MRCGP AKT exam format: 160 questions in 160 minutes

What is the AKT?

The AKT is one of the three MRCGP exams. The other two are the SCA and the WPBA.

The AKT is a multiple-choice exam. You sit it on a computer. It tests the knowledge you need to work as a GP in the UK.

The 2025 change

Until October 2025 the exam had 200 questions. Now it is shorter. The key facts are simple:

• •160 questions.
• •160 minutes.
• •That is about one minute per question.

So you need to work at a steady pace. Try not to spend too long on one hard question.

What topics come up?

Most of the exam is clinical. Here is the split:

• •About 80% clinical — the illnesses you see every day in general practice.
• •About 10% evidence and statistics — reading research and understanding numbers.
• •About 10% how practice works — the rules, systems and admin of UK general practice.

A simple plan: spend most of your time on clinical topics. But do not skip evidence and admin. They are easy marks if you practise them.

The types of question

The exam uses a few question types. Practise all of them, not just one:

• •Single best answer — pick the one best option. This is the main type.
• •Multiple best answer — pick more than one correct option.
• •Extended matching — match each item to an option from a long list.
• •Other types — free text, tables and picture questions.

How to get ready

Practise the way you will sit the exam:

• •Use a timer. Aim for about one minute per question.
• •Practise every topic, not just the ones you like.
• •Do full mocks of 160 questions so the real exam feels normal.

Next, read our guide on how to revise for the AKT. You can also check the AKT pass mark to see the score you are aiming for.