UKMLA | MedicRange Exam Preparation System

UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA)

The UKMLA is a new assessment that will demonstrate those who obtain registration with a licence to practise medicine in the UK meet a common threshold for safe practice.

UKMLA Overview

What is the UKMLA?

A standardized assessment for all doctors seeking UK registration
Combines knowledge testing with clinical skills assessment
Ensures all doctors meet the same threshold of competence
Replaces PLAB for international graduates from 2024 onward

Who Takes the UKMLA?

UK medical students (from 2024-25)
International medical graduates (from 2024)
Doctors returning to practice after long absence

Assessment Components

Applied Knowledge Test (AKT): Written exam
Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA): Practical OSCE
Foundation Programme: Workplace assessments

Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)

Exam Structure

Component	Details
Format	Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Duration	3 hours
Questions	180 items (single best answer)
Content	Based on MLA content map
Pass Mark	Standard set using Angoff method

Test Content

The AKT assesses knowledge across:

Clinical medicine (80%)
Professional skills (15%)
Legal and ethical issues (5%)

Assessment Timeline

Final Year of Medical School

AKT typically taken in final year

Foundation Year 1

CPSA taken during FY1

Full Registration

Awarded after completing both components

Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA)

OSCE Structure

Component	Details
Stations	12-18 clinical scenarios
Duration	7-10 minutes per station
Skills Assessed	Clinical, communication, professionalism
Location	Medical schools/assessment centers

Assessment Domains

Data gathering
Clinical examination
Communication skills

Clinical reasoning
Patient safety
Professionalism

Scoring System

Each station scored independently
Pass marks set using standard setting
Global rating scales for professional behaviors
Integrated clinical checklists

Transition from PLAB to UKMLA

Implementation Timeline

2024: UKMLA becomes mandatory for all
2023-24: Transition period
Post-2024: PLAB replaced completely

Key Differences

Feature	PLAB	UKMLA
Scope	International graduates only	All doctors (UK & international)
Content	General medical practice	MLA content map
Delivery	GMC-administered	Medical schools & GMC

PLAB to UKMLA Transition UKMLA Student Guide