Applied Knowledge Test

GMC Associate recruitment – Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) Exam Board Chair (PLAB 1)

We have an exciting opportunity to become the new Chair of our AKT Exam Board. The Chair leads and oversees the work of the Board.

The board provide valuable expertise for the development, design and governance of the AKT (also known as the PLAB part 1 exam), which helps us assess the knowledge and skills of overseas graduates wanting to practise medicine in the UK.

As the AKT board chair, your duties will include:

• making sure there is effective governance of the exam, the papers for each exam are fit for purpose and that results are fair and reliable.
• ensuring there is effective discussion and decision making by the board.
• working with the chair of our AKT question management group (QMG), who write and edit content, to make sure content is suitable for use in the exam
• representing the GMC and the AKT at wider assessment events and committees when required
• identifying and supporting improvement initiatives to make sure the exam remains high quality and fit for purpose

To succeed in this role, the AKT chair will need appropriate skills and experience, which includes:

• Knowledge and understanding of assessment methods, metrics and best modern assessment practice – particularly those associated with single best answer applied knowledge tests
• Experience of leading/chairing examination boards and/or decision-making groups
• Ability to interpret question and exam level performance statistics after each exam, to make sure underperforming questions are dealt with appropriately and the exam’s pass mark is fair and defensible
• Ability to explore all sides of an argument clearly, including considering the views of the board and other assessment stakeholders, and weigh up all evidence and opinions before reaching a decision.
• Ability to articulate assessment concepts, policy positions and decision-making rationale clearly and credibly
• Ability to promote equality and diversity in your role, ensuring your approach remains free from bias and the exam remains fair for candidates

You will need to complete an online application form demonstrating how your experience matches the job specific questions included in the Information for Applicants document.

Please refer to the Information for Applicants document and the Guidance Notes for more details.

Applicants should be on the GMC’s GP or Speciality Register or equivalent grade with the required knowledge and skills. They should also have good understanding of the duties and competencies expected of a doctor to work safely upon appointment in an F2 role without additional support (beyond that typically expected).

You’ll be able to claim £325 per full day of provision of services and training days and £162.50 for half day activities as and if required. You’ll also receive an additional £50 when acting as chair (£25 for half days).

You will need to make yourself available for at least twelve (12) days each calendar year.

You’ll work in the GMC's offices in Spinningfields, Manchester as well as virtually/remotely. You may also need to travel to London. You will be eligible to claim appropriate travel, hotel and subsistence expenses when completing work at our offices in Manchester and London.

Unfortunately, we are unable to consider applications from those who do not have assessment experience beyond examining, piloting content, or content writing.

Please note, candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be invited to a virtual interview via MS Teams.
Interviews are due to be held in the week commencing 13 October 2025. Further details regarding this will be shared with shortlisted candidates in due course.