Latest update: The UKMLA content map now incorporates the latest National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline updates (e.g., May 2025 revisions for conditions like COVID-19, epilepsy, and chronic kidney disease).
The UKMLA Exam (UK Medical Licensing Assessment) is a mandatory test introduced by the General Medical Council (GMC) for all aspiring doctors, both UK graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), who wish to practise medicine in the UK.
From 2024 onwards, all UK medical students have to pass the UKMLA to join the GMC medical register. For IMGs, the UKMLA has officially replaced the PLAB exam as the standard licensing assessment.
The UKMLA consists of two parts: AKT (a computer-based MCQ test) and CPSA (a clinical skills assessment. According to GMC, over 15,000 candidates are expected to take the UKMLA annually once fully implemented.
In this blog, explore everything you need to know about the UKMLA: eligibility, pattern, fees, dates, syllabus, and how to prepare.
Overview of UKMLA Exam:
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United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA)
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What is the UKMLA Exam?
The UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment) is a national exam introduced by the General Medical Council (GMC) to ensure that all doctors entering UK practice meet the same high standard, whether they studied in the UK or abroad.
This exam will be mandatory for both UK medical graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). It is designed to assess a candidate’s medical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional behaviour. Once fully implemented, the UKMLA will be the only route to join the UK medical register.
The UKMLA is made up of two main parts:
AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) – A computer-based test with multiple-choice questions.
CPSA (Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment) – A practical exam similar to an OSCE that tests how you deal with real-world patient scenarios.
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UKMLA Exam Eligibility
The UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment) is mandatory for all doctors, whether trained in the UK or overseas, who wish to practise medicine in the UK. If you're an International Medical Graduate (IMG) planning to apply for GMC registration, you must meet specific eligibility criteria.
Who Needs to Take the UKMLA?
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who earned their degree outside the UK and want to practise in the UK.
IMGs applying for GMC registration with a license to practise from 2024 onwards.
The UKMLA replaces the PLAB exam for IMGs starting in 2024.
UKMLA Eligibility Criteria for IMGs
To be eligible for the UKMLA as an international candidate, you must:
Hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) from a university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and accepted by the GMC.
Meet the English language proficiency requirements:
If you're an International Medical Graduate (IMG) planning to take the UKMLA exam, you’ll need to submit several documents during the application and registration process with the General Medical Council (GMC). These documents help verify your medical qualifications, identity, and eligibility to practise medicine in the UK.
Key Documents Required for UKMLA (For IMGs)
Valid Passport: A clear scan of your current passport showing your photo and personal details.
Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ): Your medical degree certificate from a GMC-approved university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
Proof of English Language Proficiency You must meet the GMC’s English standards through one of the following:
IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7.5 overall, with no section below 7.0
OR
OET Medicine: Minimum grade B in all four components (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
Certificate of Good Standing: If you've practised medicine after graduation, this certificate must come from your country's medical council or licensing authority, confirming your good professional conduct.
Internship or Clinical Experience Documents: Documents showing you’ve completed the required clinical rotations or internship, including dates and departments.
Name Change Proof (if applicable): If your name differs from what appears on your degree or ID, you’ll need to submit legal proof (e.g., marriage certificate or affidavit).
Certified Translations (if any documents are not in English): All documents in languages other than English must be translated by a certified translator.
GMC Online Account Details: After creating an account, you’ll receive a GMC reference number, which you'll use in all future communications.
Planning to appear for the UKMLA as an Indian medical aspirant? Begin with an MBBS from the UK.
Registration Process of UKMLA Exam
If you're an International Medical Graduate (IMG) planning to practise medicine in the UK, registering for the UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment) is a key step.
The registration process is handled through the General Medical Council (GMC) and includes verifying your qualifications, proving your language proficiency, and scheduling both parts of the exam: the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA).
Step-by-Step Registration Process for UKMLA:
Step 1: Create a GMC Online Account
Visit the official GMC website: www.gmc-uk.org
Click on ‘My GMC’ and select ‘Create an account’
Provide your full name, date of birth, nationality, and email ID
Once submitted, you will receive a GMC reference number, which is required for all future steps
Step 2: Submit All Required Documents
Upload clear and certified scanned copies of the following:
Passport (valid and legible)
Primary Medical Qualification (degree certificate)
Proof of internship or clinical experience
English language test results (IELTS/OET)
Certificate of Good Standing (if applicable)
Name change documentation (if required)
Certified English translations of non-English documents
Note: Documents must be uploaded in the format specified by the GMC (PDF or JPEG).
