking style:
AKT exam format:
- Consists of 150 single best answer multiple choice questions (RACGP) [3].
- The total test duration is 4 hours, which is about 1.6 minutes per question when averaged across the paper (RACGP) [4,5].
- Emphasises breadth over depth in general practice knowledge.
KFP exam format:
- Contains 70 individual multi selection questions linked to clinical scenarios (RACGP) [3].
- Each question instructs you to select a specified number of responses, and there is an over selection penalty of 0.35% for each extra option selected beyond what is requested (RACGP) [4,5].
- Evaluates clinical reasoning, prioritisation skills, and context sensitive decision making.
To illustrate recent performance differences, in the 2024.2 cycle the AKT pass rate was 82.15% from 829 candidates with a pass mark of 66.44% (RACGP) [6]. In the 2024.2 KFP the pass rate was 67.83% from 945 candidates with a pass mark of 56.70% (RACGP) [7]. These figures reinforce that AKT typically tests broad factual recall, while KFP places greater demands on applied reasoning within the clinical context.
Efficient Study Strategies for Dual Prep
Efficiently preparing for both AKT and KFP is achievable with evidence backed study strategies. Here is a structured approach proven by successful candidates:
Start early and stay consistent:
- Aim to start your preparation at least 4 to 6 months before exams to avoid cramming (RuralMedEd, 2021) [2].
- Consistent, regular revision sessions enhance memory retention and improve overall confidence.
Practise with official resources:
- RACGP data show a strong association between use of practice exams and higher pass rates. For the 2019.2 KFP, 62% of candidates who attempted the practice exam passed the real exam compared with 31% who did not attempt the practice exam (newsGP) [8].
- Treat practice exams seriously by simulating real conditions, timing yourself, and reviewing rationales carefully. For planning tips and timed strategies, see our [AKT and KFP exam preparation guide].
Reflect on clinical practice daily:
- Daily patient consultations can be transformed into KFP like scenarios. Reflect on these encounters to strengthen your clinical reasoning and management decisions.
Prioritise high yield topics:
- Focus your study on frequently examined areas such as diabetes, hypertension, mental health, and dermatology, guided by RACGP curriculum and BEACH data.
- Pay attention to historically challenging areas highlighted in exam reports. For example, topics like diabetic retinopathy or lichen sclerosus often challenge candidates in reasoning and management detail.
Stay updated with Australian clinical guidelines:
- Anchor your study in authoritative sources such as the RACGP Red Book, Therapeutic Guidelines, and the Australian Medicines Handbook to ensure evidence based answers aligned with current best practices (RACGP, TG, AMH) [4,5].
- For timing tactics and topic mapping, see our detailed [AKT timing guide].
Leverage study groups and mentoring:
- Participate in study groups or seek a mentor to regularly discuss challenging clinical cases. Collaborative learning improves understanding and recall.
Tools That Make Active Recall Easy
Digital tools simplify the process of integrating active recall and spaced repetition into your RACGP exam preparation.
-
Brainscape: Uses adaptive algorithms to determine when you should review each flashcard based on your confidence level.
-
Anki: Allows custom deck creation for topics like PBS rules or emergency management.
-
Quizlet: Offers collaborative decks for study groups.
Using these tools allows you to:
-
Review flashcards during commutes or between patients.
-
Automatically revisit topics you’re struggling with.
-
Track progress and identify weak areas.
These platforms bring structure to your study plan, ensuring regular reinforcement and better recall.
(For time management strategies, see our AKT Study Planner.)
How to Combine These Methods for Peak Performance
When you combine active recall with spaced repetition, the results are exponential. This combination, known as “spaced retrieval practice”, creates a continuous cycle of learning, forgetting, and relearning that strengthens memory.
-
Start early (at least 6–12 months before your exam).
-
Create flashcards for each guideline or high-yield topic.
-
Use Brainscape or Anki daily to review material in spaced cycles.
-
Schedule mock exams every 3–4 weeks to test your applied knowledge.
Research indicates spaced repetition can significantly increase long-term retention, with spaced learners achieving approximately 58% accuracy compared to 43% among traditional learners (p<0.001) [4].
By six months into this method, most candidates report not only improved recall but also better confidence under pressure. You’re no longer scrambling to remember—you’re retrieving information automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should I prepare for AKT and KFP
Plan a structured study period of at least 4 to 6 months to ensure comprehensive coverage and confident exam performance (RuralMedEd, 2021) [2].
2. Is passing both exams in one attempt realistic
Yes. First time pass rates are high, approximately 91.3% for AKT and 83.8% for KFP, underlining the value of thorough initial preparation (RACGP, 2024.2) [1,2].
3. Do I need different strategies for AKT compared to KFP
Study similar topics but adjust approach. AKT requires broad recall of facts, while KFP demands deeper clinical reasoning and context based decision making that aligns with scenario details (RACGP) [3,4,5].
4. What mistakes do candidates commonly make on KFP
Common pitfalls include providing overly broad responses, ignoring patient context, or listing excessive irrelevant actions beyond what the scenario requests. The new multi selection format also penalises extra options by 0.35% per additional selection, so only select what is requested (RACGP) [4,5].
5. How can I manage exam related stress effectively
Start early, study consistently, use brief relaxation techniques, and engage actively with supportive peers or mentors. Use practice exams to build familiarity and confidence. For a structured timeline, see our [AKT and KFP exam preparation guide] (RACGP) [4,5,8].
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)