Start Test

MLA AKT Practice Paper

The team at Quesmed.com have created a free 100-item UKMLA mock paper to help medical students and graduates preparing for the MLA Applied Knowledge Test (AKT). Our practice paper is designed to reflect the format, difficulty level, and clinical content of the real AKT, and is fully aligned with the MLA Content Map. To try our free UKMLA mock paper, click the button above!

What is the UKMLA?

The UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment, also known as the MLA) is a standardised licensing exam that assesses the knowledge and skills of medical graduates, ensuring they meet the required standards for safe and effective practice as doctors.

It is taken by all medical graduates who wish to practise medicine in the UK, regardless of where they trained. This includes UK medical students and international medical graduates (IMGs). For UK students, the UKMLA is sat around the time of finals. For IMGs, it is replacing the PLAB, and the two can be considered broadly interchangeable. For full guidance on eligibility and exam requirements, please visit the GMC website.

UKMLA Exam Format

The UKMLA consists of two main components: the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA).

The AKT is a computer-based written exam testing medical science, clinical reasoning, and professional practice. It consists of two papers of 100 single best answer (SBA) questions each, with each paper lasting 2 hours. For UK students, the AKT is the equivalent of Finals; for IMGs, it is very similar to PLAB 1.

The CPSA evaluates clinical and professional skills through a series of practical assessments at clinical sites, designed to reflect real-life scenarios. For UK students, this is the equivalent of OSCEs and OSLERs; for IMGs, it mirrors PLAB 2.

The GMC has produced dedicated Content Maps for each specialty examined in the UKMLA, covering core presentations and conditions. At Quesmed, our questions and knowledge library are fully aligned to the MLA Content Map, covering exactly what you need to know for the exam.

How to Prepare for the UKMLA AKT

Preparation for the AKT needs to be structured and sustained given the breadth of the MLA Content Map.

High-volume question practice is one of the most effective strategies. Working through single best answer questions regularly builds the clinical pattern recognition that the exam rewards. Spend time reviewing explanations carefully for both correct and incorrect answers, as this is where the most consolidation happens.

Use targeted reading from our Knowledge Library alongside your question practice to address knowledge gaps as you identify them, with particular attention to clinical guidelines and pharmacology, which are consistently high-yield across the written paper.

Taking timed mock papers under exam conditions is one of the most valuable things you can do in the weeks leading up to the exam. It builds pacing, reduces anxiety on the day, and highlights topic areas that need further attention.

How to Prepare for the UKMLA CPSA

The best way to prepare for the CPSA is through a combination of practical skills practice, clinical knowledge development, and communication skill building. Regularly engage in hands-on practice of clinical skills such as physical examinations, history taking, and practical procedures.

Participate in mock OSCE stations under timed conditions to adapt to the format and time constraints. Focus on improving your patient interaction skills through role-playing scenarios with peers or real patients. Seek feedback from peers and mentors, and reflect on it to identify areas for improvement. Success in the CPSA is not just about clinical knowledge; demonstrating practical skills and effective communication is equally important.

The Largest Question Bank for the UKMLA AKT

Did you know that Quesmed has the largest question bank for the UKMLA AKT on the market?

This includes:

• 

  12,100+ UKMLA AKT questions

• 

  8 full mock exams

• 

  12 mini mocks

• 

  7 PSA mocks

• 

  50+ university-specific mocks

• 

  1000s of flashcards

• 

  A dedicated UKMLA-mapped knowledge library

• 

  All of the above available offline on iOS and Android

Click here to sign up and get started with your revision.