About the Examination

The Primex examination consists of two sections, both of which must be successfully completed to achieve an overall pass in Primex:

  1. A written section including two three hour papers – Applied Knowledge 1 (AK1) and Applied Knowledge 2 (AK2). The first paper includes the assessment of diagnostic and problem solving skills and the interpretation of ECGs. The second paper includes visual and clinical interpretation sections, extended matching questions and a critical appraisal section.

  2. A clinical examination including simulated consultations (patient interviews that simulate ordinary general practice) assessing communication skills.

Candidates who are unsuccessful in either or both sections may re-sit the section(s) concerned the following year. An overall pass in Primex can be gained by accumulating section passes over more than one year.

Please note that candidates resitting sections of Primex who have not previously completed GPEP Stage 1 training have until 2010 to complete Primex without having to undertake the GPEP Stage 1 programme.”

See Primex Handbook (PDF 150 KB) for further details.