The UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) is a computer-based exam with 200 single best answer (SBA) questions across 2 papers. All UK medical students (from 2024-25) and international medical graduates must pass it for GMC registration. It tests clinical knowledge, professional skills, and scientific foundations.

What is the difference between PLAB and UKMLA?

From August 2024, PLAB 1 became UKMLA AKT and PLAB 2 became CPSA. The content and difficulty remain similar, but UKMLA creates a unified standard for both UK graduates and IMGs. The main change is alignment with the MLA content map used by UK medical schools.

How many UKMLA questions are in MedMLA's question bank?

MedMLA offers over 5,000 UKMLA-style practice questions covering all major medical topics, with detailed AI-powered explanations and links to NICE guidelines.

What is the pass rate for students using MedMLA?

Students using MedMLA achieve an average pass rate of 94% on their UKMLA exam, significantly higher than the national average of 71%.

How does MedMLA's AI help with UKMLA preparation?

Our AI analyzes your performance, identifies weak areas, creates personalized study plans, provides instant explanations for questions, and predicts your exam score with 85% accuracy. It adapts to your learning style and pace.

When should I start preparing for UKMLA AKT?

UK medical students should start UKMLA AKT preparation in their penultimate year, intensifying in final year. IMGs should allow 3-6 months after passing English requirements. Most successful candidates complete 2,000-3,000 practice questions before the exam.

What is the UKMLA AKT pass mark?

The UKMLA AKT pass mark is set using standard setting methods and typically ranges from 55-65%, varying by exam difficulty. The exact pass mark is determined after each sitting. MedMLA students average 78%, well above the pass threshold.

Is MedMLA suitable for international medical graduates?

Yes, MedMLA is perfect for both UK medical students and international medical graduates preparing for UKMLA. Our content aligns with GMC standards and NICE guidelines.

Can I access MedMLA on mobile devices?

Yes, MedMLA is fully responsive and works seamlessly on all devices - desktop, tablet, and mobile. Study anywhere, anytime with our mobile-optimized platform.

What topics does MedMLA cover?

MedMLA covers all UKMLA topics including: Cardiology, Respiratory Medicine, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Surgery, Pharmacology, Anatomy, Pathology, and more.

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UKMLA Exam Tips & Strategies

Master the art of exam-taking with proven strategies from top performers and medical educators

Key Exam Strategies

Time Management

Allocate 1.5 minutes per question initially
Flag difficult questions and return later
Leave 15 minutes for review at the end
Practice with timed mock exams regularly

Question Approach

Read the question stem carefully first
Look for keywords and qualifiers
Eliminate obviously wrong answers
Trust your first instinct unless certain

Mental Preparation

Practice mindfulness and meditation
Visualize success before the exam
Use positive self-talk
Take deep breaths when feeling anxious

Physical Wellness

Get 7-8 hours of sleep before exam
Eat a balanced breakfast
Stay hydrated throughout
Do light exercise the day before

Final Week Preparation Timeline

Day 7

Complete final mock exam

Simulate real exam conditions

Day 6

Review weak topics

Focus on problem areas identified

Day 5

Practice time management

Do timed question sets

Day 4

Review high-yield topics

Focus on commonly tested areas

Day 3

Light revision only

Review notes and summaries

Day 2

Organize exam materials

Prepare everything needed

Day 1

Rest and relax

Light review, early sleep

Exam Day

Execute your plan

Stay calm and confident

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Solution	Impact
Changing answers without reason	Only change if you find clear evidence of error	High
Spending too long on difficult questions	Flag and move on, return if time permits	High
Not reading questions completely	Read every word, especially negatives like "NOT" or "EXCEPT"	Critical
Panicking when unsure	Use elimination strategy and make educated guess	Medium
Poor time management	Practice with timer, check progress at intervals	High
Overthinking simple questions	Trust your knowledge, avoid creating complexity	Medium

During the Exam: Performance Tips

Start Strong

Begin with questions you find easier to build confidence and momentum.

Strategic Guessing

Never leave blanks. Eliminate wrong options and make educated guesses.

Pattern Recognition

UKMLA often tests similar concepts in different ways. Recognize patterns.

Clinical Reasoning

Think like a doctor - consider patient safety and best practice first.

Stay Focused

Take micro-breaks: close eyes for 10 seconds every 30 minutes.

Review Strategy

First review flagged questions, then any unanswered, then others if time.

Expert Advice from Top Scorers

"The key is consistency. I practiced questions every single day for 3 months before the exam. It's not about cramming, it's about building a strong foundation."

- Sarah M., 95th percentile

"Understanding why wrong answers are wrong is just as important as knowing the right answer. I spent equal time reviewing my mistakes."

- James L., 92nd percentile

"Mock exams under timed conditions were game-changers. They helped me manage anxiety and improved my time management significantly."

- Priya K., 94th percentile

"Don't neglect your physical health. Regular exercise and good sleep improved my concentration and memory retention dramatically."

- Ahmed R., 91st percentile

Ready to Apply These Strategies?

Practice with our intelligent question bank and mock exams designed to help you master these techniques

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