PLAB vs UKMLA (2026): What's Changed, What Hasn't, and Which You Need
At a Glance
Who is it for?
PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board):International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment):UK Medical Graduates + IMGs
Why choose PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board)?
- Established exam with decades of track record
- Well-understood format and scoring
- Large community of past candidates sharing resources
- Available in 40+ international test centres (Part 1)
Why choose UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment)?
- Single licensing standard for all doctors entering UK practice
- MLA Content Map provides a transparent, published blueprint
- CPSA (Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment) replaces PLAB 2
- Designed for the modern UK healthcare landscape
Feature Comparison
| Capability | PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) | UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | PLAB 1: 180 SBAs in 3 hours. PLAB 2: 16 OSCE stations. | AKT: SBA-based. CPSA: Clinical skills assessment. |
| Content Alignment | Aligned with MLA Content Map since August 2024 | Based on MLA Content Map (430+ conditions) |
| Eligibility | IMGs only | UK graduates and IMGs |
| Pricing | PLAB 1: £283. PLAB 2: varies. | UKMLA AKT: check GMC. CPSA: check GMC. |
| Transition Status | Content aligned to UKMLA since 2024. MLA Content Map update September 2026. | Being rolled out for UK graduates. IMG pathway still involves PLAB branding. |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
The relationship between PLAB and the UKMLA is the single most confusing topic in UK medical exam preparation. This comparison cuts through the noise.
The short version: The PLAB exam content has been aligned with the MLA Content Map since August 2024. Whether you sit "PLAB 1" or "UKMLA AKT," the clinical knowledge being tested is effectively the same. The UKMLA is the long-term replacement, but IMGs are still booking exams under the PLAB name.
Key Facts
Content Alignment
Since August 2024, PLAB 1 has been aligned with the MLA Content Map — the same blueprint that underpins the UKMLA AKT. This means PLAB 1 and UKMLA AKT are testing the same clinical knowledge.
What's Actually Different
- Eligibility: PLAB is for IMGs only. UKMLA covers both UK graduates and IMGs.
- Branding: IMGs still book "PLAB 1" and "PLAB 2." UK graduates will sit the "UKMLA AKT."
- Part 2: PLAB 2 (16 OSCE stations) is being replaced by the CPSA (Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment).
- MLA Content Map update: September 2026 brings updates. Both PLAB and UKMLA will reflect these changes.
What Hasn't Changed
- The clinical knowledge required to pass is the same
- UK-specific guidelines (NICE, CKS, BNF) remain the foundation
- The exam is SBA-based with a similar difficulty level
- International test centres remain available for Part 1
Practical Implications for Study Resources
PLAB-branded resources (PLABable, Pastest PLAB modules) and UKMLA-branded resources (Geeky Medics UKMLA, Quesmed) are both applicable. The underlying clinical content is aligned.
For free PLAB 1 and UKMLA Q-banks with AI-powered UK guideline Q&A, iatroX covers both exams at no cost — because the content is the same.
Public information as of 2 April 2026. Based on GMC publications. Trademarks belong to their owners.
Looking for a faster way?
While PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) and UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment) are powerful tools, iatroX offers a free, AI-driven alternative focused specifically on rapid UK guideline retrieval and exam prep.
Use-Cases
IMG Applying in 2026
When to choose PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board)
- Currently still booking 'PLAB 1' and 'PLAB 2'. Content is aligned with UKMLA.
When to choose UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment)
- The content you are tested on is effectively the same. The name is transitioning.
UK Medical Student Graduating in 2026
When to choose PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board)
- Not applicable — PLAB is for IMGs only.
When to choose UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment)
- Relevant. UKMLA AKT is being integrated into medical school finals.
Choosing Study Resources
When to choose PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board)
- PLAB-branded resources (PLABable, Pastest PLAB) are still applicable.
When to choose UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment)
- UKMLA-branded resources (Geeky Medics, Quesmed) are equally applicable. The content is aligned.
FAQs
- Is the UKMLA replacing PLAB?
- Yes, in the long term. The UKMLA is designed to be a single licensing assessment for all doctors entering UK practice. IMGs currently still book exams under the PLAB name, but content is aligned with the UKMLA MLA Content Map.
- Should I use PLAB or UKMLA resources?
- Both are applicable. The clinical content is aligned. Use whichever resources you find most helpful.
- When does PLAB fully become UKMLA?
- The transition is gradual. Content alignment happened in August 2024. The MLA Content Map updates in September 2026. Full branding transition timelines are set by the GMC.