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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
Every GP trainee experiences some anxiety approaching the Key Feature Problem, KFP, exam. With historical pass rates hovering between 55.81% and 67.83% [1,2], it is natural to feel apprehensive. Thankfully, recent improvements have lifted the pass rate to 76.89% as of 2025 [2]. However, it is crucial to understand that this improvement does not mean the exam has become easier, it simply reflects candidates being better prepared.
In this comprehensive guide on KFP exam preparation, I will walk you through structured, evidence based study strategies proven to help you not just pass, but thrive in this challenging exam. We will cover exactly what examiners look for, effective study methods, how to manage your time and wellness, and address some commonly asked questions.
Understanding the KFP Exam’s Unique Challenges
The KFP exam specifically assesses your clinical reasoning, not just your factual recall. Previously comprising 26 short answer cases, since the 2025.2 iteration, the exam now contains 70 multiple selection scenarios without any free text responses [3]. This format shift highlights the need to clearly identify and respond to specific key clinical features presented in each scenario.
Candidates typically face these challenges:
Undercoding: Too little information leads to missed marks.
Overcoding: Excessive details result in penalties and lost marks.
Neglecting contextual details like age, gender, and medical history, causing off target responses.
To overcome these pitfalls, always approach each scenario methodically. Carefully read and underline critical details in the case history, ensuring your answers align closely with patient demographics, clinical settings, and the exact requirements of the question.
Comprehensive Curriculum Coverage
Effective RACGP KFP exam preparation demands thorough understanding across all curriculum areas. Public exam reports consistently reveal that the exam questions span clinical medicine, ethics, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and organisational and legal systems [1].
To ensure you cover the curriculum comprehensively:
Use the RACGP curriculum as a checklist for your study.
Identify weaker knowledge areas using practice exams and allocate additional study time accordingly.
Regularly review official resources like the RACGP Red Book and Therapeutic Guidelines.
Pay focused attention to often overlooked topics like Indigenous health, ethical scenarios, and rural health considerations.
Remember, skipping topics increases your risk on exam day. Comprehensive coverage builds confidence and reduces exam anxiety.
Learning from Examiner Feedback to Avoid Pitfalls
Examiner feedback from RACGP exam reports provides invaluable insights. By reviewing these reports, you will spot recurring candidate mistakes and learn how to sidestep them effectively [1].
Common pitfalls to watch for:
Misreading or ignoring specific question instructions.
Providing irrelevant answers, overlooking scenario context.
Including more answers than requested, which can lead to penalties.
Giving overly vague or general responses, lacking specificity.
Using examiner insights in your practice enables you to internalise precise answering techniques, ensuring that your responses consistently align with examiner expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the KFP exam and why is it challenging?
The KFP exam assesses your applied clinical reasoning skills in realistic GP scenarios. Its difficulty arises from strict marking criteria that penalise overly detailed answers and insufficiently detailed answers. Historical pass rates typically range from 55.81% to 67.83% [1,2], reflecting its rigorous assessment standard.
2. When should I begin preparing for the KFP exam?
Ideally, start your dedicated preparation at least 3 to 6 months prior to the exam. Early, structured study allows comprehensive curriculum coverage, spaced revision sessions, and effective practice opportunities. Regular weekly study periods significantly reduce exam related anxiety.
3. Which study strategies effectively improve KFP performance?
Highly effective study strategies include active recall, spaced repetition, and regular timed practice exams. A demonstrated practice exam advantage shows 64% pass rates for candidates who attempted the online KFP practice exam versus 35% for those who did not [4]. Align your time management to the total KFP sitting time of 4 hours to build realistic pacing and stamina [5].
4. How to pass KFP?
You pass by mastering core guidelines, practising cases under time, and answering with precise, patient centred reasoning. Treat kfp exam preparation like training for stamina and accuracy.
Do full mocks to 4 hours, refine pacing and triage.
Use examiner reports to avoid common pitfalls.
Close knowledge gaps with focused mini cycles.
