The UK medical training pathway involves high-stakes exams at every stage. Understanding the full roadmap helps you plan preparation, budget, and career timing.
Medical School → Foundation
Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA/UKMLA). The UK-wide standardised exam for medical school graduation. Replaces individual medical school finals. iatroX UKMLA Q-bank — free adaptive preparation. Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA). Tests safe prescribing competency across 8 question types. BNF-referenced. iatroX PSA Q-bank — free.
Foundation → Specialty Entry
MSRA (Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment). Machine-marked exam for entry to GP, psychiatry, ophthalmology, radiology, and other specialties. Your score determines your ranking. iatroX MSRA Q-bank — free.
Specialty Training
MRCP (Membership of the Royal College of Physicians). Part 1 + Part 2 Written + PACES. Required for medical specialties and some GP trainees. iatroX MRCP Q-bank — free. MRCGP AKT (Applied Knowledge Test). Required for GP CCT. iatroX AKT Q-bank — free. MRCEM (Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine). Required for EM training. iatroX MRCEM Q-bank — free. MRCPsych. Required for psychiatry training. MRCS. Required for surgical training.
For IMGs
PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board). Part 1 and Part 2 for IMGs seeking UK practice. iatroX PLAB Q-bank — free.
Diploma Exams (Premium)
DRCOG (600+ questions), DFSRH (850+), DGM (484+), DipIMC (601+), FFICM (727+), DTM&H (700+) — specialist diploma Q-banks for GPwER and specialist development. Available on iatroX premium.
Post-CCT
Annual appraisal and five-yearly GMC revalidation. iatroX CPD module supports ongoing professional development documentation.