United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA)

The United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) stands as a pivotal assessment tool within the realm of medical education and professional development. Established to evaluate the proficiency of ALL medical graduates, including UK graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking to practice, work and live in the United Kingdom and choosing NHS health careers as a profession. The UKMLA encompasses a comprehensive examination of both clinical knowledge and linguistic competency.

The UKMLA serves as a gateway for all medical graduates to integrate into the UK, NHS health careers, ensuring that only those equipped with a comprehensive understanding of medical principles and proficient linguistic skills contribute to the nation’s medical workforce.

The United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) stands as a pivotal assessment tool within the realm of medical education and professional development. Established to evaluate the proficiency of ALL medical graduates, including UK graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking to practice, work and live in the United Kingdom and choosing NHS health careers as a profession. The UKMLA encompasses a comprehensive examination of both clinical knowledge and linguistic competency.
The UKMLA serves as a gateway for all medical graduates to integrate into the UK,  NHS health careers, ensuring that only those equipped with a comprehensive understanding of medical principles and proficient linguistic skills contribute to the nation’s medical workforce.

Your guide to the UKMLA

The introduction of the UKMLA represents a paradigm shift in medical education and licensure in the UK. By standardising the assessment process, the UKMLA ensures that all doctors, regardless of their background or training pathway, meet the same rigorous standards of competence and professionalism. This not only enhances patient safety but also fosters public trust in the medical profession.

Moreover, the UKMLA serves as a benchmark for medical schools, encouraging them to align their curricula with the competencies and skills required for successful licensure. By emphasising clinical reasoning, communication skills, and professionalism, the UKMLA promotes a holistic approach to medical education that goes beyond rote memorisation of facts.

Divided into 24 areas of clinical practice; 311 conditions; 212 patient presentations; 20 areas of clinical and professional capabilities;12 domains of Professional Knowledge; practical skills and procedures and minimum level of performance that newly qualified doctors must have when they start work for the first time, so they can practise safely. It provides a comprehensive roadmap for MLA either as a question in the AKT or as part of the practical assessment in CPSA.

UKMLA consists of two key components

We offer comprehensive preparation for AKT and CPSA. Our resources (thousands of high yield questions and answers and medical scenarios) are produced by university professors, senior consultants, NHS trained colleagues and those successful medical graduates and doctors who have passed the exams and working in the NHS health careers.

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Everything You Need to Know About UKMLA

Are you an International Medical Graduate (IMG) concerned about navigating the UKMLA process?
Rest assured; we’ve got you covered with all the essential information you need

What is UKMLA?

The UKMLA, set to replace PLAB, is a two-part assessment mandated by the GMC. It serves as a universal standard for safe medical practice in the UK, applicable to all doctors seeking registration with the GMC.

Why is UKMLA being introduced?

The introduction of UKMLA aims to establish consistent standards across all medical graduates practising in the UK. Unlike the previous system, where only IMGs underwent PLAB, UKMLA ensures that even UK graduates must undergo assessment. This move instils confidence in patients, ensuring all doctors meet the same rigorous standards of competency.

What is the start date for UKMLA?

All PLAB tests sat on or after 17th May 2024 will be based on the MLA content map.

How will the changes to PLAB affect me?

Candidates taking the PLAB test will notice very little difference in their experience.
The MLA content map sets out the core knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for UK practice. Since PLAB1 and PLAB2 are already designed to test these areas, the standard of the test, and the types of questions and stations currently used, will not change.
The introduction of the MLA content map should not impact any preparation you have already done for your test. However, if you've used the PLAB blueprint to help you prepare, you should NOW refer to the MLA content map instead.

What does UKMLA involve?

UKMLA consists of two key components:
1. Applied Knowledge Test (AKT): A multiple-choice exam assessing the application of medical knowledge, akin to PLAB1. It will be held globally four times a year.
2. Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA): An Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) simulating real-world medical scenarios, similar to PLAB2.
AKT must be completed before CPSA.

What topics does UKMLA cover?

The content of UKMLA is structured around three overarching themes and six sections, as outlined in the MLA content map provided by the GMC. This map is regularly updated to reflect current medical practices.

What does UKMLA mean for IMGs?

For IMGs, the transition from PLAB to UKMLA is expected to be smooth. Here's what it means for you:
- If you've already completed both steps of PLAB, you're eligible to register.
- If you've attempted PLAB1 but not passed, you can sit for AKT (with PLAB1 attempts counting towards the maximum attempts).
- If you've cleared PLAB1 but not attempted PLAB2, you're eligible for CPSA.
- If you've cleared PLAB1, attempted PLAB2 (but not passed), you can proceed to CPSA without needing to sit for AKT (with PLAB2 attempts counting towards the maximum attempts).

Stay tuned for updates!
We'll continue to provide more information as it becomes available. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask—we're here to help!

We have made it easy for you

We’ve made your AKT test preparation journey seamless and user-friendly. Experience the ease of studying with our UK-MLA app, offering a superior user interface for a more engaging and efficient learning experience. Install our app to access a wealth of quizzes designed to sharpen your skills and elevate your readiness for the exam. We believe in making your path to success as straightforward as possible, and with our app, mastering UK-MLA has never been more accessible.

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