Pass mark
MRCGP AKT pass mark and pass rate, explained
To pass the AKT you need to reach the pass mark. The mark is set for each exam, so it changes a little each time. Recent exams needed about 68%. This guide explains how it works.
What is the pass mark?
The pass mark is the score you need to pass the exam.
It is not a fixed number. The exam board sets it for each exam. They look at how hard the questions are. If an exam has harder questions, the pass mark can be a little lower. If it has easier questions, it can be a little higher. This keeps the standard fair and the same for everyone.
What has it been recently?
On the new 160-question paper, the pass mark has recently been 108 to 109 marks out of 160. That is about 67% to 68%:
- •October 2025: 109 out of 160 (68.1%).
- •January 2026: 108 out of 160 (67.5%).
So a safe plan is to aim well above 70% in your practice. That gives you a buffer for exam-day nerves and harder questions.
Pass mark vs pass rate
These two things sound the same, but they are different:
- •Pass mark — the score you need to pass.
- •Pass rate — the share of people who pass.
The pass rate changes from exam to exam. In the two most recent sittings, around 71% to 77% of all candidates passed. For UK-graduate first-time takers it was about 88% — much higher. Each sitting has roughly 1,500 to 1,600 candidates.
What this means for you
Do not aim to just scrape a pass. Aim higher.
If you score 75% or more in honest, timed practice, you give yourself a strong margin. Remember: a practice score only counts if you did not look at the answers first.
Now read our guide on how to revise for the AKT to build a plan that gets you there.
Frequently asked
What is the AKT pass mark?+
It is set for each exam and changes a little each time. On the 160-question paper it has recently been 108 to 109 out of 160 — about 67% to 68%.
Is the AKT marked on a curve?+
No. You are not marked against other candidates. The pass mark is based on how hard the questions are. In theory, everyone in a sitting could pass.
What score should I aim for?+
Aim well above the pass mark. A score of around 75% or more in honest, timed practice gives you a safe margin.