Registration and Eligibility.

• Who takes it: The UKMLA is required for UK medical students graduating from 2024–2025 onwards and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) applying for GMC registration from 2024.

• GMC online account: All candidates must create a General Medical Council (GMC) online account to manage their application and book exams.

• For International Medical Graduates (IMGs):

  • Documents: You will need to submit documents like your valid passport, primary medical qualification, and proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or OET).

  • English proficiency: You must meet the required scores, which are an overall 7.5 on the IELTS (with no section below 7.0) or a grade B in all four OET sections.

  • Verification: Your medical credentials will need to be verified through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) via its EPIC service.

UKMLA STUDY MATERIALS.

• UKMLA Content Map: The official MLA Content Map from the GMC clearly outlines all the clinical presentations, conditions, and professional knowledge areas that can be tested. This should be your primary guide.

• Question banks: Using online question banks (like those from Pastest, UWorld, Medibuddy, and Amboss) is a key preparation method for the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT). Look for providers that align their questions with the MLA Content Map.

• Practice exams: The Medical Schools Council has released official practice papers for the MS AKT that are invaluable for understanding the exam's format.

• Clinical practice resources:

  • Oxford Handbooks: Excellent resources for quick reference on clinical topics.

  • NICE Guidelines: Stay updated with UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, as these are often tested.

• OSCE practice resources:

  • Geeky Medics: Offers free clinical skills videos and OSCE checklists to help with the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA).

  • Practice with peers: Simulate Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) scenarios with friends or in study groups for realistic practice and feedback.

Study strategies

• Revise consistently: The AKT is not an exam to cram for. Incorporate regular, active revision throughout your clinical training to cement your knowledge.

• Practice, practice, practice: For the AKT, regularly complete multiple-choice questions to build test-taking skills. For the CPSA, practice essential clinical procedures and communication skills.

• Focus on weak areas: Use question bank analytics to identify your weaker topics and focus your revision there.

• Utilize your medical school's resources: Your curriculum and internal resources are often the best preparation, as they are already aligned with GMC requirements.

Will I have to pay for the MLA?

Students at UK medical schools will not be charged to take the MLA as their university will cover the cost of the exam. However, you may have to pay for any resits that you need to take.