How to Excel in the UKMLA: A Comprehensive Revision Guide

Introduction

The UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) becomes a requirement for all UK medical graduates from 2024 onwards. The assessment consists of two components: the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA), which includes the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

Success in both requires strategic preparation, efficient time management, and access to high‑quality learning resources. This guide covers everything medical students and foundation doctors need to know—from understanding the exam structure to creating a study plan and making the most of question banks, flashcards, and OSCE practice.

Understanding the UKMLA

The UKMLA ensures that newly qualified doctors meet a single, consistent standard of knowledge and clinical competence.

The AKT is a multiple‑choice exam testing applied knowledge across basic science, clinical medicine, clinical pharmacology, and professional values. It requires synthesising information, not just recalling facts.
The CPSA assesses practical skills through stations covering history taking, physical examination, data interpretation, clinical reasoning, and communication. Candidates must demonstrate safe, patient‑centred care under time pressure.

Knowing the exact format and weighting of each domain helps you tailor your revision. For example:

Cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurology systems consistently appear in high‑yield AKT questions
History‑taking and hand‑hygiene are crucial in OSCE stations

Keep an eye on announcements from the General Medical Council (GMC) for any changes.

Developing a Study Plan

Start your UKMLA preparation early. Most successful candidates begin revising six to nine months before the exam date.

Use backwards planning: set your target exam date and work out weekly goals for each topic area
Allocate more time to areas you struggle with, but revisit strengths periodically to keep them fresh

Study structure tips:

Divide your schedule into study blocks of 45–60 minutes followed by short breaks
Plan regular full‑length mock exams to assess progress under timed conditions
Aim for at least three complete AKT mocks and several OSCE run‑throughs
Build in rest days to avoid burnout—consistency beats cramming

Using Question Banks and Mock Exams

A high‑quality UKMLA question bank is indispensable. Working through exam‑style questions helps you:

Expose yourself to the breadth of topics
Understand examiner expectations and identify distractors
Train for time management under pressure

Quesmed's question bank includes:

Over 11,000 clinical and 3,000 basic science questions aligned with the AKT
Themes from past papers and university‑specific exams
Detailed explanations for each question
A progress tracker to help identify and revisit weak areas

Integrate question practice into your daily study plan, not just the final weeks of revision.

Mastering the OSCE and CPSA Skills

Practical skills require a different approach to written revision. For the OSCE/CPSA:

Practise taking histories with peers or family members
Volunteer to perform examinations during placements under supervision
Follow a systematic approach every time

Additional tips:

Review OSCE mark schemes to understand how stations are scored
Use Quesmed's OSCE mark schemes to align with real examiner criteria
Watch expert-led demonstration videos
Record and critique yourself practising
Use checklists to ensure no key step is missed

Enhancing Memory with Flashcards and Notes

Spaced repetition is a proven method for long‑term retention.

Create flashcards for pharmacology, guidelines, and eponymous signs
Use apps that reschedule cards for optimal review intervals
Combine with a notes library for quick reference during question practice

Quesmed’s platform offers:

Over 15,000 Anki‑style flashcards
A comprehensive knowledge library
Integration with the question bank for instant review after incorrect answers

Summarise complex topics in your own words—the act of writing boosts retention.

Leveraging Quesmed for UKMLA Success

Having a single platform for all your study resources keeps revision efficient and structured.

Quesmed's UKMLA package includes:

Four full AKT mocks
Six PSA mock tests
University‑specific exams
An offline mobile app for studying during commutes or shifts

Additional features:

Join online group study sessions to foster collaboration
Discuss tricky questions with peers to gain new perspectives
Use the performance dashboard to track progress and adjust your plan

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the UKMLA is a marathon, not a sprint. Success requires:

Understanding the exam structure
Starting revision early
Practising with high‑quality question banks
Refining OSCE/CPSA skills
Using integrated platforms like Quesmed

Stay consistent, seek feedback, and trust in your preparation. With the right tools and mindset, you can face the UKMLA with confidence and prove your readiness to practise as a future doctor.

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