The UKMLA is the single, national standard for new doctors registering with a licence in the UK. It has two parts.
| Part | Format | Who runs it |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) | Computer-based single-best-answer questions: 200 questions, delivered as two papers of 100, sat on campus | Designed by the Medical Schools Council; delivered by each medical school |
| Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA) | Practical, OSCE-style assessment of clinical and professional skills, built into the school’s own final exams | Each medical school, to a common GMC-set standard |
- UK medical students who graduate from the 2024–25 academic year onwards must pass both parts to be eligible for registration with a licence to practise.
- Passing is separate from your degree classification: you must meet the standard in each part.
- The AKT blueprint is public. The Medical Schools Council publishes a content map and practice material.
- Overseas graduates who take PLAB: PLAB 1 corresponds to the AKT and PLAB 2 to the CPSA.
This page is general education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.