The MRCGP AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) was held on the 27th of April 2022 and was sat by 2,230 candidates. This exam feedback report provides a summary of the April 2022 exam, including key statistics, areas of strength and difficulty for candidates, and tips for AKT exam preparation. If you would like to review feedback reports for other AKT examinations held in the past, please click on any of the below for more information:
The AKT scores ranged from 66 to 194 out of 199 questions, with the pass mark set at 142 and a mean overall score of 146.1 marks achieved (73.42%). The AKT exam typically consists of 200 questions, however, after conducting a final review of the question performance, one of the 200 MCQs was redacted from the final scoring total. In total, 60.31% of all 2,230 candidates passed the April 2022 AKT exam. The mean score for each of the three subject areas was as follows:
For the April 2022 AKT exam, candidates performed better than in previous sittings in questions relating to:
The feedback on the topic of safe prescribing in the AKT exam highlighted a lack of knowledge in two areas amongst candidates. The first area was the appropriate monitoring of drugs commonly prescribed for mental health conditions, with the second area being the less common but serious side effects of drugs used to treat long-term conditions. To prepare for future AKT exams, the British National Formulary (BNF) is a recommended resource, specifically the general sections that relate to commonly prescribed groups of drugs.
AKT candidates showed a lack of understanding regarding access to patient records and maintaining confidentiality appropriately, which is a crucial responsibility for all Healthcare Professionals. To address this, future candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with GMC and BMA guidance on this topic.
In the AKT, candidates showed a lack of knowledge of blood pressure and risk thresholds that guide prescribing medication to reduce cardiovascular risk. Candidates also struggled with interpreting common, abnormal ECG findings. It is important for future candidates to review national guidelines on the management of common conditions and be familiar with ECG interpretations and required management. ECGs will continue to be tested in future AKT exams.
Patients with chronic health conditions may receive care from both Primary and Secondary Healthcare Professionals, including those with gastroenterological issues. It is, therefore, important for candidates to be knowledgeable of medications used to manage common chronic conditions both in Primary and Secondary Care. In the AKT exam, candidates struggled with the management of some conditions, highlighting the need for increased understanding in this area.
Candidates aspiring for success in their exams must heed to the importance of these vital areas in their preparation. The GP curriculum offers an all-encompassing roadmap for exam readiness, with the knowledge and skills sections within each topic guide being a valuable resource for those seeking to thoroughly cover all crucial topics. To further boost their chances, it is suggested that candidates do the MRCGP AKT question bank and mock exam, periodically review feedback from previous AKT exams, and pinpoint areas that require extra attention in their preparation.