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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
Preparing for your RACGP exams can feel like a marathon rather than a sprint. Between managing full clinic days, after-hours responsibilities, and family commitments, finding time to study effectively is challenging. Yet, with the right RACGP exam preparation strategy, success is not just possible—it’s predictable.
Preparing for your RACGP exams can feel like a marathon rather than a sprint. Between managing full clinic days, after-hours responsibilities, and family commitments, finding time to study effectively is challenging. Yet, with the right RACGP exam preparation strategy, success is not just possible—it’s predictable.
Many trainees spend months reading textbooks and guidelines, only to discover that passive study methods fail when applied to high-stakes exams. The good news is that active recall and spaced repetition, two of the most researched and proven learning techniques, can help you study smarter, retain more, and perform confidently under pressure.
This article explores the science behind these methods, why they work, and how to apply them to both the AKT and KFP exams. Along the way, we’ll look at practical examples, common pitfalls, and the tools that can make your study plan more efficient.
Why Passive Reading Doesn’t Work
The first thing to understand about exam performance is this: rereading your notes or highlighting textbooks might feel productive, but it isn’t. Your brain learns best when it’s challenged, not when it’s comfortable.
Studies confirm passive learning techniques do not significantly enhance exam performance unless combined with active learning methods like retrieval practice [1]
When you highlight text or re-read notes, your brain recognises the material but doesn’t actually learn how to recall it. This leads to what educators call “the illusion of competence.” You feel confident because you recognise information, but under timed conditions, you can’t retrieve it.
Practical examples for RACGP candidates include:
Recognising a medication name from your notes but forgetting the correct PBS restrictions.
Remembering the appearance of a rash from a guideline but not the differential diagnosis.
Recalling part of a guideline but not the exact investigation sequence under exam pressure.
To overcome this, you must shift from recognition to recall. Instead of simply reading, try:
Covering your notes and writing everything you remember about a topic.
Using short quizzes or flashcards to force retrieval.
Explaining a clinical concept aloud, as though teaching a colleague.
This is the foundation of active recall, which turns study time into a memory workout.
The Science of Active Recall (and Why It Boosts Memory)
Active recall, also known as retrieval practice, is the process of actively trying to remember something rather than simply reviewing it. It is one of the most powerful ways to convert short-term memory into long-term knowledge.
Retrieval practice significantly enhances long-term retention compared to passive study methods, as evidenced by cognitive science research [2].
Every time you recall a fact, you strengthen the neural pathway that stores it. This “testing effect” makes information easier to access later, particularly under exam stress. For GP trainees, it helps build clinical fluency—the ability to recall and apply guidelines instantly when presented with a case.
Practical ways to use active recall in RACGP exam preparation include:
Flashcards: Create simple question-answer cards for key facts. Example: “What are the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome?”
Practice questions: Attempt AKT and KFP questions under exam conditions. Then review your reasoning and answers.
Teaching: Explain topics aloud to peers or even to yourself. This reinforces understanding and highlights gaps.
Research consistently shows that medical trainees who use active recall outperform those who rely on note review alone. Students who adopted active recall in a clinical setting achieved higher test scores and retained knowledge longer than those who used traditional study techniques [3].
How Spaced Repetition Builds Long-Term Retention
Spaced repetition complements active recall by optimising when you review information. Instead of revising everything at once, you review material at gradually increasing intervals. This prevents the “forgetting curve” described by Ebbinghaus and transforms short-term knowledge into long-term memory.
A landmark 2025 trial involving over 26,000 physicians found spaced repetition significantly improved long-term knowledge retention, with spaced learners answering approximately 58% correctly versus approximately 43% for non-spaced learners (p<0.001) [4].
Here’s how to structure your spacing intervals:
Review material 1 day after learning it.
Review again after 1 week, then 1 month, then 3 months.
Continue periodic reviews of key concepts before the exam.
Practical examples for RACGP candidates:
Reviewing the cardiovascular disease management guideline today, revisiting it next week, and then testing yourself on it a month later.
Using a flashcard app that automatically prioritises cards you forget frequently.
