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UK Medical Licensing Examination (UKMLA) 2024 New Changes

Writer's picture: Dr. Jhiamluka SolanoDr. Jhiamluka Solano

Updated: Jan 22



In 2024, the introduction of the UKMLA is expected, creating some uncertainty about how the process for pursuing a postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom will change for an IMG (International Medical Graduate), or in our case, a doctor from Latin America.

Unlike in the USA, currently, medical graduates in the UK begin their Foundation Programme (FP) without taking any GMC (General Medical Council) exams, as is the case with the USMLE in the USA. The FP is equivalent to our internship but lasts two years due to the reduced number of hours worked. It’s important to note that this is why specialities in the UK take twice as long as in other countries, thanks to the work-life balance. For example, internal medicine in the USA lasts three years, whereas in the UK it lasts five years (including three years of IMT and two of Acute Medicine). However, the weekly working hours differ: over 80 hours in the USA versus 40–48 hours in the UK.

The UKMLA will fulfil a similar role to the USMLE, but with the difference that the level of complexity will remain the same as the PLAB. UK medical students will take this exam during their undergraduate studies. The aim of the exam is to establish a national standard for the level of knowledge all doctors in the UK should have at the time of practising, whether during the FP or as an IMG entering the system at any level.

Regarding its structure, the only difference will be a change in the names, but the level of difficulty will remain the same since this exam is designed for the competencies required during the FP, not as a specialist. PLAB 1 will now be called the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT), and PLAB 2 will be called the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA). The content will be similar to the PLAB format, as you can see in the following link:

You’re probably wondering what will happen in different scenarios. For instance:

  • If you’ve passed PLAB and it’s already 2024, you will still have two years to apply for your licence. If you don’t do so within those two years, you’ll need to retake the exams, which by then will be the UKMLA.

  • If by the end of 2023 you’ve only passed PLAB 1, you’ll take the CPSA in 2024.

  • If you’ve passed PLAB 1 but haven’t passed PLAB 2 by 2024, you’ll need to take the CPSA. However, the number of attempts will take into account the PLAB 2 attempts you’ve already made.

The costs are not expected to change at this time, although there is a possibility of a small adjustment. Despite the uncertainty this change brings, the high-level approach to medical education offered by the GMC is excellent and will help facilitate the transition in a way that ensures everyone understands the process and has equal opportunities.

Regarding preparation, the same question banks will be useful as the curriculum and evaluation method are not changing. However, it’s expected that computers will be used instead of written exams for the AKT (PLAB 1).

I hope this post helps you understand the process more clearly and navigate the blog more effectively. Don’t hesitate to ask questions via the blog, social media, email, or book your 1:1 advising meeting today.


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