Quick Answer
The UKMLA has two parts: AKT (~150 SBAs) and CPSA (OSCE). Pass mark ~60-70% via Angoff. Cost ~£110-130 for UK students. Mandatory for GMC registration from 2024 onwards (GMC, 2026).
Data last verified September 2026 from the General Medical Council (GMC) and the UKMLA Content Map.
Eligibility
- UK medical graduates: Mandatory for GMC registration from 2024 (GMC, 2026).
- International graduates: PLAB remains the route; UKMLA is for UK graduates.
Test format
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| AKT | ~150 single-best-answer MCQs |
| CPSA | OSCE-style clinical skills assessment |
| Pass mark (AKT) | Cut score (~60-70%) |
| Fee (AKT) | ~£110-130 (UK students) |
Source: GMC UKMLA specification (2026).
Sample Q&A (12 questions)
Q1. What is the GMC's role in the UKMLA?
The GMC sets the UKMLA standard, oversees delivery, and uses the result for registration decisions (GMC, 2026).
Q2. When was the UKMLA introduced?
The UKMLA was introduced for all UK medical graduates from the academic year 2024-25 onwards (GMC, 2026).
Q3. What is the difference between UKMLA and PLAB?
UKMLA is for UK medical graduates; PLAB is for international medical graduates seeking UK registration (GMC, 2026).
Q4. What is the AKT?
Applied Knowledge Test — the MCQ component of the UKMLA testing clinical knowledge (GMC, 2026).
Q5. What is the CPSA?
Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment — the OSCE-style component testing clinical skills and professionalism (GMC, 2026).
Q6. What medical specialties are tested on the UKMLA?
All major specialties: medicine, surgery, paediatrics, O&G, psychiatry, GP, public health, urgent care (GMC, 2026).
Q7. What is the UKMLA Content Map?
The official blueprint listing the conditions, presentations, and skills tested on the UKMLA (GMC, 2026).
Q8. How long should UK medical students prepare for the UKMLA?
Preparation is integrated into the 4-5 year medical school curriculum; dedicated prep in Year 4-5 (GMC, 2026).
Q9. What resources are recommended for UKMLA prep?
Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine, Oxford Handbook of Clinical Surgery, Pastest, BMJ OnExamination (GMC, 2026).
Q10. How are UKMLA results released?
Approximately 4-6 weeks after the AKT sitting (GMC, 2026).
Q11. Can you retake the UKMLA AKT?
Yes — there is no formal cap on attempts but each retake requires a new application and fee (GMC, 2026).
Q12. What is the role of the medical school in UKMLA delivery?
UK medical schools deliver the AKT on behalf of the GMC; international candidates may sit at GMC-approved centers (GMC, 2026).
Pass-mark interpretation
Angoff-based cut score ~60-70% for AKT. CPSA scored on a pass/fail basis across multiple domains (clinical, communication, professionalism) (GMC, 2026).
Where to book
UK medical students register through their medical school. International candidates book via GMC-approved Pearson VUE centers (GMC, 2026).
Resources
Use the TutorsBot entrance-exams hub for cross-cluster practice and the GMC UKMLA Content Map for the official blueprint. Recommended: Oxford Handbooks, Pastest.
UK professional career outlook and study plan 2026
This qualification is required for practice in the UK and increasingly valued internationally. The General Medical Council (GMC) and Royal Colleges publish annual registration data — pass rates and candidate volumes vary by sitting.
A structured 8-week study plan: weeks 1-2 cover the syllabus fundamentals and reference texts; weeks 3-4 cover practice questions and topic-weightage; weeks 5-6 cover clinical scenarios and case studies; weeks 7-8 cover full mock exams + targeted review. Most candidates study 200-400 hours across the 8-week window.
After passing, you can apply for GMC registration (medical) or relevant College membership. Career progression in the UK follows specialty training pathways: Foundation (FY1-FY2) -> Core training (CT1-CT2/ST1-ST2) -> Higher specialty training (ST3+) -> Consultant. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) typically enter via the MTI (Medical Training Initiative) or directly via the Specialist Register.
UK professional career outlook and study plan 2026
This qualification is required for practice in the UK and increasingly valued internationally. The General Medical Council (GMC) and Royal Colleges publish annual registration data — pass rates and candidate volumes vary by sitting. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) form the majority of candidates for PLAB, MRCP Part 1, and the NMC test of competence, with India, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, and Sudan being the largest source countries.
A structured 8-week study plan: weeks 1-2 cover the syllabus fundamentals and reference texts; weeks 3-4 cover practice questions and topic-weightage (focus on the highest-weighted specialties first); weeks 5-6 cover clinical scenarios and case studies; weeks 7-8 cover full mock exams + targeted review of weak domains. Most candidates study 200-400 hours across the 8-week window.
After passing, you can apply for GMC registration (medical) or relevant College membership. Career progression in the UK follows specialty training pathways: Foundation (FY1-FY2) -> Core training (CT1-CT2/ST1-ST2) -> Higher specialty training (ST3+) -> Consultant. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) typically enter via the MTI (Medical Training Initiative) or directly via the Specialist Register after completing PLAB or MRCP + CMT. UK specialty training salaries (NHS, 2026) range from £43,900 (FY1) to £107,000 (ST8+), with consultant pay reaching £150,000+ with on-call and clinical excellence awards.
UK professional career outlook and study plan 2026
This qualification is required for practice in the UK and increasingly valued internationally. The General Medical Council (GMC) and Royal Colleges publish annual registration data — pass rates and candidate volumes vary by sitting. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) form the majority of candidates for PLAB, MRCP Part 1, and the NMC test of competence, with India, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, and Sudan being the largest source countries.
A structured 8-week study plan: weeks 1-2 cover the syllabus fundamentals and reference texts; weeks 3-4 cover practice questions and topic-weightage (focus on the highest-weighted specialties first); weeks 5-6 cover clinical scenarios and case studies; weeks 7-8 cover full mock exams + targeted review of weak domains. Most candidates study 200-400 hours across the 8-week window.
After passing, you can apply for GMC registration (medical) or relevant College membership. Career progression in the UK follows specialty training pathways: Foundation (FY1-FY2) -> Core training (CT1-CT2/ST1-ST2) -> Higher specialty training (ST3+) -> Consultant. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) typically enter via the MTI (Medical Training Initiative) or directly via the Specialist Register after completing PLAB or MRCP + CMT. UK specialty training salaries (NHS, 2026) range from £43,900 (FY1) to £107,000 (ST8+), with consultant pay reaching £150,000+ with on-call and clinical excellence awards.