Step 3: Wait for Eligibility Confirmation
GMC will verify your documents and qualifications.
This process may take several weeks, depending on the volume of applications.
Once approved, you’ll be eligible to proceed with booking your exams.
Step 4: Book the AKT (Applied Knowledge Test)
When eligible, log in to your GMC account and choose available AKT test dates and locations.
AKT is a computer-based multiple-choice exam conducted at approved test centres.
Pay the examination fee online to confirm your slot.
Step 5: Prepare and Book the CPSA (Clinical Assessment)
After passing the AKT, you’ll receive instructions to book the CPSA.
The CPSA is a practical clinical exam that assesses your ability to deal with real patient scenarios.
The location and process will be communicated by the GMC or approved testing partner.
Step 6: Final Steps Toward GMC Registration
Once both components are successfully cleared, you can apply for full GMC registration with a licence to practise.
Pay the final GMC registration fee and await confirmation.
Tip: Begin your UKMLA registration process at least 6–8 months before your target exam date to allow time for document verification, preparation, and booking slots.
Interested in careers beyond medicine? Check out healthcare courses in the UK that can lead to UKMLA and NHS opportunities.
What is the UKMLA Exam Fee?
The UKMLA exam fee for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) is expected to be similar to the PLAB exam cost. While the GMC hasn’t announced official UKMLA fees, trusted estimates from sources suggest the following:
CPSA (Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment) – £981 (approx. ₹1,05,000)
Total Exam Fee – £1,249 (approx. ₹1,34,000)
Please note: These estimates are based on current PLAB costs and may change slightly when the GMC publishes the final fee structure.
Other Charges to Consider
In addition to the exam fee, candidates should also budget for:
GMC Registration Fee – £166 (approx. ₹17,500)
IELTS/OET (if required) – ₹15,000 to ₹30,000
Visa + Travel + Accommodation – ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakh depending on location and duration of stay
UKMLA 2025 Exam Dates
The UKMLA exam for 2025 is split into two main parts: the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA). The AKT is held multiple times a year at test centres worldwide, while the CPSA is scheduled after passing the AKT and takes place in Manchester, UK.
For UK medical students, these exams are integrated into their final year schedule, typically between January and July. Below is the latest schedule of key exam dates, including some past (closed) dates to help you plan better.
Exam Component
Exam Dates (2025)
Location
AKT (Applied Knowledge Test)
20 February 2025 (Closed)
24 & 25 June 2025 (Closed)
Additional dates are likely in August and November
Multiple centres worldwide, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and London
CPSA (Clinical & Professional Skills Assessment)
Scheduled after AKT results are declared
Manchester, UK (official clinical assessment centre)
UK Medical Students AKT & CPSA
Between January and July (varies by medical school)
Medical schools across the UK
UKMLA 2025 Exam Timeline
The UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) is a mandatory exam for all doctors wishing to practice in the UK. It consists of two parts: the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA).
The exam timeline for 2025 outlines important dates for registration, test sittings, and result announcements. Staying updated with these dates is essential for smooth preparation and scheduling.
Below is the detailed timeline for the UKMLA 2025 exam cycle.
Stage
Activity
Tentative Dates 2025
AKT Registration Opens
Window to register for AKT exam
March 2025 (approximate)
AKT Exam Dates
Computer-based multiple-choice tests
20 Feb 2025 (Closed)
24 & 25 June 2025 (Closed)
6 Nov 2025 (Upcoming)
AKT Results Release
Results announced
Approximately 3 weeks after exam
CPSA Registration Opens
Opens after AKT results release
2 weeks after AKT results
CPSA Exam Dates
Practical clinical skills assessment
Scheduled post AKT, dates vary
What is the UKMLA Exam Pattern and Format?
The UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) is a standardised exam introduced by the General Medical Council (GMC), designed to assess whether doctors are safe to work in the UK healthcare system. From 2024 onwards, the UKMLA is mandatory for all UK medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs) who wish to register with the GMC.
The UKMLA is made up of two essential components:
1. Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)
The AKT is a computer-based multiple-choice exam that assesses your ability to apply medical knowledge in real-world clinical scenarios. It forms the first step of the UKMLA.
