PLAB and UKMLA Exams
For medical graduates who want to work as doctors in the UK, the system has entered a major transition as of 2024 and 2025. The PLAB exam, which used to apply only to international graduates, has now been brought under the umbrella of the UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment) — a common standard covering both UK graduates and international graduates.
Here is the up-to-date information we at Study First Academy provide to our candidates:
1. What Is the Relationship Between PLAB and UKMLA?
The most important rule to know during the current transition is this: UKMLA is not the name of an exam, but the name of the new assessment system.
- International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
- They still take the exams called PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. However, the content of these exams is now prepared entirely according to the UKMLA curriculum (Content Map).
- UK Graduates
- Instead of their own university finals, they take the AKT and CPSA exams set to UKMLA standards.
Conclusion: The PLAB exam has now been made "UKMLA-compliant". For international graduates the exam is still officially called PLAB, but its content and standard are aligned with the UKMLA.
2. Stages of the Exam (AKT and CPSA)
The exam consists of two main parts that assess medical knowledge and clinical skills:
A. Stage One: PLAB 1 / AKT (Applied Knowledge Test)
This stage measures the application of theoretical medical knowledge to clinical scenarios.
- Format: 180-question multiple-choice (Single Best Answer) computer-based exam.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Content: Core areas such as internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, ethics and emergency medicine.
- Where can it be taken? At centres in the UK (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, etc.), in Dublin and Madrid in the EU, and at various centres worldwide, including Turkey.
B. Stage Two: PLAB 2 / CPSA (Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment)
This is the clinical exam that assesses the candidate’s communication with patients and practical skills as a doctor.
- Format: OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) type exam made up of 16 different stations (scenarios).
- Duration: Each station lasts 8 minutes, with 1.5 minutes beforehand to read the instructions.
- Content: Taking a patient history, physical examination, making a diagnosis, breaking bad news and practical medical procedures (e.g. taking blood).
- Where can it be taken? Only in the UK, at the GMC's clinical assessment centres in Manchester.
3. Entry Requirements
To start the exam process, you must meet these three basic requirements:
Medical Degree (PMQ)
Graduating from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
English Proficiency
- IELTS: At least 7.0 in each section and at least 7.5 overall.
- OET (Medicine): At least a B grade in each of the four skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).
GMC Account
Opening an online account with the General Medical Council (GMC) and having your documents verified.
Study First Academy Prep Support
The process of becoming a doctor in the UK can seem complicated. We support you fully along the way:
UKMLA-Focused Curriculum
Preparation not only with old PLAB questions but with up-to-date resources aligned with the new curriculum.
OET/IELTS Prep
English language courses designed specifically for medical doctors.
PLAB 2 Mock Exams
Practice sessions simulating the real exam environment in Manchester, with feedback.
Career Counselling
Guidance on NHS (UK National Health Service) job applications and paperwork after the exam.
Plan Your Journey to Practising Medicine in the UK
Plan your PLAB 1, PLAB 2 and language proficiency steps with Study First Academy’s experts, and let’s choose the right prep programme for you together.
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