UKMLA Exam: Everything You Need to Know for 2025 and Beyond

From 2024 onwards, the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) is a mandatory exam for all medical graduates wishing to practise medicine in the United Kingdom. Whether you’re a UK medical student or an international medical graduate (IMG), understanding the structure, content, and preparation strategies for the UKMLA is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the UKMLA involves, who it applies to, and how Quesmed can help you prepare effectively.

What Is the UKMLA?

The UKMLA is a standardised licensing exam introduced by the General Medical Council (GMC) to ensure that all doctors entering UK practice meet the same standard of clinical competence and professional knowledge.

It replaces the PLAB for international graduates and standardises assessment across all UK medical schools.

Who Has to Take the UKMLA?

UK medical students: Final-year students at UK medical schools will sit the UKMLA as part of their final exams.
International medical graduates (IMGs): From 2024, IMGs will take the UKMLA instead of PLAB to gain registration with the GMC.

Components of the UKMLA

Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)

A computer-based, multiple-choice examination featuring Single Best Answer (SBA) questions.
Assesses clinical knowledge, problem-solving ability, and application of professional practice.
Covers key medical domains such as cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, and mental health.

Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA)

Similar to an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination).
Tests communication, clinical examination, practical skills, and professionalism.
Delivered by UK medical schools or approved clinical centres for IMGs.

The UKMLA Content Map

The GMC has created a comprehensive UKMLA content map outlining the conditions, clinical scenarios, and domains students must learn. Key focus areas include:

Core presentations and patient conditions
Clinical procedures and capabilities
Professional behaviours and ethical practice

Quesmed aligns its questions and learning tools directly with the MLA content map, making it easier for students to structure their revision and cover all required topics.

How to Prepare for the UKMLA

Start Early
- Begin preparation during your clinical years using structured revision schedules and resources mapped to the GMC guidelines.
Use High-Quality Question Banks

Quesmed offers over 10,000 UKMLA-style questions with detailed explanations, mock exams, and progress tracking.

Simulate Exam Conditions

Timed mock tests can improve time management and help reduce exam-day anxiety. Practising under actual exam conditions ensures familiarity with the test format.

Incorporate Active Learning

Use flashcards, case-based learning, and clinical scenarios to strengthen your recall and understanding. Quesmed's flashcard system uses spaced repetition to boost retention.

Conclusion

The UKMLA is often the final milestone in your journey to becoming a doctor in the UK. With the right strategy and the right tools, you can approach it with confidence. Quesmed's targeted questions, mock exams, and comprehensive learning resources are designed to help you prepare efficiently and effectively for the UKMLA in 2025 and beyond. Start your preparation today and take the next step in your medical career.

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