Applied Knowledge Test

The Applied Knowledge Test is a summative assessment of the knowledge base that underpins independent general practice in the United Kingdom within the context of the National Health Service. Candidates who pass this assessment will have demonstrated their competence in applying knowledge at a level which is sufficiently high for independent practice.

Whilst candidates will be eligible to attempt the AKT at any point during their time in GP specialty training, it is anticipated that the most appropriate point, and that providing the highest chance of success, will be whilst working as a GPStR in the final year of their specialty training programme (ST3).

Format of the test

The test takes the form of a three-hour multiple-choice test of 200 items. It is 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 will address important issues relating to UK general practice and will focus mainly on higher order problem solving rather than just the simple recall of basic facts. Examples of AKT questions may be viewed here.

Applying to sit the AKT

Candidates will be able to sit the AKT at a Pearson VUE test centre on three occasions each year.  The application process is in three stages.  Candidates

1. register for the nMRCGP through this website, then
2. apply online to sit the test on the next available date. The applicable fee must be paid, normally online using a credit card. Candidates have the opportunity at this point to register any disability and request a reasonable adjustment, for example additional time to complete the test.  Applications are confirmed in an automatically generated email that gives the telephone number of the Pearson VUE contact centre.
3. book a test by phoning Pearson VUE and choosing a test centre.  Details of centres and their locations are available on the Pearson VUE website.

The earlier a candidate books, the greater the chances of their preferred centre being available: candidates booking later may need to travel further. Pearson VUE will confirm each booking in an e-mail, which will give the address of the test centre, the time by which the candidate must arrive, the identification documents that must be presented, other details about sitting the test and the rules that apply. It is essential to arrive on time: candidates who arrive late will not be admitted.

Test security

There are two sessions on each test date – morning and afternoon. In order to preserve the security of the test, morning candidates will not be permitted to leave the test room until the test has finished. Because the morning session cannot be extended, candidates who are granted extra time to complete the test will need to book an afternoon session.

Candidates are asked to note that Pearson VUE use CCTV cameras to ensure that there are no violations of test security.

Dates of tests

There will be three sittings of the AKT in each year. Candidates apply online for the next available date. Only one date will be offered at a time.

* For each sitting, if all places are filled for the main date, then a reserve date will be offered in its place. This reserve date will act as an overspill date in case candidate numbers exceed expectations. It will not be possible to book onto both the main and reserve date for a sitting. The reserve date will only be opened if needed.

Disabilities and reasonable adjustments

Appropriate arrangements will be made for candidates with disabilities or special needs, as far as these can be accommodated. The AKT will comply with all relevant UK legislation in this respect, but candidates should notify the RCGP of any special requirements at the earliest possible opportunity.

Before the test starts

Candidates must present themselves at the test centre with two identification documents, one showing their name, photograph and signature (this should be a valid passport or UK photocard driving licence), the other their name and signature (e.g. a credit card). The name on the identification documents should match the name under which they registered with RCGP: if the names are different, (for example, one is their maiden name and the other their married name) candidates must present an original official document that links the two names (for example, a marriage certificate). Failure to do so will result in the candidate being refused admission, since Pearson VUE must be sure the person sitting the test is the person who registered with RCGP.

Candidates then sit the test at a computer work station, using a mouse and keyboard to select their answers. Before the test begins, candidates complete a brief tutorial on screen to ensure that they know how to record their answers and scroll through the questions.

During the test

Candidates will not be allowed to take anything into the test room with them. This includes bags, books, notes, mobile phones, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, food and drink. Every test centre has lockers where these items can be left securely (mobile phones must be switched off). Candidates will be allowed to leave the testing room for water or the toilet, but no additional time will be allowed in the test. According to Pearson VUE rules, candidates will not be allowed to eat in the test centre.

Non-disclosure agreement

All test items are confidential to RCGP. By applying to take the AKT candidates agree not to pass on knowledge of any of the items in the test.

Results and feedback

Candidates who sit the AKT for Summative Assessment purposes can obtain their results from their deanery.

Feedback will be provided to candidates on their performance in each of the three key subject areas tested, with appropriate comparative data for meaningful interpretations to be made. Detailed feedback will be provided for deaneries and other interested parties about the overall performance of the candidature as a whole, after each examination. Candidates’ individual results will be notified to their deanery.

Unsuccessful candidates will be able to resit the AKT by applying to the RCGP and booking a new test with Pearson VUE.