What to Expect on RACGP Exam Day? AKT, KFP & Clinical Preparation Guide

After months of preparation, practice questions, and study sessions, the RACGP exam day finally arrives. Whether you’re sitting the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), Key Feature Problem (KFP), or Clinical Competency Exam (CCE), understanding what to expect on the day can make a significant difference.

Being familiar with the format, timing, and expectations helps reduce anxiety and allows you to focus on performing your best. This article will walk you through what to expect on exam day, along with key tips to stay calm, confident, and prepared for the AKT and KFP exams.

 

RACGP Exam Prep

 

Before the Exam: Preparation & Mindset

Success on exam day begins long before you enter the testing venue. The night before, ensure you’ve had adequate rest, eaten well, and organized everything you need, identification, confirmation email, and stationery (if allowed). Arrive early to avoid stress from delays and allow yourself time to settle.

It’s normal to feel nervous, but remember: the RACGP exams are designed to assess applied clinical reasoning, not trick candidates. Having a calm, structured approach will help you demonstrate your true capability to be a GP in Australia.

 

AKT Exam Day: What to Expect?

The Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) is a computer-based multiple-choice exam held in approved test centres across Australia. It consists of 150 questions over 4 hours, testing a broad range of clinical knowledge relevant to general practice.

Key things to expect:

  • Format: Single-best-answer multiple-choice questions.
  • Timing: Around 1.5 minutes per question, requiring efficient time management.
  • Content Areas: Clinical presentations, diagnostic reasoning, patient management, ethics, and population health.
  • Environment: You’ll sit in a quiet, invigilated computer lab setting. A timer will be visible on screen.

 

AKT Time Management Tips:

  • Pace yourself, aim for 40 questions per hour.
  • Flag difficult questions and return to them later.
  • Avoid second-guessing yourself; your first instinct is often right.

Remember, AKT success depends on combining clinical knowledge with smart pacing and exam-day focus.

 

KFP Exam Day: What to Expect

The Key Feature Problem (KFP) exam focuses on clinical reasoning and decision-making. You’ll complete 26 cases (52 questions) in 3.5 hours, presented as written scenarios.

 

Key things to expect:

  • Case-based format: You’ll be given clinical vignettes followed by targeted questions about investigation, diagnosis, and management.
  • Typing-based responses: Be concise and clinically relevant, long sentences don’t earn extra marks.
  • Variable case length: Some cases have multiple questions, while others are shorter, so time management is critical.

 

How to Pace in the KFP Exam:

  • Allocate about 8 minutes per case on average.
  • Read the question carefully before answering, don’t miss key details.
  • Avoid overthinking; provide practical, guideline-based answers.

Practice writing structured responses beforehand to build speed and accuracy. The RACGP KFP exam rewards clarity, not volume.

 

AKT and KFP Q Bank

 

Clinical Exam Day (CCE): What to Expect?

The Clinical Competency Exam (CCE), previously known as the OSCE, assesses communication skills, professionalism, and clinical reasoning through simulated consultations.

What to expect:

  • Format: 9–12 clinical stations, each lasting about 10 minutes.
  • Setting: Conducted online or in-person, depending on the cycle. You’ll interact with simulated patients or assessors playing clinical roles.
  • Assessment Criteria: Interpersonal skills, patient-centered approach, diagnostic reasoning, and safe management.

 

Clinical Exam Tips:

  • Use a clear consultation structure (history, examination, management, safety netting).
  • Show empathy and patient understanding, communication is key.
  • Don’t panic if a station feels difficult; move on with confidence.

Examiners look for safe, consistent, and professional behaviour, not perfection.

 

FRACGP Exam Course

 

General RACGP Exam Timing Tips

Across all RACGP exams, AKT, KFP, and Clinical, timing, composure, and preparation matter just as much as knowledge.

  • Simulate exam conditions during your study period.
  • Stay hydrated and take brief mental breaks when allowed.
  • Trust your preparation, you’ve already done the hard work.

Knowing what to expect on RACGP exam day can transform nervous energy into confidence. The AKT tests broad clinical knowledge, the KFP examines reasoning and judgment, and the Clinical Exam (CCE) evaluates how you apply it all in real-world settings.

By managing your time, staying calm, and practicing with exam-style questions, you’ll be ready to perform at your best. Whether it’s AKT time management, understanding how to pace in the KFP exam, or demonstrating professionalism in the clinical stations, preparation and composure are your keys to success.