CKT Exam Day Tips
Everything you need to know, from exam structure to time management, mindset, and the night before.
The Clinical Knowledge Test (CKT) is a core component of the MICGP membership exam.
Structure
- 180 MCQs divided into 2 sittings — 90 questions each
- 90 minutes per sitting, sat online
- 45 minutes break between sittings
Important: After each sitting, questions undergo post-exam statistical analysis. Poorly performing questions may be removed. Your final score may be out of fewer than 180. This applies equally to all candidates.
You have 1 minute per question, but a disciplined pace wins:
- Aim for approximately 50 seconds per question to build a buffer
- If stuck, guess, flag it, and move on
- Use the flagging or review system for the final 5 to 10 minutes
- Do not let one hard question steal time from easier ones
The biggest avoidable mistake is misreading the question, not lack of knowledge.
Watch for negative questions or "not present" hidden in the stem.
There is no negative marking.
"Single most likely" means most common, not most serious.
Know the difference between urgent versus immediate referral.
- Random guess gives approximately 20% chance
- Narrowed to 2 to 3 options gives 33 to 50% chance
- Blank answer gives guaranteed zero
Always guess, every mark counts.
- Trust your first instinct
- Overthinking often causes wrong changes
- Your clinical experience matters
"Everything is easy when you know it."
Your Candidate Feedback Report includes:
- The pass mark for your sitting
- Your score
- Cohort average
- Performance by curriculum area
Published to your GPEP portfolio.
- Full night's sleep, fatigue impairs recall
- Eat a proper breakfast
- Test technology setup early, internet, camera, microphone
- Keep water nearby for the sitting
- Blank paper and pen are allowed
- Built-in calculator is available
| Item | Tip |
|---|---|
| Timing | Approximately 50 seconds per question, flag and move on |
| Reading | Read stem fully before looking at options |
| Answers | Check how many answers are required |
| Guessing | Never leave blank, always guess |
| Setup | Test technology the night before |
| Instinct | Back first instinct, do not overthink |
| Preparation | Sleep well, eat well, arrive ready |
| Review | Use curriculum breakdown to guide revision |
| Support | Discuss concerns with your supervisor |