Transition of PLAB test to UKMLA
PLAB test which is conducted two parts, Plab part 1 and part 2, will be replacing with UKMLA exam from 2024, which stands for UK Medical Licensing Assessment. All International Medical Graduates (IMGs) applying for UK in 2024, and even UK or EU countries graduates passing out in the academic year of 2024-25 or beyond, will be required to sit for UKMLA exam.
The sole purpose of launching this exam is to manage the healthcare professionals’ recruitment crises in UK. Although, UKMLA is in two parts and assesses the knowledge and clinical skills for candidates, similar to PLAB exam. UKMLA part 1 which is known as Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) also is a theoretical exam consisting upon MCQs like PLAB Part 1. Whereas part 2 of UKMLA is called Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA) which focuses on practical aspects of medicine just like PLAB Part 2 exam. But UKMLA has trickier and difficult questions than PLAB and has generally higher threshold for passing.
The major difference between these two exams is the intention of GMC to treat all applicants fairly, regardless of their UK educational background. It is to maintain the high standard medical education in UK.