Key Details:
Format: Single Best Answer (SBA) MCQs
Number of Questions: Around 200
Duration: ~3 hours
Mode: Conducted online at approved testing centres
Topics Covered:
General medicine, surgery, paediatrics, psychiatry
Medical ethics and law
Evidence-based clinical practice
Patient safety and health promotion
Purpose: To check whether you can apply theoretical knowledge effectively in clinical situations; similar to daily responsibilities in a real hospital or GP setting.
2. Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA)
The CPSA is a practical exam that resembles an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). It evaluates your hands-on clinical and communication skills through simulated patient scenarios.
Key Details:
Format: Practical stations (each testing a different scenario)
Mode: In-person, conducted by GMC-approved UK medical schools or test centres
Skills Tested:
Taking patient histories and performing physical exams
Making diagnoses and treatment decisions
Communicating with patients and colleagues
Showing professionalism, empathy, and ethical judgement
Purpose: To ensure that candidates can safely and professionally interact with patients in high-pressure clinical settin
UKMLA Syllabus and Content Map by GMC
The UKMLA syllabus, officially known as the MLA Content Map, outlines what every doctor must know and be able to do to provide safe patient care in the UK. Published and maintained by the General Medical Council (GMC), this content map forms the basis for both components of the UKMLA exam – the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA).
Whether you’re a UK medical student or an International Medical Graduate (IMG), the syllabus applies equally to all candidates, ensuring consistency and fairness across the board.
What is the MLA Content Map?
The MLA Content Map is a structured guide that outlines:
The knowledge doctors must have.
The clinical and professional skills they must demonstrate.
The attitudes and behaviours expected in UK medical practice.
The content map ensures that all doctors, regardless of where they studied, are trained to the same standard and are prepared for clinical practice in the UK.
It is divided into three major domains:
1. Readiness for Safe Practice
This domain focuses on professional behaviours and attitudes necessary for safe and ethical practice. It includes:
Putting patients at the centre of care
Demonstrating professional values and ethical standards
Communicating clearly with patients and colleagues
Collaborating in teams and across services
Maintaining patient safety
Engaging in continuous learning and improvement
2. Areas of Clinical Practice
This covers broad clinical topics that doctors are expected to understand. These are aligned with real-world healthcare settings in the UK. Key areas include:
Mental Health – Assessing, diagnosing, and managing psychiatric conditions
Women's Health – Including obstetrics, gynaecology, reproductive health
Child Health – Care of neonates, infants, children, and adolescents
Care of Older Adults – Frailty, dementia, end-of-life care
Acute and Long-Term Conditions – Managing chronic illnesses and urgent care
Public Health & Health Promotion – Preventative care, immunisations, screening
3. Clinical and Professional Capabilities
This domain focuses on the skills and judgments doctors need to make safe decisions in practice. It includes:
Taking patient histories and conducting clinical exams
Making differential diagnoses
Ordering and interpreting investigations
Clinical decision-making and reasoning
Prescribing safely and effectively
Managing emergencies and acute care
Using evidence-based guidelines
Reflecting on practice and applying feedback
How to Prepare Based on the Syllabus
To prepare effectively:
Download and review the MLA Content Map regularly from the GMC’s official site.
Align your study resources (books, question banks, mock tests) to the syllabus domains.
Practice ethical scenarios and clinical cases to cover the CPSA side.
Preparing for the UKMLA exam requires a well-planned approach that covers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Since the UKMLA consists of the AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) and the CPSA (Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment), your preparation should be balanced, structured, and aligned with the GMC Content Map.
Here’s a complete guide to help you prepare effectively:
UKMLA Preparation Strategy
1. Understand the Exam Structure and Syllabus
Start by downloading the official GMC MLA Content Map.
Divide your study plan into the three syllabus domains:
Readiness for Safe Practice
Areas of Clinical Practice
Clinical and Professional Capabilities
2. Create a Study Timetable
Allocate 3–6 months of preparation time based on your familiarity with UK clinical guidelines.
Break down your timetable into weekly goals: 60% theory (AKT), 40% clinical skills (CPSA).
Dedicate time for mock tests and revision in the final 4–6 weeks.
3. Use Clinical Guidelines
Follow NICE guidelines, BNF (British National Formulary), and UK NHS protocols; these are frequently tested.
Focus on UK-specific approaches to diagnosis, management, and ethics.
4. Practice MCQs Regularly
Use trusted UKMLA-style question banks.