Revisiting the same KFP cases at spaced intervals to check for improved performance.
The key is repetition over time. Learning a topic once gives short-term familiarity; revisiting it repeatedly ensures mastery.
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 Section on RACGP Exam Preparation
1. What is the most effective method for RACGP exam preparation?
The combination of active recall and spaced repetition remains the most effective. Research shows spaced learners achieve around 58% accuracy versus 43% among those using traditional methods (p<0.001) (4).
2. Can I rely on flashcards alone to pass RACGP exams?
Flashcards are invaluable but should be used alongside practice questions, mock exams, and clinical reasoning exercises. Flashcards build recall, while KFP cases build application.
3. How soon should I begin using spaced repetition for RACGP exams?
Ideally, start 6–12 months before your exam. This allows multiple review cycles and ensures stronger long-term retention.
4. How often should I review my study materials using spaced repetition?
Review material daily in short sessions, then gradually extend intervals (1 day, 1 week, 1 month). Consistency is key—15–20 minutes daily yields better results than long, irregular sessions.
5. Why does passive reading fail for RACGP exam preparation?
Passive reading doesn’t engage retrieval mechanisms. Studies clearly show passive methods such as rereading or highlighting do not significantly boost exam performance unless combined with active learning strategies (1).
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 Apply Active Recall to AKT and KFP Study
RACGP exams don’t just test what you know. They test how well you can use that knowledge in context. Active recall helps you build this mental agility.
Flashcards for Efficient Recall
Flashcards are one of the most efficient tools for active recall, particularly when studying in short bursts between consultations.
Focus on high-yield areas: PBS prescribing rules, preventive screening intervals, vaccination schedules, emergency management steps, and clinical red flags.
Use simple language and one fact per card.
Review flashcards for 15–20 minutes daily. Consistency matters more than total time.
If you use platforms such as Brainscape or Anki, you’ll benefit from built-in spaced repetition features that ensure you review cards just before you’re likely to forget them.
Case-Based Learning for Practical Application
The KFP exam rewards clinical reasoning, not memorisation. Active recall through case practice strengthens this reasoning process.
Practise KFP cases weekly, writing answers from memory rather than referencing notes.
After completing a case, check your responses against model answers and note errors.
Create flashcards from mistakes to reinforce learning.
For instance, if you miss a question on acute otitis media management, create a flashcard asking for the first-line antibiotic and dosage. This turns every error into a memory trigger.
(For additional support, see our KFP Masterclass on clinical reasoning techniques.)
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.
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] GP Supervisors Australia. (2025). Study Skills Guide for GP Registrars: Studying Smarter, Not Harder. GPSA.
[2] 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.
[3] 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.
[4] 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.
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
Summary
Preparing for your RACGP exams can feel like a marathon rather than a sprint. Between managing full clinic days, after-hours responsibilities, and family commitments, finding time to study effectively is challenging. Yet, with the right RACGP exam preparation strategy, success is not just possible—it’s predictable.
Many trainees spend months reading textbooks and guidelines, only to discover that passive study methods fail when applied to high-stakes exams. The good news is that active recall and spaced repetition, two of the most researched and proven learning techniques, can help you study smarter, retain more, and perform confidently under pressure.
This article explores the science behind these methods, why they work, and how to apply them to both the AKT and KFP exams. Along the way, we’ll look at practical examples, common pitfalls, and the tools that can make your study plan more efficient.
Why Passive Reading Doesn’t Work
The first thing to understand about exam performance is this: rereading your notes or highlighting textbooks might feel productive, but it isn’t. Your brain learns best when it’s challenged, not when it’s comfortable.
Studies confirm passive learning techniques do not significantly enhance exam performance unless combined with active learning methods like retrieval practice [1]
When you highlight text or re-read notes, your brain recognises the material but doesn’t actually learn how to recall it. This leads to what educators call “the illusion of competence.” You feel confident because you recognise information, but under timed conditions, you can’t retrieve it.
Practical examples for RACGP candidates include:
Recognising a medication name from your notes but forgetting the correct PBS restrictions.
