Who has to sit the UKMLA?

All UK medical graduates from 2024–25 onwards and international medical graduates seeking UK registration must pass the UKMLA, which comprises the AKT and the CPSA.

Is the AKT the same as PLAB 1?

They share the MLA content map, so the clinical knowledge tested is the same. MedReadyUK covers PLAB 1, the UKMLA AKT, PLAB 2/CPSA and MRCGP in one platform.

How is the AKT structured?

The AKT is a computer-based exam of single-best-answer questions testing applied knowledge across the MLA content map. It is pass/fail with no ranking.

Can UK students and IMGs use the same questions?

Yes — because both sit against the MLA content map, the same question bank serves UK finalists and IMGs.

UKMLA AKT Question Bank & Practice Questions

What is the UKMLA AKT?

The UK Medical Licensing Assessment is the single national standard for joining the UK medical register. Every UK graduate and every international medical graduate seeking UK practice must pass it. It has two parts: the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), a computer-based written exam of single-best-answer questions, and the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA), an OSCE-style practical.

The AKT tests applied clinical knowledge across diagnosis, investigation, management, prescribing, patient safety and professional behaviour — all mapped to the GMC MLA content map. Because correct answers often follow UK guidelines, preparation should be grounded in NICE, CKS and the BNF.

How to prepare for the UKMLA AKT

The AKT rewards applied reasoning over recall. An effective routine:

Anchor everything in UK guidelines

When you get a question wrong, confirm the correct management against the relevant NICE or CKS guidance, so you learn the rule, not just the answer.

Cover the whole content map

The MLA blueprint is broad. Track which areas of clinical practice you've covered so nothing is neglected before exam day.

Build exam stamina

Timed mocks in the AKT format train pacing and concentration so the real paper feels familiar.

What MedReadyUK gives you for the UKMLA AKT

SBA questions mapped to the GMC MLA content map
Guideline-based explanations for every answer option
An AI tutor to talk through tricky clinical reasoning
Timed mock exams that mirror the AKT format
Spaced repetition focused on your weakest areas
Revision notes and flashcards across all MLA areas

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the UKMLA AKT — frequently asked questions

Who has to sit the UKMLA?: All UK medical graduates from 2024–25 onwards and international medical graduates seeking UK registration must pass the UKMLA, which comprises the AKT and the CPSA.
Is the AKT the same as PLAB 1?: They share the MLA content map, so the clinical knowledge tested is the same. MedReadyUK covers PLAB 1, the UKMLA AKT, PLAB 2/CPSA and MRCGP in one platform.
How is the AKT structured?: The AKT is a computer-based exam of single-best-answer questions testing applied knowledge across the MLA content map. It is pass/fail with no ranking.
Can UK students and IMGs use the same questions?: Yes — because both sit against the MLA content map, the same question bank serves UK finalists and IMGs.

Other UK licensing exams

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