5. What resources are recommended for RACGP KFP preparation?
Begin with official RACGP materials such as Self Assessment Practice Tests and the Examinations Guide. For context and motivation, note that recent cycles reported 67.83% in 2024.2 and 76.89% in 2025.1 for overall KFP pass rates [2]. Complement your study with high quality practice cases, official guidelines, targeted flashcards, structured study groups, and mentorship support for a well rounded preparation strategy.
Managing Your Study Time and Personal Wellness
Balancing clinical responsibilities and rigorous KFP exam preparation can be demanding. Your time plan should mirror real exam conditions, noting that the KFP is 4 hours in total, that is 3.5 hours plus a universal 30 minute allowance for all candidates [5]. Calibrate your mock timings to this reality.
Effective time and wellness management tips include:
Structuring weekly study schedules to cover each curriculum area comprehensively.
Regularly scheduling downtime to recharge, preventing burnout.
Avoiding heavy study sessions after exhausting clinical duties or on call shifts.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits: adequate sleep, for example 7 to 9 hours per night, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition.
Prioritising your wellness helps sustain long term study efforts, directly boosting your mental clarity, concentration, and performance on exam day.
Active Study Techniques for Optimal Retention
Active learning strategies significantly outperform passive study methods. Candidates who attempted the online RACGP practice KFP exam achieved 64% pass rates in one cohort compared with 35% among those who did not attempt the practice exam [4]. This underscores the practical value of retrieval practice in an assessment that prioritises applied reasoning.
Effective active learning methods include:
Active recall: Regularly test yourself with practice questions and flashcards.
Spaced repetition: Revisit topics periodically to strengthen long term retention.
Simulated exam practice: Regularly undertake full length, timed KFP mock exams. In addition to the practice exam advantage above, RACGP confirms candidates must manage a total exam duration of 4 hours for KFP, which should shape your time training and pacing strategy [5].
Integrating these techniques helps convert your study sessions into powerful memory building activities, significantly enhancing your exam performance.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by RACGP exam preparation, Fellow Academy offers high quality AKT and KFP questions, concise exam notes, and evidence based flashcards designed to help you study smarter and perform confidently. Explore our free KFP case packs, practical study webinars, and proven exam 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.
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] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2019). 2019.2 KFP Examination Report, public version. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/Education/Registrars/Fellowship%20Pathways/Exams/KFP-exam-2019-2.pdf
[2] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, newsGP. (2025, April 2). Latest Fellowship exam results surpass previous. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/latest-fellowship-exam-results-surpass-previous
[3] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, newsGP. (2024, October 16). Key Feature Problem exam changes on the way. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/key-feature-problem-exam-changes-on-the-way
[4] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, newsGP. (2019, March 27). KFP 2019.1 exam report, tips to improve outcomes. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/kfp-2019-1-exam-report-tips-to-improve-outcomes
[5] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2024). Examinations Guide, AKT and KFP, 2024 edition. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/Education/Registrars/Fellowship%20Pathways/Exams/Examinations-guide.pdf
AKT Exam Preparation: Study Strategies That Work
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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
Every GP trainee experiences some anxiety approaching the Key Feature Problem, KFP, exam. With historical pass rates hovering between 55.81% and 67.83% [1,2], it is natural to feel apprehensive. Thankfully, recent improvements have lifted the pass rate to 76.89% as of 2025 [2]. However, it is crucial to understand that this improvement does not mean the exam has become easier, it simply reflects candidates being better prepared.
In this comprehensive guide on KFP exam preparation, I will walk you through structured, evidence based study strategies proven to help you not just pass, but thrive in this challenging exam. We will cover exactly what examiners look for, effective study methods, how to manage your time and wellness, and address some commonly asked questions.
Understanding the KFP Exam’s Unique Challenges
The KFP exam specifically assesses your clinical reasoning, not just your factual recall. Previously comprising 26 short answer cases, since the 2025.2 iteration, the exam now contains 70 multiple selection scenarios without any free text responses [3]. This format shift highlights the need to clearly identify and respond to specific key clinical features presented in each scenario.
