Whilst
candidates will be eligible to attempt the AKT at any point during
their time in GP specialty training, it is anticipated that the most
appropriate point, and that providing the highest chance of success,
will be whilst working as a GPStR in the final year of their
specialty training programme (ST3).
Format of the test
The test
takes the form of a three-hour multiple-choice test of 200 items. It
is computer-based and delivered at 150 Pearson VUE professional
testing centres around the UK.
-
80% of question items will be on clinical medicine
-
10% on critical appraisal and evidence based clinical
practice
-
10% on health informatics and administrative issues
All
questions will address important issues relating to UK general
practice and will focus mainly on higher order problem solving
rather than just the simple recall of basic facts.
Applying to sit the AKT
Candidates will be able to sit the AKT at a Pearson VUE test centre
on three occasions each year. The application process is in three
stages. Candidates
-
register for the nMRCGP through this website, then
-
apply online to sit the test on the next available date. The
applicable fee must be paid, normally online using a credit
card. Candidates have the opportunity at this point to register
any disability and request a reasonable adjustment, for example
additional time to complete the test. Applications are confirmed
in an automatically generated email that gives the telephone
number of the Pearson VUE contact centre.
-
book
a test by phoning Pearson VUE and choose a test centre.
The
earlier a candidate books, the greater the chances of their
preferred centre being available: candidates booking later may need
to travel further. Pearson VUE will confirm each booking in an
e-mail, which will give the address of the test centre, the time by
which the candidate must arrive, the identification documents that
must be presented, other details about sitting the test and the
rules that apply. It is essential to arrive on time: candidates who
arrive late will not be admitted.
Test security
There
are two sessions on each test date – morning and afternoon. In order
to preserve the security of the test, morning candidates will not be
permitted to leave the test room until the test has finished.
Because the morning session cannot be extended, candidates who are
granted extra time to complete the test will need to book an
afternoon session.
Candidates are asked to note that Pearson VUE use CCTV cameras to
ensure that there are no violations of test security.
Disabilities and reasonable adjustments
Appropriate arrangements will be made for candidates with
disabilities or special needs, as far as these can be accommodated.
The AKT will comply with all relevant UK legislation in this
respect, but candidates should notify the RCGP of any special
requirements at the earliest possible opportunity.
Before the test starts
Candidates must present themselves at the test centre with two
identification documents,
-
one
showing their name, photograph and signature (i.e. a valid
passport or UK photocard driving licence),
-
the
other their name and signature (e.g. a credit card).
The name
on the identification documents should match the name under which
they registered with RCGP: if the names are different, (for example,
one is their maiden name and the other their married name)
candidates must present an original official document that links the
two names (for example, a marriage certificate). Failure to do so
will result in the candidate being refused admission, since Pearson
VUE must be sure the person sitting the test is the person who
registered with RCGP.
Candidates then sit the test at a computer work station, using a
mouse and keyboard to select their answers. Before the test begins,
candidates complete a brief tutorial on screen to ensure that they
know how to record their answers and scroll through the questions.
During the test
Candidates will not be allowed to take anything into the test room
with them. This includes bags, books, notes, mobile phones, pagers,
watches, wallets, purses, food and drink. Every test centre has
lockers where these items can be left securely (mobile phones must
be switched off). Candidates will be allowed to leave the testing
room for water, food or the toilet, but no additional time will be
allowed in the test.
Non-disclosure agreement
All test
items are confidential to RCGP. By applying to take the AKT
candidates agree not to pass on knowledge of any of the items in the
test.
Results and feedback
The RCGP
will communicate results to candidates soon after each test.
Feedback will be sent to candidates on their performance in each of
the three key subject areas tested, with appropriate comparative
data for meaningful interpretations to be made. Detailed feedback
will be provided for deaneries and other interested parties about
the overall performance of the candidature as a whole, after each
examination. Candidates’ individual results will be notified to
their deanery. Unsuccessful candidates will be able to resit the AKT
by applying to the RCGP and booking a new test with Pearson VUE.
|
