FAQ
The United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) is a new assessment that medical students in the UK and international medical graduates must take to become licensed doctors. It aims to assess the competency of medical students and ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to practise medicine safely.
The UKMLA is a significant change in the way medical professionals in the UK are licensed to practise, and AMBOSS is committed to supporting students as they prepare for this important exam, with study materials and resources designed to help them succeed!
The UKMLA will consist of two parts: a computer-based multiple-choice exam known as the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and a practical Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA).
The UKMLA has been built from a content map comprising six general domains.
The General Medical Council provides a full list of presentations and conditions that you can expect to be assessed on, which we have compiled together alongside the relevant practical procedures to produce our brand new UKMLA Study Guide, which you can access using our sign-up link!
Until the official rollout of the UKMLA in 2024, the General Medical Council has advised that international medical graduates should continue to apply for the PLAB. Because of the strong similarities between the two exams, our UKMLA Study Guide will also support PLAB candidates. Here are some example scenarios to guide you if you have taken either PLAB 1 or PLAB 2 at the time the UKMLA is introduced:
• Passed both parts of the PLAB test
◦ Nothing will change for you: you’ll need to have your application for registration with a licence to practise in the UK approved within two years of passing PLAB 2.
• Passed PLAB 1 but not attempted PLAB 2
◦ If you have passed PLAB 1, you’ll take the CPSA instead of PLAB 2. You’ll need to pass this within the PLAB 1 validity period (currently three years).
◦ Upon passing the CPSA, you’ll be able to apply for registration with a licence to practise. You’ll need your application to be approved within two years of passing the CPSA.
• Attempted PLAB 1 but did not pass
◦ You’ll be eligible to take the AKT. Any previous attempts at PLAB 1 will be included towards a total maximum number of attempts, which will be officially disclosed by the GMC at a later date.
◦ When you do pass the AKT, you will then need to take the CPSA within the AKT validity period.
• Passed PLAB 1 and attempted PLAB 2, but did not pass
◦ You won’t need to take the AKT, assuming your PLAB 1 pass is still valid (received within the last 3 years).
◦ You’ll be able to take the CPSA. Any previous attempts at PLAB 2 will be included towards a total maximum number of attempts, which will be officially disclosed by the GMC at a later date.
◦ When you do pass the CPSA, you’ll be able to apply for registration with a licence to practise. You will need to do so within two years of passing the CPSA.
The introduction of the UKMLA will not change any of the English language requirements for registration, meaning the same standards will apply.
