What is the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA)?

The UK Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) is a national exam that all UK medical students must pass to practise medicine in the UK. It assesses whether candidates have the clinical knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for safe medical practice.

Overview

The UK MLA is designed to ensure a consistent standard of medical knowledge and clinical competence across all UK graduates. From the academic year 2024-2025, passing the MLA is a requirement for joining the UK medical register. The exam is based on the MLA content map, which outlines the core knowledge and clinical skills expected of newly qualified doctors. The assessment consists of two parts, the applied knowledge test (AKT) and the clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA).

Part 1 The Applied Knowledge Test (MLA AKT)

The Applied Knowledge Test (UK MLA AKT) is a computer-based exam consisting of multiple-choice questions designed to assess your ability to apply clinical knowledge in real-world medical scenarios. It forms Part 1 of the UK Medical Licensing Assessment and is typically delivered by UK medical schools.

Part 1 will be conducted over two days and consist of two papers:
Paper 1 will feature 100 questions to be completed within a 2-hour timeframe.
Paper 2 will also include 100 questions, to be completed within a 2-hour timeframe on the following day.

Get started with your revision for the UKMLA AKT exam with a FREE one-month subscription exclusively for UK medical students. Gain access to over 5,000 exam-style questions, timed mock exams, and a comprehensive revision guide library. This FREE access will give you the perfect head start in your UKMLA preparation. Sign up using your university email to get started here.

Part 2 The Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA)

The second part of the exam will test your clinical and professional skills. The CPSA is known by a different name at each medical school, such as Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) or Objective Structured Long Examination Record (OSLER). GMC will establish standards that each CPSA must adhere to in due course.

 

Understanding the UKMLA syllabus

The MLA content map outlines the subjects and topics assessed in both the UKMLA AKT and CPSA, helping you understand what to focus on during your revision.

You can explore the full syllabus and exam coverage here.

Start preparing for the UKMLA

Our resources are designed to support your preparation for the UKMLA AKT, helping you build the knowledge and confidence required to succeed.

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