AKT Exam Tips: Study Plans and Strategies on How to Pass the AKT Exam

The Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) is a crucial component of the RACGP Fellowship examinations, assessing the applied clinical knowledge of aspiring GPs. For many candidates, it’s a challenging step that requires not only solid medical knowledge but also strategic preparation. If you’re wondering how to pass the AKT exam, the key lies in having a clear AKT study plan, consistent practice, and the right mindset.

In this article, we’ll explore effective AKT exam tips and proven strategies to help you prepare confidently and perform at your best.

 

RACGP Exam Prep

 

Understanding the AKT Exam

Before diving into preparation, it’s important to understand what the AKT involves:

  • Format: Multiple-choice questions, single best answer.
  • Duration: 4 hours.
  • Focus: Applied clinical knowledge relevant to Australian general practice.
  • Content Areas: Clinical medicine (~80%), applied Australian health system (~10%), and evidence-based practice (~10%).

This structure means your preparation should balance deep medical knowledge with an understanding of how to apply it in real-world GP scenarios.

 

Step 1: Build a Solid AKT Study Plan

One of the most effective AKT exam tips is to start early and create a structured AKT study plan. Aim for 3-6 months of preparation, depending on your familiarity with Australian general practice guidelines.

A sample plan could look like this:

1.    Months 1-2: Broad content review,  clinical guidelines, Murtagh’s General Practice, and Australian-specific protocols.

2.    Months 3-4: Practice timed questions and identify weak areas.

3.    Months 5-6: Intensive revision, mixed question banks, and simulated exams.

Include daily reading, weekly MCQ practice, and monthly mock tests in your plan.

 

Step 2: Use High-Quality Resources

To maximise your chances of success, rely on trusted study materials:

  • RACGP AKT exam resources and syllabus.
  • Murtagh’s General Practice (core reference book).
  • Australian Therapeutic Guidelines.
  • Online question banks such as GPRA, Medentry, or Passmed.
  • Peer study groups for discussion and accountability.

High-quality resources ensure your preparation matches the exam’s clinical and contextual focus.

 

AKT and KFP Q Bank

 

Step 3: Practice Under Exam Conditions

One common reason candidates struggle is lack of exam stamina. The AKT is 4 hours long, requiring intense focus.
To prepare:

  • Take full-length timed practice exams.
  • Simulate exam-day conditions (no interruptions, strict timing).
  • Review not just wrong answers but also why correct answers are correct.

This will help you manage time pressure and build confidence for the actual test.

 

Step 4: Focus on High-Yield Topics

While the AKT can cover any general practice area, some topics appear frequently:

  • Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, asthma, COPD).
  • Preventive care and screening guidelines.
  • Mental health (depression, anxiety).
  • Women’s and children’s health.
  • Emergency presentations in primary care.
  • Immunisations and travel medicine.

Integrating these into your AKT study plan ensures you’re not missing common exam areas.

 

Step 5: Develop Clinical Reasoning Skills

The AKT isn’t just about memorising facts ,  it tests your ability to apply them. To sharpen clinical reasoning:

  • Read case studies and think through differential diagnoses.
  • Identify the “most likely” diagnosis rather than every possible one.
  • Match treatment plans to Australian best-practice guidelines.

This approach aligns with how to pass the AKT exam,  thinking like a GP, not just a student.

 

Step 6: Learn from Past Candidates

Speaking to colleagues who’ve sat the AKT can provide valuable insights. They can share:

  • Study schedules that worked.
  • Common pitfalls to avoid.
  • How to handle stress and time pressure.

Joining RACGP candidate forums or local GP training networks can also give you access to peer advice and moral support.

 

FRACGP Exam Course

 

Step 7: Manage Exam Day Effectively

No matter how well you’ve prepared, exam-day strategy matters:

  • Sleep well the night before.
  • Eat a balanced meal before the exam.
  • Read each question carefully, AKT questions often have distracters.
  • Don’t spend too long on one question; flag it and return if needed.
  • Trust your first instinct; it’s often correct if you’ve studied well.

 

Step 8: Keep Your Mind and Body Healthy

Burnout and anxiety can undermine months of preparation.

  • Take regular study breaks.
  • Exercise to reduce stress.
  • Maintain a healthy diet.
  • Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises to stay calm.

A healthy mind performs better under pressure.

Passing the AKT is achievable with the right mindset, resources, and preparation strategy. By creating a structured AKT study plan, practising under exam conditions, and focusing on high-yield topics, you’ll position yourself for success.

Remember, the AKT is not just a test of knowledge, but of your ability to think and act like an Australian GP. Start early, stay consistent, and use these AKT exam tips to approach your exam with confidence.