Candidates typically face these challenges:
Undercoding: Too little information leads to missed marks.
Overcoding: Excessive details result in penalties and lost marks.
Neglecting contextual details like age, gender, and medical history, causing off target responses.
To overcome these pitfalls, always approach each scenario methodically. Carefully read and underline critical details in the case history, ensuring your answers align closely with patient demographics, clinical settings, and the exact requirements of the question.
Comprehensive Curriculum Coverage
Effective RACGP KFP exam preparation demands thorough understanding across all curriculum areas. Public exam reports consistently reveal that the exam questions span clinical medicine, ethics, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and organisational and legal systems [1].
To ensure you cover the curriculum comprehensively:
Use the RACGP curriculum as a checklist for your study.
Identify weaker knowledge areas using practice exams and allocate additional study time accordingly.
Regularly review official resources like the RACGP Red Book and Therapeutic Guidelines.
Pay focused attention to often overlooked topics like Indigenous health, ethical scenarios, and rural health considerations.
Remember, skipping topics increases your risk on exam day. Comprehensive coverage builds confidence and reduces exam anxiety.
Learning from Examiner Feedback to Avoid Pitfalls
Examiner feedback from RACGP exam reports provides invaluable insights. By reviewing these reports, you will spot recurring candidate mistakes and learn how to sidestep them effectively [1].
Common pitfalls to watch for:
Misreading or ignoring specific question instructions.
Providing irrelevant answers, overlooking scenario context.
Including more answers than requested, which can lead to penalties.
Giving overly vague or general responses, lacking specificity.
Using examiner insights in your practice enables you to internalise precise answering techniques, ensuring that your responses consistently align with examiner expectations.
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. What is the KFP exam and why is it challenging?
The KFP exam assesses your applied clinical reasoning skills in realistic GP scenarios. Its difficulty arises from strict marking criteria that penalise overly detailed answers and insufficiently detailed answers. Historical pass rates typically range from 55.81% to 67.83% [1,2], reflecting its rigorous assessment standard.
2. When should I begin preparing for the KFP exam?
Ideally, start your dedicated preparation at least 3 to 6 months prior to the exam. Early, structured study allows comprehensive curriculum coverage, spaced revision sessions, and effective practice opportunities. Regular weekly study periods significantly reduce exam related anxiety.
3. Which study strategies effectively improve KFP performance?
Highly effective study strategies include active recall, spaced repetition, and regular timed practice exams. A demonstrated practice exam advantage shows 64% pass rates for candidates who attempted the online KFP practice exam versus 35% for those who did not [4]. Align your time management to the total KFP sitting time of 4 hours to build realistic pacing and stamina [5].
4. How to pass KFP?
You pass by mastering core guidelines, practising cases under time, and answering with precise, patient centred reasoning. Treat kfp exam preparation like training for stamina and accuracy.
Do full mocks to 4 hours, refine pacing and triage.
Use examiner reports to avoid common pitfalls.
Close knowledge gaps with focused mini cycles.
5. What resources are recommended for RACGP KFP preparation?
Begin with official RACGP materials such as Self Assessment Practice Tests and the Examinations Guide. For context and motivation, note that recent cycles reported 67.83% in 2024.2 and 76.89% in 2025.1 for overall KFP pass rates [2]. Complement your study with high quality practice cases, official guidelines, targeted flashcards, structured study groups, and mentorship support for a well rounded preparation strategy.
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.
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Durrani, S. F., Yousuf, N., Ali, R., et al. (2024). Effectiveness of spaced repetition for clinical problem solving amongst undergraduate medical students studying paediatrics in Pakistan. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), 676.
-
Price, D. W., Wang, T., O’Neill, T. R., et al. (2025). The effect of spaced repetition on learning and knowledge transfer in a large cohort of practising physicians. Academic Medicine, 100(1), 94–102.
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