In 2026, most IMGs still enter GMC registration via PLAB. The Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA / “UKMLA”) is the umbrella standard; PLAB has been made compliant with MLA requirements and continues to run under the PLAB name.
Two components you must know
The MLA has two components: the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA). For IMGs, PLAB is designed to meet those same requirements (knowledge + skills), so PLAB prep remains directly useful.
Translation for IMGs: don’t “wait for UKMLA”. Build an MLA-aligned knowledge base, then execute PLAB 1 → PLAB 2 → registration. The exam label matters less than the underlying content map and station behaviours.
Why PLAB 1 prep is still valid
PLAB questions and stations are based on the MLA content map. If you’re preparing with a structured UK clinical approach (NICE-style management, safe prescribing logic, red flag triage, communication), you are training the right muscles.
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Step 1 — Pick the correct mental model
Treat PLAB as “IMG MLA in practice”: your target is safe UK-ready clinical reasoning + standardised communication + basic emergency escalation. Don’t overfit to trivia.
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Step 2 — Book PLAB 1 early (6+ months)
PLAB 1 runs multiple times per year (commonly Feb / May / Aug / Nov). Seats and locations can be tight; lock the date first, then plan backwards.
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Step 3 — Build a PLAB 1 plan that also sets up PLAB 2
Core: timed SBA blocks + error-log. Parallel: “PLAB 2 behaviours” practice (ICE + safety netting + consent + capacity + escalation language).
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Step 4 — Convert knowledge to stations
For each topic, rehearse: opening, focused history, targeted exam request, differential, initial management, and explicit safety-netting. This is the bridge from AKT-style knowledge to CPSA-style performance.
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Step 5 — Stay MLA-compliant in your revision
Use the MLA content map as your coverage checklist. If a resource isn’t mapping to the content map themes, it’s probably noise.
Avoid the classic 2026 mistake
Don’t delay your pathway waiting for a “new UKMLA exam” for IMGs. The system already treats PLAB as compliant with MLA requirements; your opportunity cost is time.
SourceGMC: Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) overview
Open Link SourceGMC: PLAB and the MLA (compliance + rationale)
Open Link SourceGMC: PLAB booking + guides (PLAB 1 / PLAB 2)
Open Link SourceGMC PDF: MLA content map (coverage checklist)
Open Link