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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
Understanding AKT and KFP exam differences helps you prepare with confidence, efficiency, and focus. This comprehensive guide compares both exams in structure, purpose, and preparation strategy, while sharing proven akt KFP resources for GP trainees, international medical graduates (IMGs), and supervisors who want to optimise their study and performance.
Recent statistics show why understanding these exams matters. The average KFP pass rate since 2021 has been 71% [1], while the AKT has averaged 81% [1]. In the 2024.2 exam cycle alone, AKT recorded an 82.15% pass rate [2], while the KFP achieved 67.83% [3]. These numbers highlight how preparation strategies must adapt for each exam’s format and difficulty.
Overview: AKT vs KFP
The RACGP Fellowship journey requires you to pass both the AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) and KFP (Key Feature Problem) exams. They assess complementary but distinct skill sets.
AKT: Focuses on your breadth of clinical knowledge, including diagnostic, management, ethical, and population health competencies.
KFP: Focuses on your depth of reasoning, requiring you to demonstrate logical decision making and prioritisation in realistic patient scenarios.
While both are essential, the KFP’s case-based design often feels more challenging because it demands precise judgment under exam conditions. Across 2021–2024, KFP pass rates have averaged 71%, compared to 81% for AKT [1].
This distinction means you cannot rely solely on memorisation: the KFP measures how you think as a GP in real time.
Exam Structure and Format Comparison
Each exam has unique timing, marking, and question structures. Knowing these differences early helps tailor your preparation.
AKT format:
150 multiple choice questions (MCQs)
Duration: 4 hours
Exam type: Single-best-answer and extended-matching
Pass rate: 82.15% in 2024.2 [2]
Focus: Breadth of knowledge
KFP format:
70 multiple choice case-based questions (new format introduced mid-2025)
Duration: 4 hours
Focus: Clinical reasoning and prioritisation
Pass rate: 67.83% in 2024.2 [3]
AKT vs KFP: Key Differences
Question Style
AKT: Multiple choice, single best answer
KFP: Case-based multiple selection
Exam Duration
Both: 4 hours
Focus
AKT: Broad factual medical knowledge
KFP: Clinical decision making
Average Pass Rate (2021–2024)
Recent Result (2024.2)
Both exams are held twice per year, often on consecutive days, allowing candidates to attempt both within the same cycle.
For additional structural details, see our [RACGP Exam Day Checklist].
How Preparation Differs Between the Two
Each exam demands a different study rhythm and technique.
Preparing for the AKT
AKT success depends on breadth of content knowledge and speed. Focus on:
Regular timed MCQ practice (simulate 150 questions in 4 hours).
Reviewing RACGP curriculum topics weekly.
Using resources like Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Immunisation Handbook, and PBS database to ensure currency.
Practising recall under timed conditions.
Example:
If you’re studying diabetes, cover diagnostic thresholds, first-line therapies, and PBS prescribing rules. For the AKT, memorising these details is essential.
Tip: Use Fellow Academy’s AKT flashcards and question banks to build recall speed while reinforcing clinical context.
Preparing for the KFP
The KFP rewards depth of reasoning and contextual decision making. Effective strategies include:
Practising clinical reasoning through case-based learning.
Writing out key steps in diagnosis and management for each case.
Limiting yourself to what’s clinically justified.
Reviewing real RACGP case reports to learn from common candidate errors.
Example:
If presented with a 65-year-old with breathlessness and oedema, identify red flags, prioritise urgent heart failure management, and avoid unnecessary investigations.
Tip: Join structured KFP study groups that mirror RACGP’s case approach. Discussing reasoning aloud enhances your ability to think clearly under exam pressure.
For a combined study plan, see our [Integrated AKT-KFP Study Schedule].
Resources That Cover Both Exams Efficiently
High quality akt kfp resources are invaluable for streamlining preparation. The best tools integrate AKT knowledge testing with KFP reasoning practice.
Recommended Resources:
RACGP official materials: Self Assessment Progress Tests (SAPTs) and sample exams [5].
Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG): Ensures you are using up-to-date recommendations.
Murtagh’s General Practice: Ideal for integrating clinical reasoning.
Fellow Academy AKT & KFP Bundle: Combines realistic MCQs, case-based reasoning, and evidence-based summaries.
Why Integrated Resources Work:
They maintain alignment with RACGP expectations.
They improve study efficiency by merging both exam approaches.
They prevent knowledge fragmentation across two exams.
For topic-specific strategies, explore our [KFP Case Practice Guide].
Frequently Asked Questions
1. KFP vs AKT: Which RACGP Exam Is Harder?
Statistically, most GP trainees find the KFP exam harder. Since 2021, the average KFP pass rate has been 71%, compared to 81% for the AKT [1]. The KFP’s difficulty comes from testing clinical reasoning, decision-making, and prioritisation under significant time pressure.
