UKMLA vs PLAB 1: What’s Changing and How to Prepare

The UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) will soon replace the PLAB exams. But what does this mean for international medical graduates? Let’s break it down. Sections: What is UKMLA? UKMLA is a new licensing assessment that all doctors — UK graduates and IMGs — must take. It consists of two parts: the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA). How it compares to PLAB 1 – PLAB 1 = 180 SBA questions, 3 hours – UKMLA AKT = very similar SBA format, but broader in scope – Both focus on safe practice in the NHS and clinical decision-making Why IMGs should still focus on PLAB 1 Until UKMLA is fully implemented, PLAB 1 remains the main route. Even when UKMLA arrives, the skills and preparation overlap almost completely. How to prepare smartly – Practice exam-style SBAs – Review high-yield notes and mnemonics – Use question banks with detailed explanations – Track your performance with analytics Why choose ukmedpractice.com Our platform is designed to cover both PLAB 1 and UKMLA prep. With thousands of questions, past papers, and revision tools, you’ll be ready for either format. Conclusion: Whether you face PLAB 1 now or UKMLA later, structured practice is essential. Start today with ukmedpractice.com.