PLAB and UKMLA Quick Summary
PLAB has not been replaced by the UKMLA. During 2024 the GMC made PLAB compliant with the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA): PLAB 1 now meets the requirements of the MLA Applied Knowledge Test and PLAB 2 those of the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment. International medical graduates still take PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, while UK medical students take the MLA within their degree.
What is the UKMLA?
The Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA), often called the UKMLA, tests the core knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of doctors new to practice in the UK. The GMC describes it as a common threshold for safe practice. UK medical students graduating from the 2024-25 academic year onwards must pass it as part of their degree before they can join the medical register.
What happened to PLAB in 2024?
When the MLA was planned, the GMC announced in 2021 that it would replace PLAB from 2024. In practice, the GMC kept PLAB and made it compliant with MLA requirements during 2024. The questions in PLAB 1 and the stations in PLAB 2 are now based on the same MLA content map used for UK students, so international and UK graduates are assessed against a common standard. The GMC is keeping the PLAB name for now and plans to modernise it at a later date.
The GMC notes that MLA compliance relates to how it builds and delivers PLAB, not to individual candidates. For the full format, fees and eligibility, see all about the PLAB exam.
What this means for doctors from Pakistan
- You still register through PLAB: pass PLAB 1 (available in Islamabad and Karachi) and then PLAB 2 in Manchester.
- Prepare from the MLA content map for your exam date, not from older PLAB syllabus lists.
- Expect questions on applying knowledge at Foundation Year 2 level, including UK practice and professionalism.
- Book through GMC Online once your English evidence is accepted; see how to register for PLAB.
If you are also considering the Gulf, see whether the MOHAP exam is still needed after PLAB or UKMLA. For a study plan, read our PLAB preparation guide.
Frequently asked questions
> Has PLAB been replaced by the UKMLA?
No. PLAB became compliant with MLA requirements during 2024 and keeps its name for now. International medical graduates still take PLAB 1 and PLAB 2.
> Is PLAB 1 the same as the UKMLA AKT?
PLAB 1 meets the requirements of the MLA Applied Knowledge Test and is based on the same content map, but it is a separate exam run by the GMC for international graduates.
> Who has to take the UKMLA?
UK medical students graduating from the 2024-25 academic year onwards take the MLA as part of their degree. International medical graduates take PLAB, which meets the MLA requirements.
> Is the UKMLA harder than PLAB?
The GMC has not said so. Both are based on the same MLA content map and aim to test the same common threshold for safe practice as a new doctor in the UK.
> Will the PLAB name change?
The GMC says PLAB will keep its current name for now, but it plans to modernise the name at a later date.
Questions about PLAB and the MLA? Contact us.
Preparing for PLAB 1?
Practise with exam-style questions and detailed explanations in our PLAB Part 1 Qbank.
Explore PLAB Preparation