UKMLA Exam 2024: Check Exam Dates, Syllabus, Pattern and Booking

The UKMLA is known as the United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) or the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA). The General Medical Council (GMC) is the authorised governing body that administers the UKMLA exam 2024.

In the UK, the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) has long been the standard examination for international medical graduates seeking to practice medicine in the UK. However, starting in 2024, a new examination called the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) will replace the PLAB, becoming the standardised test for all candidates, including domestic graduates.

This Story also Contains

1. UKMLA Highlights
2. UKMLA Exam Dates 2024
3. UKMLA Eligibility 2024
4. UKMLA Exam Requirements
5. UKMLA Registration 2024
6. When do I need to take the MLA?
7. How much will the PLAB cost?
8. UKMLA Exam Pattern 2024
9. What will be assessed in the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA)?
10. How to Prepare for UKMLA?
11. PLAB Changing to UKMLA
12. What will happen to PLAB in 2024?

Until 2024, aspiring medical practitioners can apply for the PLAB 1 exam, the first step in the PLAB assessment process. Upon successful completion of PLAB 1, candidates become eligible to sit for the PLAB 2 exam, the final assessment required to obtain a license to practice medicine in the UK. UKMLA latest exam date is November 7, 2024. Candidates looking for UKMLA 2025 dates can take the test on February 20, 2025.

UKMLA exam pattern 2024 is divided into 2 main sections, which include AKT and CPSA. Candidates who have passed PLAB 1 are required to take the CPSA rather than PLAB 2, and their scores are valid for three years. If applicants have taken PLAB 1 but not cleared it, they can still appear for AKT exam.

The UKMLA exam will evaluate an individual’s core knowledge, skills, and behaviours of doctors who want to practice medicine in the UK. Check details on UKMLA exam, eligibility criteria, registration, pattern, preparation strategies, and more.

UKMLA Highlights

UKMLA Exam Dates 2024

The GMC has announced UKMLA 2024 exam dates. However, PLAB 1 exam for 2024 was held on February 15, 2024 and May 23, 2024. The UKMLA exam dates 2024 are mentioned below:

UKMLA Exam Dates

UKMLA Eligibility 2024

The eligibility for the UKMLA depends on whether the candidate is a UK medical graduate or an international medical graduate:

• UK Medical Graduates: Students enrolled in UK medical schools must pass the UKMLA as part of their medical degree requirements.

• International Medical Graduates (IMGs): IMGs must pass the UKMLA to obtain registration with a license to practice medicine in the UK.

UKMLA Exam Requirements

The MLA is unlikely to modify the English language requirement for registration. International graduates must still demonstrate that they have the appropriate English language skills in order to practice safely in the UK.

The GMC registration eligibility criteria include English language requirements. Before booking your PLAB test, you must submit evidence that you fulfill the English language criteria for practicing in the UK. Meeting the minimal score criteria for the IELTS or OET (medicine version) is common for international medical graduates. Test-takers can find more details on the official website of GMC.

UKMLA Registration 2024

Candidates must follow the below-mentioned steps to complete the UKMLA 2024 registration online:

1. Create a GMC Online Account: Candidates must register with the GMC to create an online account.

2. Submit Required Documents: IMGs need to provide proof of their medical qualifications, identity, and English language proficiency.

3. Schedule the Exam: Once eligibility is confirmed, candidates can schedule their AKT and CPSA exams through the GMC's online portal.

Taking the UKMLA: The UKMLA can be taken at various test centres worldwide. Registration for the assessments is typically conducted online through the GMC website. It's crucial to carefully review the registration procedures, deadlines, and fees associated with each component.

When do I need to take the MLA?

All medical students graduatingQualifying family members include partners/spouses, children, and dependant relatives who need care from UK universities beginning in the academic year 2024-25 will be expected to pass the MLA as part of their degree before being eligible to join the medical register. International doctors who wish to practice in the UK who are now taking the PLAB will be required to take the MLA beginning in 2024.

How much will the PLAB cost?

The current PLAB fees for bookings starting April 1, 2024, are listed below.

UKMLA Exam Pattern 2024

The UKMLA consists of two main components:

1. Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)

2. Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA)

Applied Knowledge Test (AKT): The AKT is a computer-based test that measures applicants' comprehension of medical knowledge as well as its application in clinical practice. The exam covers a wide range of medical specialities, including general practice, internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, and others. The AKT aims to assess the critical thinking and decision-making abilities of an individual.

Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA): The CPSA is a practical, objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) that tests candidates' clinical and communication skills through simulated patient interactions. This component evaluates the ability to conduct physical examinations, take patient histories, and perform clinical procedures. International medical graduates who want to practice in the UK can take the MLA exam instead of PLAB for 2024. The UKMLA exam consists of two parts: an applied knowledge test and a clinical and professional skills assessment.

Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)

• The GMC will administer an on-screen multiple-choice test.

• It will assess the capacity to apply medical knowledge in multiple environments, comparable to the existing PLAB 1 exam.

• As with PLAB 1, the exam will be administered four times a year to foreign applicants in a variety of places across the world.

• Prior to attempting the clinical and professional skills exam (CPSA), the AKT must be passed.

AKT Paper Pattern

Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA)

• This will be an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

• It will include situations based on real-life scenarios, such as a simulated consultation or an acute ward.

• The CPSA for overseas medical graduates will take place at the GMC's clinical assessment site in Manchester. The CPSA will be identical to the present PLAB 2 examination.

CPSA Paper Pattern 2024

What will be assessed in the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA)?

The MLA content map will provide the basis for all material in the MLA. This is supported by three topics listed below:

• Prepare for safe practice.

• Managing uncertainty.

• Delivering personalised assistance.

And six parts, known as domains, are mentioned below:

1. Areas of clinical practice include mental health and surgery.

2. Professional knowledge areas include biological sciences, medical ethics, and the law.

3. Clinical and professional expertise includes risk assessment and management, as well as protecting vulnerable patients.

4. Practical skills and procedures, as specified in the list of practical skills and procedures that match the GMC graduate outcomes for 2018.

5. Patient presentations include signs, symptoms, investigation outcomes, and other relevant patient-related challenges that clinicians often notice during their first encounter with the UK Foundation Programme. For example, a recurring rash or a breast lump.

6. Conditions are pathophysiological disorders or clinical diagnoses that clinicians commonly observe at their first meeting with the UK Foundation Programme. For example, asthma and eating disorders.

How to Prepare for UKMLA?

Thorough preparation is essential for success in the UKMLA. Here are some important techniques and concepts to help you achieve your goals:

• Official GMC Resources: The GMC website has an abundance of information about the UKMLA, including example test questions, assessment guidelines, and other useful resources for overseas doctors.

• Past Paper Analysis: Familiarise yourself with the UKMLA format and content by examining previous papers and sample questions accessible on the GMC website.

• UKMLA Preparation Courses: Consider enrolling in specialised UKMLA preparation courses provided by various colleges and universities. These courses can help you prepare for examinations by offering customised instruction, practice problems, and mock tests.

• Study Materials: Study Materials: Use suggested textbooks, internet resources, and question banks prepared exclusively for the UKMLA.

• Time Management: Make a specific study timetable that allows enough time for each component of the UKMLA. During practice tests, use efficient time management skills to guarantee that you complete the test within the assigned duration.

• Practice OSCE Skills: Look for opportunities to practice your clinical skills in simulated situations. This might include cooperating with other doctors, using online OSCE tools, or completing specific OSCE courses.

PLAB Changing to UKMLA

UKMLA is introduced in 2024, although international medical graduates can still apply for the PLAB test if they want registration with a license to practice in the UK.

Alternative 1: Passed both parts of the PLAB test

This will remain unchanged and candidates must have their application prepared for registration with a license to practice in the UK to be accepted within two years after passing PLAB 2.

Alternative 2: Passed PLAB 1 but not attempted PLAB 2

If you passed PLAB 1, you are required to take the CPSA rather than PLAB 2. You have to clear this within your PLAB 1 validity period, which is currently three years.

When you pass the CPSA exam, you will be eligible to apply for registration and a license to practice. You'll need your application accepted within two years of passing the CPSA.

Alternative 3: Attempted PLAB 1 but not passed it

You will be able to sit in AKT. There will be a limited number of attempts, and previous attempts at PLAB 1 will count towards that number of attempts. When you pass the AKT, you must take the CPSA during the AKT validity period.

Alternative 4: Passed PLAB 1 and attempted PLAB 2, but not passed

You are not required to take the AKT if your PLAB 1 pass is still valid. Currently, a PLAB 1 permit lasts for three years. You will soon be able to take the CPSA. There will be a limited number of attempts, and all previous PLAB 2 efforts will count towards this maximum number. When you pass the CPSA exam, you become eligible to apply for registration and a licence to practice. You have to complete it within two years of passing the CPSA.

What will happen to PLAB in 2024?

International medical graduates will continue to take our PLAB test, which will be MLA-compliant by 2024. Candidates will notice minimal differences because these changes are to the test's quality assurance and structure. In order to meet the MLA standards, GMC replace the PLAB blueprint with the MLA content map beginning on the following dates:

• For PLAB 1, any examinations taken on or after August 8, 2024, will be based on the MLA content map.

• For PLAB 2, all examinations taken on or after May 17, 2024 will be based on the MLA content map.