Sitting the AKT

You must bring the following two forms of ID to the test centre:

• primary ID - photographic, for example international or UK travel passport, driver’s license, military ID or identification card
• secondary ID - any ID containing at least name and signature, for example a current credit or debit card

For further information, including a full list of acceptable ID, please see Pearson’s ID policy (PDF file, 235 KB).

The names on your ID must match exactly with the names you used on your RCGP application. If they're different, you must bring an original official document linking the two names. For example, if one is your maiden name and one your married name, bring a marriage certificate.

Without the required ID, you will not be able to take the examination. Plan ahead to avoid unnecessary issues.

Email exams@rcgp.org.uk well before the examination date if you have any doubts.

You must arrive at the test centre on time. If you arrive late, you will not be allowed to take the examination. Please check transport and parking in advance because there is no flexibility on admission times.

Please note that there will are two different starts times in the morning examination session (either 9:00 or 9:30), depending on your time allowance. You should consult on your Pearson booking confirmation email for your correct start time.

The afternoon examination session starts at 12:30.

All candidates should aim to arrive 30 mins prior to their test time to allow for sufficient time to check in.

Candidates in the morning session are quarantined in the test room until 12:30, so as to avoid contact with candidates booked in the afternoon session. Attempting to leave the test centre before this time will be treated as misconduct.

You cannot bring personal items into the test room; they must be left in the locker provided. This includes:

• Bags
• Coats, outerwear (including hoodies / hooded garments) and head coverings*
• Calculators
• Books
• Notes
• Mobile phones
• Electronic equipment including laptops, tablets and pagers
• Watches
• Wallets or purses
• Fidget toys (including those worn on the person)
• Food and drink, except water**

All electronic devices (such as mobile phones, smart watches, or other recording-enabled items) must be powered off and stored before entering the test area. A zero-tolerance policy applies, and refusal to comply will lead to being unable to sit your examination. In a situation where non-compliance is discovered during the examination sitting, an investigation of misconduct will be necessary which could result in an annulment of results as per the misconduct policy.

Some comfort aids are permitted by Pearson without prior permission: Pearson comfort aid list (PDF file, 139 KB). For candidates bringing a comfort aid(s) to the examination, please arrive at the beginning of your arrival window so that Pearson have sufficient time to check and approve items before the examination starts.

*Unless worn for cultural or medical reasons.

**Water is allowed in the testing area but must be in a clear (free of labels) and resealable container with a sports cap, of no more than 750ml, which will be subject to visual inspection by an invigilator prior to being taken into the testing room.

• Example image of water bottle (PDF file, 145 KB)

All test items are confidential to the RCGP. By applying to take the AKT, candidates agree not to pass on knowledge of any of the items in the test. Before starting the exam, on the day, you will be asked to read and digitally sign a non-disclosure agreement. Evidence of sharing AKT questions or answers after the examination with any party constitutes a breach of the MRCGP: Misconduct policy and procedure for AKT and SCA and can result in a candidate's examination results being annulled or withheld.

• CCTV: Pearson uses CCTV cameras to prevent violations of test security.
• Security (wand) scanning: To help maintain a secure and fair examination environment for all candidates, Pearson are introducing enhanced security screening measure.

From June 2026, as part of the check-in process, you may be asked to undergo a brief security scan using handheld detection devices. Until October 2026 candidates can decline to be scanned, but after this time it will become mandatory. The devices are designed to identify unauthorised electronic equipment, including hidden cameras and other recording devices.

During the scan, you will be asked to stand still with your arms outstretched while a trained test centre administrator guides you through the process; the scan is quick and designed to minimise disruption.

Candidates may also be subject to additional screening when returning from break.

Please see the Pearson Security Scanning Candidate Handout for further information.

You will take the examination at a computer workstation.

Before the examination begins, you will complete a brief tutorial to familiarise yourself with the format of the examination and the computer system.

You can leave the testing room for water or to visit the toilet, but no additional time will be given.

Further information, including what to expect at Pearson test centres, can be found on the Pearson website.

A tour of a Pearson professional centre is also available.