2. What is the difference between AKT and KFP?
The AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) assesses clinical knowledge broadly through multiple-choice questions. The KFP (Key Feature Problem) tests clinical reasoning and decision-making through case-based scenarios requiring prioritisation and careful judgement. AKT is about breadth; KFP is about depth and reasoning [2].
3. How hard is the AKT exam?
The AKT is challenging but considered manageable with structured revision. In recent years, approximately 81% of candidates pass each cycle [1]. It requires robust factual recall, clinical knowledge application, and familiarity with Australian guidelines, making it rigorous but achievable with diligent preparation.
4. What is the pass rate for the GP AKT exam?
The AKT pass rate averages around 81% over recent years (2021–2024). Specifically, in the most recent 2024.2 exam cycle, the AKT pass rate was 82.15% [2]. Effective exam strategies and structured revision significantly enhance your chance of success.
5. How many questions are on the AKT exam?
The AKT consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), which you have 4 hours to complete [2]. These questions typically involve single-best-answer and extended-matching formats that test applied clinical knowledge across the general practice curriculum.
Should You Study for AKT and KFP Together?
Yes, you should. Both exams share the same knowledge base, and studying together maximises efficiency. Candidates who integrate preparation tend to perform better overall [4].
Integrated Study Benefits:
Reinforces knowledge through repetition in both formats.
Reduces study time by covering shared curriculum areas once.
Improves consistency between theoretical and applied reasoning.
Practical Combined Plan:
Start 4–5 months before the exam cycle.
Allocate 3 days weekly to AKT-style MCQs.
Allocate 2 days weekly to KFP-style case reasoning.
Conduct weekly mixed-topic reviews combining both formats.
Example:
In “respiratory week,” practise 20 AKT MCQs on asthma, then tackle a KFP case on COPD management.
Combined preparation builds stamina, a critical advantage when exams occur on consecutive days.
What Each Exam Actually Tests
Both exams draw from the same curriculum, but their goals differ.
AKT: Testing Applied Knowledge
The AKT evaluates whether you can apply clinical knowledge across the full scope of general practice. You are expected to:
Recall diagnostic criteria, management plans, and guideline recommendations.
Apply evidence-based reasoning to common general practice scenarios.
Demonstrate familiarity with Australian guidelines and PBS prescribing standards.
AKT questions are written by experienced GPs and aligned with the RACGP curriculum. For example, you may be asked:
“Which of the following is the most appropriate initial investigation for this presentation?”
Such questions reward candidates who can recall factual information quickly and apply it within context.
KFP: Testing Clinical Reasoning
The KFP focuses on judgment, prioritisation, and safe patient management. Each scenario mimics a consultation, where you must decide:
What is the most likely diagnosis?
Which investigations are justified?
What are the critical next steps in management?
Precision is crucial. Selecting unnecessary answers (known as overcoding) can reduce marks. The KFP tests not what you know, but how you think under time pressure.
As an examiner, I often advise: think like you would in a real consultation, where each decision counts toward safe patient care.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, Fellow Academy is here with carefully designed AKT and KFP question banks, concise notes, and practical flashcards to guide your preparation compassionately and effectively. You're not alone—we’re here 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 insights shared are based on examiner experience and successful candidate feedback. They serve 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 insights shared are based on examiner experience and successful candidate feedback. They serve as general study guidance only and should not be taken as official RACGP advice.
References
[1] Medical Republic. (2024, October 16). Major college exam to be fully multi choice. The Medical Republic.
https://www.medicalrepublic.com.au/major-college-exam-to-be-fully-multi-choice/111729
[2] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2024, August 27). RACGP releases final AKT exam report of the year. newsGP.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/racgp-releases-final-akt-exam-report-of-the-year
[3] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2024, September 17). Latest FRACGP exam report released. newsGP.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/latest-fracgp-exam-report-released
[4] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2019). KFP public exam report 2019.2. East Melbourne, VIC: RACGP.
https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/Education/Registrars/Fellowship%20Pathways/Exams/KFP-exam-2019-2.pdf
[5] Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2025). Exam planning, start here. RACGP.
https://www.racgp.org.au/education/fracgp-exams/preparing-for-exams/exam-planning-start-here
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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Complete the Form to Access 30 FREE KFP MSQs & AKTs + Invite to Our Free 2026.1 RACGP Exam Prep Webinar
Dr Shaun Tan, FRACGP, MD, BMSC
Medical Examiner | Associate Lecturer
Scored 90% on the AKT & Top 15th percentile in the KFP
Summary
Understanding AKT and KFP exam differences helps you prepare with confidence, efficiency, and focus. This comprehensive guide compares both exams in structure, purpose, and preparation strategy, while sharing proven akt KFP resources for GP trainees, international medical graduates (IMGs), and supervisors who want to optimise their study and performance.
