Non-urgent advice: Some basics
The Applied Knowledge Test is a MCQ summative assessment of the knowledge base that underpins independent general practice.
The AKT is a computer-based test of three hours and ten minutes duration comprising 200 question items. It is delivered three times a year at 150 Pearson VUE professional testing centres across the UK.
Approximately 80% of question items will be on clinical medicine, 10% on critical appraisal and evidence based clinical practice and 10% on health informatics and administrative issues.
Non-urgent advice: Some top tips
1. The AKT can be taken during or after the ST2 stage of GP training. A maximum number of four attempts will be permitted. Pick the right time for you for the exam, no one else can, but for most the best time is probably end of ST2 or beginning of ST3. Remember, you need some GP experience as there are GP-orientated questions!
2. Discipline. Start preparation in plenty of time. An hour a day for 6 months is worth it!! If like me, you are a stress head, dont leave it to the last 1 month as you will have no free time and will make you very nervous!
3. Make notes and concentrate more on your weak areas. Slow and steady- listen to your instincts, work more on your weak areas- I did the DVLA guidance, Stats questions, Paediatrics more than other areas as I felt they were my weak areas and it really paid off- I scored 96% on stats!!
4. Read latest guidelines- especially Asthma, COPD, DM, DVLA, stats, Paediatrics etc.
5. Exam is tough as too many questions, pace yourself, highlight questions you want to come back to and leave yourself at least 10 minutes at the end.
6. if you think you would find it difficult to finish the exam in the allotted time – perhaps for linguistic reasons – consider a dyslexia assessment with the Professional Support Unit (PSU). Ask your supervisor or Training Programme Director (TPD) about this. If you fail your AKT, don’t despair – many people pass after a failed attempt. Stay focused; try to think why you failed (inadequate prep time? Bad attitude?) and make use of the support of your colleagues and supervisors