MRCGP Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)
MRCGP: Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)
Format
Content Guide for the AKT
Information for candidates and trainers
When the AKT can be sat
Assessment dates
How to apply
Preparing for the AKT
The test takes the form of a three hour machine marked test comprising 200 question items. It’s computer based and delivered at 150 Pearson VUE professional testing centres around the UK.
Approximately 80% of question items will be on clinical medicine, 10% on critical appraisal and evidence based clinical practice and 10% on health informatics and administrative issues.
All questions address important issues relating to UK general practice and focus mainly on higher order problem solving rather than just the simple recall of basic facts.
Content Guide for the AKT
NEW LEARNING RESOURCE for the AKT
The new Curriculum was introduced in August 2012. The AKT Core Group has prepared a new learning resource to complement the curriculum which essentially lists the topics that could be tested in the AKT.
It is not an exhaustive list and inevitably it will need to be updated but we hope that it will be helpful in defining the topics that candidates should be aware of, particularly in the areas of Evidence interpretation including research, statistics and epidemiology, and Organisational questions which include administrative, statutory, ethical and regulatory frameworks.
It is designed to be used in conjunction with the curriculum and is not a substitute for it.
It may look daunting but we would encourage you to read the Introduction to understand its use, and there are examples to show how topics relate to the curriculum.
Content Guide for the AKT
GP Curriculum
AKT: information for candidates and trainers
Examination Regulations
You should ensure that you’re familiar with the relevant sections of the MRCGP Examination Regulations before applying to sit the AKT, particularly with respect to eligibility and the number of attempts permissable.
- View MRCGP regulations, reviews, complaints, appeals here.
The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and the General Medical Council have set expectations about the currency of national professional examinations and the number of attempts permissible. This guidance can be found here.
When the AKT can be sat
The AKT can be sat during or after the ST2 stage of GP training.
A maximum number of four attempts will be permitted for those who have entered GP Specialty Training on or after 1st August 2010.
The AKT is also available to practitioners on GP Induction and Refresher (I&R) schemes.
AKT assessment dates 2012-2013
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October 2012
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January 2013
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April 2013
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October 2013
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Booking period
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11-20 September 2012
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28 November-6 December 2012
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12-20 March 2013
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10-18 September 2013
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AKT test date
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31 October 2012
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30 January 2013
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1 May 2013
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30 October 2013
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Results published
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27 November 2012
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27 February 2013
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30 May 2013
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27 November 2013
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All dates may be subject to change. Appropriate notice of any changes will be given at the earliest opportunity.
How to apply for the AKT
Step one: apply to RCGP and pay the application fee
Firstly, you’ll need to apply online during one of the booking periods shown in the table above. If you don’t already have an account on the RCGP website, you’ll need to register and create one (see below).
When you book, you’ll be able to declare any disabilities or special needs. If you require additional time because of a disability or special need, you will need to book an afternoon session with Pearson Vue (see Step two below). Morning test sessions can’t be extended beyond three hours.
Step two: book at a test centre with Pearson VUE
The RCGP will send you an email confirming that your online application has been successful. Please allow TWO BUSINESS DAYS for the RCGP to pass your details to Pearson VUE before scheduling a centre.
It’s best to book early in order to ensure that you can sit at the centre of your choice.
There are specific rules regarding the identification documents that are required for admission at the test centre. You’ll find specific details in your confirmation email from Pearson VUE and in further information given below.
Book a place at a Pearson VUE test centre
Preparing for the AKT
Sample AKT questions
The RCGP’s InnovAIT journal for GP trainees has hundreds more AKT style questions. You’ll need to subscribe to InnovAIT to access them
AKT: on the day
It’s essential that you arrive at the test centre on time: if you arrive late, you won’t be admitted to the test. The confirmation email from Pearson VUE will provide information about timings.
All personal belongings must be left in a locker and your mobile phone switched off. You won’t be allowed to take anything into the test room with you including bags, books, notes, mobile phones, pagers, calculators or any other electronic equipment, watches, wallets, purses, food or drink. Specific information will be given in the confirmation email.
We will be asking candidates in October 2012 to take a few minutes after their AKT to complete a short questionnaire. We are seeking candidates’ views on the content of the test and exam preparation. This should only take 5-10 minutes. Thank you very much in advance for your help with this.
Test security
There are two sessions on each test date, morning and afternoon. To preserve the security of the test, the candidates who sit during the morning session are not permitted to leave the test area until the afternoon candidates have arrived for their test.
Pearson VUE uses CCTV cameras to prevent violations of test security.
Identification documents
You must bring the following two identification documents to the test centre: a current passport or UK photocard driving licence, and a second showing your name and signature in the form of a current credit or debit card.
The names shown on the identification documents must match exactly with the names you used when submitting your application to the RCGP. If the names are different, for example, because one is your maiden name and one your married name, then you must also bring an original official document that links the two names, or example, a marriage certificate.
If you fail to bring the required identification documents, you won’t be permitted to sit the test. During the test you will take the test at a computer work station and, before it begins, complete a brief tutorial to ensure that you know how to scroll through the questions and record your answers using the mouse and keyboard.
You’ll be allowed to leave the test room for water or to visit the toilet, but no additional time will be given.
Non disclosure agreement
All test items are confidential to the RCGP. You’ll be required to sign an agreement not to pass on knowledge of any of the items used in the test.
Results and feedback
AKT results The result of your test will published in your ePortfolio on the date given in the table above.
If you’re taking the AKT as part of a GP Induction and Refresher (I&R) scheme, your result will be issued via email.
Summary reports of previous AKT sittings can be found here.
Resitting the AKT
If you’re unsuccessful, you’ll need to start the process again once the next application window opens by making a new application to RCGP, and then booking a test with Pearson VUE.
Contact us
You can email us: exams@rcgp.org.uk
Telephone: 0203 188 7660