The AKT 50 exam was held on 24th January 2024 and was taken by 1703 candidates. This exam feedback report provides a summary of the January 2024 exam, including important statistics, areas of strength and difficulty for candidates, and advice for candidates looking to prepare for future AKT exams. If you would like to review other feedback reports for previous AKT examinations, please click on any of the below for more information:
The scores for this AKT exam ranged from 76 to 189 out of 199 questions, with a mean overall score of 148.21 marks (74.48%). The pass mark was set at 140, with 68.16% of all candidates passing this exam. The mean score for each of the three subject areas was as follows:
For the January 2024 AKT exam, candidates performed better than previous exams in questions that related to:
Summary of areas causing difficulty in AKT50:
This is a broad area where we often provide feedback. In AKT 50, candidates struggled to identify common side effects of long-term medications used in chronic disease management. The BNF is a very useful resource for revision around this area.
Safe interpretation of pathology results is a core part of general practice. We noted that candidates were not always taking into account all the results provided in some questions. Candidates are encouraged to consider "borderline" results as well as those that are clearly abnormal. An educational session with a supervisor talking through pathology results that have been received can be a good way to revise these more difficult areas.
Prescribing of controlled drugs is an area where we commonly provide feedback. It is important for candidates to safely prescribe controlled drugs, and candidates are reminded to check the guidelines around this.
This is another broad area which frequently causes difficulties and where we often provide feedback. In AKT 50, candidates struggled with practice administration 4 issues relevant to doctor-patient relationship breakdown. Candidates could consider spending time with a partner or practice manager to discuss important areas of practice administration to which they do not have much exposure during GP training.
Faltering growth in infants is an important presentation which candidates struggled with in AKT 50. There is clear national guidance around this topic which candidates are encouraged to read through and discuss with their supervisor..
Candidates in AKT 50 found some difficulty around investigations for common gynaecological presentations. Candidates are reminded to consider which investigations are appropriate to organise in primary care prior to any referral/secondary care investigations. This applies more broadly and not just with regard to reproductive health.
Interpretation of ECGs is an important part of general practice. This caused some difficulties in AKT 50. Candidates are expected to recognise common and important ECG changes, both acute and chronic, as well as recognising a normal ECG. This could form a good topic for a study group with peers, or a tutorial with the candidate’s supervisor.
Acute neurological presentations in general practice are not uncommon and may indicate serious underlying illness. Candidates should consider a range of differential diagnoses and should be able to identify the most likely cause from the presentation described.
After each of the last three sittings of the AKT exam, we have highlighted a need for improvement regarding:
The feedback concerned drug monitoring, side effects, safe prescribing of drugs used in long-term conditions, antimicrobial prescribing/stewardship, controlled drugs, quality improvement methodologies, and pathology results.
After two of the last three sittings of the AKT exam, we have highlighted a need for improvement regarding:
Social media use, doctor/patient relationship breakdown.
Eating disorders, faltering growth.
Interpretation of symptoms and signs including acute presentations and MUS.
It is crucial for candidates to stay vigilant and scrutinise relevant guidance in their AKT exam preparation, which will help to improve their chances of success. The GP curriculum serves as a robust blueprint for exam readiness, and the knowledge and skills sections of each topic guide offer a valuable resource for those striving to make certain they've encompassed all critical topics. Additionally, regularly reviewing the scenarios in the AKT exam with caution and completing an online MRCGP AKT question bank and mock exam is highly recommended.