Remembering the appearance of a rash from a guideline but not the differential diagnosis.
Recalling part of a guideline but not the exact investigation sequence under exam pressure.
To overcome this, you must shift from recognition to recall. Instead of simply reading, try:
Covering your notes and writing everything you remember about a topic.
Using short quizzes or flashcards to force retrieval.
Explaining a clinical concept aloud, as though teaching a colleague.
This is the foundation of active recall, which turns study time into a memory workout.
The Science of Active Recall (and Why It Boosts Memory)
Active recall, also known as retrieval practice, is the process of actively trying to remember something rather than simply reviewing it. It is one of the most powerful ways to convert short-term memory into long-term knowledge.
Retrieval practice significantly enhances long-term retention compared to passive study methods, as evidenced by cognitive science research [2].
Every time you recall a fact, you strengthen the neural pathway that stores it. This “testing effect” makes information easier to access later, particularly under exam stress. For GP trainees, it helps build clinical fluency—the ability to recall and apply guidelines instantly when presented with a case.
Practical ways to use active recall in RACGP exam preparation include:
Flashcards: Create simple question-answer cards for key facts. Example: “What are the red flag symptoms of cauda equina syndrome?”
Practice questions: Attempt AKT and KFP questions under exam conditions. Then review your reasoning and answers.
Teaching: Explain topics aloud to peers or even to yourself. This reinforces understanding and highlights gaps.
Research consistently shows that medical trainees who use active recall outperform those who rely on note review alone. Students who adopted active recall in a clinical setting achieved higher test scores and retained knowledge longer than those who used traditional study techniques [3].
How Spaced Repetition Builds Long-Term Retention
Spaced repetition complements active recall by optimising when you review information. Instead of revising everything at once, you review material at gradually increasing intervals. This prevents the “forgetting curve” described by Ebbinghaus and transforms short-term knowledge into long-term memory.
A landmark 2025 trial involving over 26,000 physicians found spaced repetition significantly improved long-term knowledge retention, with spaced learners answering approximately 58% correctly versus approximately 43% for non-spaced learners (p<0.001) [4].
Here’s how to structure your spacing intervals:
Review material 1 day after learning it.
Review again after 1 week, then 1 month, then 3 months.
Continue periodic reviews of key concepts before the exam.
Practical examples for RACGP candidates:
Reviewing the cardiovascular disease management guideline today, revisiting it next week, and then testing yourself on it a month later.
Using a flashcard app that automatically prioritises cards you forget frequently.
Revisiting the same KFP cases at spaced intervals to check for improved performance.
The key is repetition over time. Learning a topic once gives short-term familiarity; revisiting it repeatedly ensures mastery.
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 Section on RACGP Exam Preparation
<p class="font_9">The combination of active recall and spaced repetition remains the most effective. <strong>Research shows spaced learners achieve around 58% accuracy versus 43% among those using traditional methods (p<0.001) (4).</strong></p>
<p class="font_8"><strong>2. Can I rely on flashcards alone to pass RACGP exams?</strong></p>
<p class="font_9">Flashcards are invaluable but should be used alongside practice questions, mock exams, and clinical reasoning exercises. Flashcards build recall, while KFP cases build application.</p>
<p class="font_8"><strong>3. How soon should I begin using spaced repetition for RACGP exams?</strong></p>
<p class="font_9">Ideally, start 6–12 months before your exam. This allows multiple review cycles and ensures stronger long-term retention.</p>
<p class="font_8"><strong>4. How often should I review my study materials using spaced repetition?</strong></p>
<p class="font_9">Review material daily in short sessions, then gradually extend intervals (1 day, 1 week, 1 month). Consistency is key—15–20 minutes daily yields better results than long, irregular sessions.</p>
<p class="font_8"><strong>5. Why does passive reading fail for RACGP exam preparation?</strong></p>
<p class="font_9">Passive reading doesn’t engage retrieval mechanisms. <strong>Studies clearly show passive methods such as rereading or highlighting do not significantly boost exam performance unless combined with active learning strategies (1).</strong></p>
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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