For doctors working towards Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), understanding the three core exams, AKT, KFP and CCE, is a critical part of the journey.
Whether you're a Partially Comparable international GP navigating the Specialist Pathway or a registrar progressing through training, these exams are key milestones on the path to independent practice in Australia.
In this guide, we break down:
- What each exam involves
- Latest pass rate trends (2023–2025)
- Which exam is considered the most challenging
- Key insights to help you prepare
What Are the RACGP Exams?
To achieve Fellowship (FRACGP), candidates must successfully complete three assessments:
Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)
What it is:
A multiple-choice exam assessing your clinical knowledge across the breadth of general practice.
What it tests:
- Diagnosis and management
- Clinical guidelines
- Preventative care
- Evidence-based medicine
In simple terms: Do you know the medicine?
Pass rate trend:
- 2023: ~80–82%
- 2024: ~82%
- 2025: ~79–80%
Key takeaway:
AKT is generally the most predictable exam, with consistently strong pass rates.
Key Feature Problem (KFP)
What it is:
A case-based exam designed to assess clinical decision-making in real-world GP scenarios.
What it tests:
- Prioritisation of care
- Clinical reasoning
- Decision-making under pressure
Format update:
Transitioned to a multiple-choice format in 2025, improving consistency in marking.
In simple terms: Can you apply your knowledge safely in practice?
Pass rate trend:
- 2023: ~65–72%
- 2024: ~67–68%
- 2025: ~76–80%
Key takeaway:
KFP has historically been the most challenging written exam, with the lowest pass rates, although results improved in 2025.
Clinical Competency Exam (CCE)
What it is:
A clinical assessment (OSCE-style) evaluating your ability to practise as an independent GP.
What it tests:
- Communication skills
- Clinical reasoning
- Patient management
- Professionalism
In simple terms: Can you practise safely as a GP in Australia?
Pass rate trend:
- 2023: ~80–87%
- 2024: ~80–85%
- 2025: ~79–80%
Key takeaway:
While pass rates are relatively high, the CCE is often considered the highest-stakes exam due to cost, pressure and performance format.
RACGP Exam Pass Rates Summary (2023–2025)
|
Exam
|
2023
|
2024
|
2025
|
|
AKT
|
~80–82%
|
~82%
|
~79–80%
|
|
KFP
|
~65–72%
|
~67–68%
|
~76–80%
|
|
CCE
|
~80–87%
|
~80–85%
|
~79–80%
|
Key Trends & Insights
- KFP Is the Most Challenging Exam
Across multiple years, KFP has consistently recorded the lowest pass rates.
This reflects the nature of the exam, it’s not about recalling facts, but about:
- Clinical judgement
- Prioritisation
- Safe decision-making
- AKT Remains the Most Predictable
With pass rates consistently around 80%, AKT performance is strongly linked to:
- Study preparation
- Familiarity with guidelines
- Practice question exposure
- CCE Has High Pass Rates, But High Pressure
Although pass rates are relatively strong, the CCE:
- Is expensive
- Requires strong communication skills
- Can be more difficult on repeat attempts
- 2025 Shows a Shift Towards Consistency
One of the most notable changes is the alignment of pass rates across all three exams (~80%) in 2025.
This likely reflects:
- Improved exam standardisation
- Format changes (particularly KFP moving to MCQ)
- First Attempt Success Is Critical
Pass rates drop significantly with repeat attempts across all exams.
The key message: Preparation matters more than persistence alone.
Which Exam Is the Hardest?
While this varies by individual, most candidates report:
- AKT: Most straightforward
- KFP: Most difficult (clinical reasoning focus)
- CCE: Most pressured (performance-based)
Final Thoughts
The RACGP exams are designed to ensure that every GP practising in Australia can deliver safe, high-quality care.
While the journey can feel challenging, understanding the structure and expectations of each exam can make a significant difference to your preparation and success.
Need Support on Your GP Journey?
At DXC Medical, we work closely with:
- International Medical Graduates
- GP registrars
- Doctors preparing for RACGP exams
Whether you're:
- Looking for the right practice while training
- Navigating pathways like PEP Specialist Stream or FSP
- Planning your next career move after Fellowship
Our experienced team is here to help.
Get in touch with one of our consultants today to discuss your options.
