The AKT 56 exam was held on 9th July, 2025 and was taken by 1344 candidates. This exam feedback report provides a summary of the July 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 75 to 192 out of 200 questions, with a mean overall score of 145.29 marks (72.64%). The pass mark was set at 138, with 69.12% of all candidates passing this exam. The mean score for each of the three subject areas was as follows:
For the July 2025 AKT exam, candidates performed better than in previous exams in questions that related to:
Summary of areas causing difficulty in AKT 56:
In AKT 56, candidates appeared to lack familiarity with terminology used to describe study designs commonly used in general practice, for example, when reviewing clinical outcomes. There was also a lack of familiarity with terms used to describe common issues with data collection and interpretation. We do not expect detailed knowledge in these areas, but candidates should aim for a practical understanding of commonly used research and statistical terminology.
In AKT 56, candidates were uncertain about the appropriate tests to use in primary care for the diagnosis of some important and potentially serious infectious diseases. Whilst many infections are diagnosed based on symptoms and signs alone, there are some conditions where diagnostic testing is indicated, and candidates should be familiar with appropriate tests.
The RCGP are repeating the feedback that they provided after three of the previous four sittings of the AKT exam, namely, that while it is often difficult to make definitive clinical diagnoses from possible neurological signs, they encourage candidates to be aware of combinations of symptoms and/or signs which are typical of particular conditions. Candidates appear to be struggling with this area, and input from a trainer might be helpful to assist with finding learning opportunities to obtain greater clinical familiarity with presentations.
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:
Interpretation of symptoms and signs, including acute presentations
The feedback concerned data interpretation and common study design terminology
Prescribing in older adults, interpretation of results, and drug monitoring.
The feedback concerned access to medical records
Diagnosis and management of common urological conditions
Management of common long-term conditions
Management of common conditions
Eye signs
Colorectal and perianal conditions
Hormone replacement therapy
Diagnostic investigations for infectious diseases
Early pregnancy complications
Very broad- includes diagnosis, investigation and management of common and long-term MSK conditions
Learning disability and genetic causes
Paediatric and adult asthma management
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.