Current AKT fee
£481
The RCGP lists the current Applied Knowledge Test examination fee as £481.
MRCGP AKT exam fee, booking and eligibility
The AKT is booked through the RCGP process and sat at Pearson VUE test centres. The key practical details are the current fee, the staged payment timing, ST2/ST3 eligibility and your maximum number of permitted attempts.
Quick answer
The current RCGP AKT examination fee is £481. The AKT is normally taken in ST2 or ST3. Attempt limits are four or six depending on when you entered GP specialty training. From April 2026, RCGP staged payment rules apply. Resident doctors in England can now reclaim this fee for their first two attempts — see AKT exam fee funding.
AKT fee and booking facts
Eligibility
ST2 / ST3
The AKT is for GP specialty trainees in ST2 or ST3, including flexible trainees at the equivalent stage.
Attempts
4 or 6
Four attempts applies to trainees already in training on 1 August 2023; six attempts applies to first-time GP specialty trainees entering on or after 2 August 2023.
Booking route
MyRCGP
Applications and bookings are handled through the RCGP/MyRCGP process and depend on accurate training records.
How AKT payment works
Current fee
The RCGP currently lists the AKT examination fee as £481. The fee is separate from revision resources and travel to a Pearson VUE test centre.
Staged payments
From 1 April 2026, RCGP staged payments apply. The guidance describes 25% payment six months before the exam, or at booking if inside that window, with a further 25% due 12 weeks before the examination.
Tax and study budget
RCGP guidance says tax paid on examination fees can be reclaimed through normal tax returns. Local study-budget rules vary, so confirm with your deanery or employer.
Eligibility and attempts
RCGP regulations limit AKT eligibility to ST2 and ST3. The application process also depends on your training record showing the correct post and training year when you book. If those details are incomplete, the booking process may be blocked until your record is corrected.
Attempt limits depend on when you entered GP specialty training. Trainees already in training on 1 August 2023 have a maximum of four attempts. Trainees entering GP specialty training for the first time on or after 2 August 2023 have a maximum of six attempts.
AKT fee and eligibility FAQ
How much does the MRCGP AKT cost?
The RCGP currently lists the Applied Knowledge Test examination fee as £481. Fees can change, so check the official RCGP fees page before booking.
When do I pay for the AKT?
The RCGP application guidance says staged payments apply from 1 April 2026: 25% of the examination fee is paid six months before the examination, or at booking if this is between six months and twelve weeks before the exam, with a further 25% due 12 weeks before the examination.
Who can sit the AKT?
RCGP regulations limit AKT eligibility to GP trainees in Specialty Training Years 2 and 3, ST2 and ST3. Training records need to show the correct training year at the point of booking.
How many attempts do you get at the AKT?
The RCGP states that trainees already in training on 1 August 2023 have a maximum of four attempts, while trainees entering GP specialty training for the first time on or after 2 August 2023 have a maximum of six attempts.
Official sources
Fee and eligibility information should be checked against the RCGP before booking. Last reviewed June 2026.
October sitting
Oct 26
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days
Keep moving, even on tired days.
Questions, mocks and explanations are free. Your first 2 hours of AKT audio are free. Full 4-month audio access is £79.