MICGP CKT study guide
MICGP CKT · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The MICGP Computer-Based Knowledge Test (CKT) is the written knowledge component of the Irish College of General Practitioners' membership pathway for doctors training in general practice in Ireland. It is designed for GP trainees who have completed or are nearing the end of their structured training and need to demonstrate the breadth of knowledge expected of an independent general practitioner. The MICGP CKT study guide has 13 sections and about 4,580 words.
01Principles of General Practice and Primary Care
The CKT probes whether you apply the defining features of generalist care - first contact, undifferentiated presentation, continuity, and stewardship of the primary–secondary interface - inside Irish structures: the GMS contract, GP visit cards, the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) programme and PCRS claiming. Probability before pathology.
372 words, about 2 min02Consultation and Communication Skills
How you structure a consultation, elicit the patient's real agenda, and communicate risk so that decisions are shared and documented. The CKT favours questions on frameworks and on the wording that changes outcomes.
367 words, about 2 min03Cardiovascular Medicine
Everyday management of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and lipid disorders, plus recognition of the acutely unwell cardiac patient and safe referral from a community setting. Confirm hypertension before treating.
348 words, about 2 min04Respiratory Medicine
Asthma and COPD care in the community, inhaler technique, exacerbation management, and the respiratory red flags that demand urgent referral. Asthma: confirm and control.
338 words, about 2 min05Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Assessment of dyspepsia, change in bowel habit, rectal bleeding and abnormal liver tests, plus the decision to test, treat, refer or reassure. Dyspepsia: test and treat.
362 words, about 2 min06Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine
Routine diabetes care, thyroid disease, obesity and calcium/vitamin D problems - the conditions managed almost entirely in general practice. Type 2 diabetes: individualise the target.
357 words, about 2 min07Musculoskeletal and Rheumatological Conditions
Separating mechanical from inflammatory disease, recognising the rheumatological emergencies, and avoiding unnecessary imaging. Most is non-specific.
358 words, about 2 min08Mental Health and Neurology
Common mental illness in primary care, suicide risk, psychotropic safety, and the neurological presentations where the first consultation decides the outcome. Use a validated measure for severity and monitor, but diagnose on history.
372 words, about 2 min09Women's Health and Paediatrics
Contraception, menopause, antenatal shared care, and the paediatric presentations that are frequent but time-critical. Contraception safety.
331 words, about 2 min10Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care
Frailty, falls, polypharmacy and delirium, plus symptom control, advance planning and care in the last days of life. Frailty changes thresholds.
332 words, about 2 min11Dermatology
Recognising common inflammatory rashes, spotting skin cancer early, and distinguishing conditions that need a same-day opinion from those that need a topical steroid. Emollients in generous quantity are the mainstay; topical corticosteroids by potency matched to site and severity - mild for the face, moderate to potent for the trunk and limbs.
341 words, about 2 min12ENT, Ophthalmology and Sensory Conditions
Red flags in the eye, ear, nose and throat, and the decisions that must happen today rather than at routine review. The painful red eye.
355 words, about 2 min13Clinical Governance, Ethics and Practice Management
Professional standards, consent and confidentiality, quality improvement activity, and the administrative machinery of an Irish general practice. Work from the Medical Council's Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics : partnership with patients, consent, confidentiality, and professional competence.
347 words, about 2 min