Quality assurance of the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) of the MRCGP examination - An immediate post-test questionnaire evaluation of the candidates' views

Abstract

The Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) of the Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) examination is a computer-based assessment delivered three times a year. A computerised questionnaire, administered immediately after the test, sought candidates' views as part of the test evaluation. Of 1681 candidates taking the test 1418 (84%) responded. Most candidates believed that the test assessed their knowledge of problems relevant to general practice. Their feedback highlighted areas where improvements could be made. Candidates' views of postgraduate specialty medical examinations in the UK are rarely sought or published. We are not aware of other published evidence. The use of computer-based testing enables immediate candidate feedback and can be used routinely to evaluate the test validity and formats. The views of candidates are an important component of quality assurance in reviewing the content, format and educational experience of a high-stakes examination.