MRCGP AKT

MRCGP AKT: Complete Guide to Format, Syllabus & Preparation

The MRCGP Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) is the Royal College of General Practitioners' (RCGP) summative exam of the knowledge underpinning independent general practice in the UK. Since October 2025, it is a 160-item, 160-minute computer-based exam, held at Pearson VUE centres four times a year. Around 80% of items cover clinical medicine, with the remainder split between critical appraisal/evidence-based practice and health informatics/administrative issues. GP trainees must hold active MRCGP membership to book it.

What is the MRCGP AKT?

The Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) is one component of the MRCGP examination set by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). It is a summative assessment of the knowledge base underpinning independent general practice in the UK within the context of the NHS, sat by doctors in GP specialty training.

From October 2025, RCGP reduced the AKT from 200 items over 190 minutes to 160 items over 160 minutes, giving candidates slightly longer per item while shortening the overall exam — this is a recent change worth stating explicitly, since older third-party guides may still describe the previous 200-item format.

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FAQS

MRCGP AKT FAQs

160 items, over 160 minutes — changed from the previous 200 items over 190 minutes, effective October 2025.

Approximately 80% clinical medicine, 10% critical appraisal and evidence-based practice, and 10% health informatics and administrative issues.

Yes. Resigned, lapsed, or suspended membership will prevent booking — confirm your status with RCGP well before a booking window opens.

£481 per RCGP's published fees page.

RCGP does allow an exceptional fifth attempt on the basis of additional educational attainment, via a specific application.

No. The MRCGP [INT.] South Asia AKT is a separate 200-question, 3.5-hour exam sat in Abu Dhabi or Karachi, leading to International Membership rather than UK GP registration. This page covers the standard UK AKT only.