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

Hilton Dixon, Carol Blow, Paul Milne, Niroshan Siriwardena, Heather Milne, Christopher Elfes
2015 Education for Primary Care  
A computer based evaluation questionnaire immediately after each test enables candidates' views to be easily measured over time. Feedback from candidates completing the test suggested the assessment was valid and highlighted areas for improvement. Candidates identified training and knowledge needs particularly around research and practice administration We are not aware of any similar evaluation of a high-stakes postgraduate licensing examination SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH The
more » ... between changes in the AKT and candidates' views of the assessment. Comparison of AKT performance in candidates who have had different experiences of general practice prior to or during specialty training. Abstract The Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) of the 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.
doi:10.1080/14739879.2015.11494346 pmid:26253057 fatcat:yl6ab5z2bvflblxjojri6dh5zm