Review each answer explanation in detail even the ones you got right.
Aim for at least 2,000–3,000 MCQs before the exam.
5. Work on Clinical Scenarios
For CPSA, practice OSCE-style stations.
Focus on history-taking, physical exams, ethics, consent, and patient communication.
Record yourself or practice in study groups for feedback.
6. Self-Evaluation
Track your weekly performance through quizzes and clinical case reviews.
Adjust your schedule based on weak areas.
Recommended Study Resources for UKMLA
Resource Type
Suggested Options
Guidelines
NICE Guidelines, GMC Ethical Guidance, NHS.uk
Question Banks
PassMedicine, UKMLA Prep, BMJ OnExamination
Books
Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine, Kumar & Clark’s Clinical Medicine
Clinical Skills Practice
OSCE Cases for Medical Finals, Geeky Medics (YouTube & Website), Pastest CPSA
Medical Calculators
MDCalc, BNF for drug dosages and interactions
Mobile Apps
BNF App, Geeky Medics, OSCE Trainer
Conclusion
The UKMLA Exam is a crucial step for both UK graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs) aiming to practice medicine in the UK. With its dual structure AKT and CPSA; the exam evaluates not just your theoretical knowledge, but also how you apply it in real-world clinical settings.
From understanding eligibility and key dates to preparing with trusted resources, having the right strategy is essential for success. Whether you're studying in the UK or abroad, planning early and aligning your preparation with the GMC syllabus can make all the difference.
FAQs
What is the difference between UKMLA and PLAB?
The UKMLA is designed for both UK medical graduates and international candidates, while PLAB was only for IMGs. UKMLA includes the AKT (knowledge test) and CPSA (skills assessment). It follows a standardized GMC content map. PLAB will be phased out as UKMLA becomes fully mandatory.
Will the UKMLA be more difficult than PLAB?
UKMLA is considered more comprehensive than PLAB due to its structured format and emphasis on UK clinical standards. It tests applied knowledge and professional skills. Some candidates may find it challenging. However, with the right preparation, it is manageable.
Who is required to take the UKMLA?
All UK medical graduates from 2024 onwards must take the UKMLA to register with the GMC. International Medical Graduates also need to pass it to practice in the UK. It ensures a unified assessment for all doctors. Always check the latest eligibility criteria on the GMC site.
What is the difference between MRCP and UKMLA?
UKMLA is a licensing exam taken before practicing medicine in the UK, while MRCP is a postgraduate exam for internal medicine. UKMLA ensures general competence for clinical practice. MRCP is specialty-focused and taken later. Both serve different purposes in a medical career.
Can the UKMLA be taken from outside the UK?
Yes, the AKT portion of the UKMLA can be taken at international Pearson VUE centres. However, the CPSA may require travel to the UK unless integrated into your medical school. IMGs should plan accordingly. Exam logistics may vary based on your status.
Is the UKMLA recognized outside the UK?
The UKMLA is a licensing requirement strictly for practicing in the UK. It is not an international medical licensing exam. Other countries typically do not accept it for registration. You must check individual country regulations for local practice eligibility.
How many times can I attempt the UKMLA exam?
Candidates generally have four attempts for the AKT component. Extra attempts may need GMC approval. The CPSA may have similar limits depending on the candidate's status. It’s crucial to prepare well before each attempt to avoid delays.
Do UKMLA results expire after a few years?
Yes, UKMLA results do have a validity period. For most IMGs, the result is valid for two years from the exam date. During this time, they must apply for GMC registration. Always check the latest GMC guidelines for validity updates.
Do I need clinical experience to take the UKMLA?
You don’t need UK-based clinical experience to appear for the UKMLA. However, understanding the UK clinical environment can be beneficial, especially for CPSA. A medical degree is mandatory. Clinical knowledge aligned with GMC standards is key to success.
Can I use PLAB preparation resources for UKMLA?
Some PLAB study resources are still useful for UKMLA preparation, especially for the AKT. However, candidates must follow the UKMLA-specific content map provided by the GMC. Supplementing with UK-based clinical guidelines is advisable. Updated material is essential.
Does passing UKMLA guarantee GMC registration?
Passing UKMLA is a major step, but not the only requirement for GMC registration. Candidates must also fulfill English language, internship, and good standing criteria. Only after meeting all conditions will full registration be granted. It ensures patient safety and care quality.
Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Markete...
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