The AKT 54 exam was held on 29th January, 2025 and was taken by 1543 candidates. This exam feedback report provides a summary of the January 2025 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 64 to 192 out of 200 questions, with a mean overall score of 148.45 marks (74.23%). The pass mark was set at 139, with 71.42% of all candidates passing this exam. The mean score for each of the three subject areas was as follows:
For the January 2025 AKT exam, candidates performed better than previous exams in questions that related to:
Summary of areas causing difficulty in AKT 54:
Interpretation of data in a variety of formats is an area which candidates frequently struggle with. Awareness of the different ways that data can be presented and being able to interpret different charts is an important part of general practice. There are some excellent resources on the RCGP website including several video tutorials which can be found here:
Preparing for the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT).
Knowledge around access to medical records caused difficulty in this area. Administrative staff and practice managers can be excellent resources when revising this topic.
Candidates found some difficulty in answering questions around early pregnancy-related issues and complications. We will continue to test in topics around pregnancy relating to general practice, which may include different presentations and symptoms of pregnancy.
Treatment of common dermatological conditions caused difficulty for candidates in AKT 54. Candidates are reminded to revise a variety of presenting symptoms and their treatment.
Ophthalmology caused some difficulties in AKT 54. Candidates are reminded that whilst these presentations may be less commonly seen in general practice, it is important to be able to recognise a variety of both normal and abnormal eye signs.
This area is included in feedback from AKT 54 as candidates struggled with identifying presentations of genetic conditions associated with intellectual disability. This is a rare, but important area, and the AKT will continue to test on conditions which may first present to general practice. Recognising the signs and symptoms of a range of genetic conditions is therefore important revision.
Since 2024, there have been four annual sittings of the AKT exam. After three of the last four sittings of the AKT exam, we have highlighted a need for improvement regarding:
Drug side effects, prescribing in older adults, interpretation of results, drug monitoring.
The feedback concerned death certificate legislation, capacity, and access to medical records.
Interpretation of symptoms and signs including acute presentations, migraine.
After two of the last four sittings of the AKT exam, we have highlighted a need for improvement regarding:
Neonatal illnesses, safeguarding, recognising normal, minor illness.
Management of common symptoms and conditions.
Very broad - includes diagnosis, investigation and management of common and long-term MSK conditions.
Candidates must 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.