When should I do this course?

Whatever stage you are at within your speciality training, you will gain a huge amount from the main GP Update Course. Some trainees attend annually throughout their ST years but when should you come on this combined AKT & GP Update Course?

We suggest you come on the combined course in the months running up to your AKT as we will focus on some of the latest knowledge and evidence (the GP Update Handbook is a perfect revision text!) as well as the exam technique.


When should I sit the AKT?

Everyone is different and will have different reasons for wanting to sit the AKT at a certain point within their training. However, the evidence suggests that candidates generally do less well when attempting the exam too soon, which is one reason why the AKT can now only be taken during ST2 stage or later. Candidates who take it immediately before spending time in General Practice also seem to do less well.


Given that you'll probably already be studying for your AKT, here are some other helpful pointers based on the evidence which may help your preparation now:

• Hard work is important, as is being organised. Consider a revision timetable or forming a study group
• Identify YOUR personal learning needs and target your learning accordingly
• Focus on learning primary care knowledge and evidence-based guidelines related to a particular topic area rather than reading textbooks cover to cover!
• Give preparation for the organisational and evidence interpretation components of the exam a high priority. Trainees often struggle with these questions. You may find you need to spend disproportionately longer revising them. Remember that doing well here could be the difference between passing or not!
• Be prepared! Do the online Pearson Vue tutorial so you know how the computer work.
• And finally - Remember to take the AKT seriously. Don't be tempted to think of it as an easy exam. It's only easy if you know the answers!