Recent statistics show why understanding these exams matters. The average KFP pass rate since 2021 has been 71% [1], while the AKT has averaged 81% [1]. In the 2024.2 exam cycle alone, AKT recorded an 82.15% pass rate [2], while the KFP achieved 67.83% [3]. These numbers highlight how preparation strategies must adapt for each exam’s format and difficulty.
Overview: AKT vs KFP
The RACGP Fellowship journey requires you to pass both the AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) and KFP (Key Feature Problem) exams. They assess complementary but distinct skill sets.
AKT: Focuses on your breadth of clinical knowledge, including diagnostic, management, ethical, and population health competencies.
KFP: Focuses on your depth of reasoning, requiring you to demonstrate logical decision making and prioritisation in realistic patient scenarios.
While both are essential, the KFP’s case-based design often feels more challenging because it demands precise judgment under exam conditions. Across 2021–2024, KFP pass rates have averaged 71%, compared to 81% for AKT [1].
This distinction means you cannot rely solely on memorisation: the KFP measures how you think as a GP in real time.
Exam Structure and Format Comparison
Each exam has unique timing, marking, and question structures. Knowing these differences early helps tailor your preparation.
AKT format:
150 multiple choice questions (MCQs)
Duration: 4 hours
Exam type: Single-best-answer and extended-matching
Pass rate: 82.15% in 2024.2 [2]
Focus: Breadth of knowledge
KFP format:
70 multiple choice case-based questions (new format introduced mid-2025)
Duration: 4 hours
Focus: Clinical reasoning and prioritisation
Pass rate: 67.83% in 2024.2 [3]
AKT vs KFP: Key Differences
Question Style
AKT: Multiple choice, single best answer
KFP: Case-based multiple selection
Exam Duration
Both: 4 hours
Focus
AKT: Broad factual medical knowledge
KFP: Clinical decision making
Average Pass Rate (2021–2024)
Recent Result (2024.2)
Both exams are held twice per year, often on consecutive days, allowing candidates to attempt both within the same cycle.
For additional structural details, see our [RACGP Exam Day Checklist].
How Preparation Differs Between the Two
Each exam demands a different study rhythm and technique.
Preparing for the AKT
AKT success depends on breadth of content knowledge and speed. Focus on:
Regular timed MCQ practice (simulate 150 questions in 4 hours).
Reviewing RACGP curriculum topics weekly.
Using resources like Therapeutic Guidelines, Australian Immunisation Handbook, and PBS database to ensure currency.
Practising recall under timed conditions.
Example:
If you’re studying diabetes, cover diagnostic thresholds, first-line therapies, and PBS prescribing rules. For the AKT, memorising these details is essential.
Tip: Use Fellow Academy’s AKT flashcards and question banks to build recall speed while reinforcing clinical context.
Preparing for the KFP
The KFP rewards depth of reasoning and contextual decision making. Effective strategies include:
Practising clinical reasoning through case-based learning.
Writing out key steps in diagnosis and management for each case.
Limiting yourself to what’s clinically justified.
Reviewing real RACGP case reports to learn from common candidate errors.
Example:
If presented with a 65-year-old with breathlessness and oedema, identify red flags, prioritise urgent heart failure management, and avoid unnecessary investigations.
Tip: Join structured KFP study groups that mirror RACGP’s case approach. Discussing reasoning aloud enhances your ability to think clearly under exam pressure.
For a combined study plan, see our [Integrated AKT-KFP Study Schedule].
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. KFP vs AKT: Which RACGP Exam Is Harder?
Statistically, most GP trainees find the KFP exam harder. Since 2021, the average KFP pass rate has been 71%, compared to 81% for the AKT [1]. The KFP’s difficulty comes from testing clinical reasoning, decision-making, and prioritisation under significant time pressure.
2. What is the difference between AKT and KFP?
The AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) assesses clinical knowledge broadly through multiple-choice questions. The KFP (Key Feature Problem) tests clinical reasoning and decision-making through case-based scenarios requiring prioritisation and careful judgement. AKT is about breadth; KFP is about depth and reasoning [2].
3. How hard is the AKT exam?
The AKT is challenging but considered manageable with structured revision. In recent years, approximately 81% of candidates pass each cycle [1]. It requires robust factual recall, clinical knowledge application, and familiarity with Australian guidelines, making it rigorous but achievable with diligent preparation.
4. What is the pass rate for the GP AKT exam?
The AKT pass rate averages around 81% over recent years (2021–2024). Specifically, in the most recent 2024.2 exam cycle, the AKT pass rate was 82.15% [2]. Effective exam strategies and structured revision significantly enhance your chance of success.
5. How many questions are on the AKT exam?
The AKT consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), which you have 4 hours to complete [2]. These questions typically involve single-best-answer and extended-matching formats that test applied clinical knowledge across the general practice curriculum.
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.
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)