AKT fee
£481 for September–November 2026 sittings; £494 for January–July 2027
You still pay this up front; the funding is a reimbursement.
Is the MRCGP AKT exam fee funded?
The June 2026 government pay-and-jobs deal accepted by resident doctors in England funds mandatory royal college exam fees. The scheme covers eligible doctors' first two sittings from 1 April 2026, irrespective of earlier attempts. AKT and SCA are in scope. Claims guidance is pending. Here is who qualifies, from when, and how the reimbursement works.
Quick answer
Yes. The scheme covers eligible doctors' first two sittings from 1 April 2026, irrespective of earlier attempts. AKT and SCA are in scope. Claims guidance is pending. £481 for September–November 2026 sittings; £494 for January–July 2027. You still pay the fee up front and claim it back.
AKT exam fee funding at a glance
Who is covered
Resident doctors in England
Funding covers mandatory royal college exam fees for resident doctors (and doctors in local employment / LEDs) in England. It comes from the June 2026 government pay-and-jobs deal accepted by resident doctors.
Sittings covered
First 2
The scheme covers eligible doctors' first two sittings from 1 April 2026, irrespective of earlier attempts. AKT and SCA are in scope.
From when
Exams sat from 1 Apr 2026
Reimbursement applies to mandatory exams sat on or after 1 April 2026. Royal college membership fees and portfolio fees are separately covered from April 2027.
What changed, in plain terms
Historically GP trainees paid the AKT fee themselves, and the NHS study budget covered approved preparation courses rather than the exam fee. The June 2026 settlement changed that for resident doctors in England: eligible doctors' first two sittings from 1 April 2026 fall within the scheme, irrespective of earlier attempts; claims guidance is pending. AKT and SCA are in scope. £481 for September–November 2026 sittings; £494 for January–July 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Does the government pay for the MRCGP AKT exam?
Yes. Under the June 2026 government offer accepted by resident doctors in England, eligible doctors' first two sittings from 1 April 2026 fall within the scheme, irrespective of earlier attempts; claims guidance is pending. For GP trainees this includes the MRCGP AKT (£481 for September–November 2026 sittings; £494 for January–July 2027) and the SCA. It applies to mandatory exams sat on or after 1 April 2026 and is paid by reimbursement.
Is the AKT fee reimbursed or paid up front?
It is a reimbursement. You still pay the RCGP the examination fee when you book (£481 for September–November 2026 sittings; £494 for January–July 2027), and then claim it back. The exact claim process is administered through NHS employers and training bodies in England. Check with your deanery, foundation/GP scheme or employer for how to submit your claim.
How many attempts of the AKT are covered?
Eligible doctors in England can claim for their first two sittings from 1 April 2026, irrespective of earlier attempts; claims guidance is pending.
From what date does AKT fee reimbursement apply?
Reimbursement applies to mandatory royal college exams sat on or after 1 April 2026. Exams sat before that date are not covered by this scheme.
Does the funding cover the SCA as well as the AKT?
Yes. Both the AKT and the SCA are mandatory MRCGP exams needed to complete GP training and gain a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), so both fall within the funded mandatory exams for resident doctors in England.
Does this apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
The June 2026 offer covers resident doctors in England. Arrangements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are set separately, so trainees outside England should check their own deanery or NHS body for the current position on exam fee funding.
How much is the MRCGP AKT exam fee now?
£481 for September–November 2026 sittings; £494 for January–July 2027. What has changed is that eligible doctors' first two sittings from 1 April 2026 fall within the scheme, irrespective of earlier attempts; claims guidance is pending.
Are royal college membership and portfolio fees covered too?
Under the accepted offer, royal college membership fees and portfolio (e-portfolio) fees for doctors in training in England are covered from April 2027, separately from the exam-fee reimbursement that starts for exams sat from 1 April 2026.
Official sources
AKT Navigator is independent and not affiliated with the RCGP, BMA or the government. Funding terms are summarised from public sources and the reimbursement process is administered by NHS employers and training bodies. Check your deanery or employer and the RCGP for the current position before booking. Last reviewed 23 October 2026.
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