UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test (AKT): The Complete Guide to Format and How to Prepare

The UKMLA, the UK Medical Licensing Assessment, is the national assessment that all doctors must pass to practise in the UK, and the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) is its written component. Introduced for UK graduates from the 2024 to 2025 academic year, it is now a central part of medical finals for UK students and a milestone for international graduates. This guide explains the format, the content map it is built on, how it is delivered, and how to prepare.

What is the UKMLA AKT?

The AKT is the knowledge component of the Medical Licensing Assessment, set by the General Medical Council. Alongside the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA), it forms the assessment every doctor must pass to hold registration and a licence to practise in the UK. For UK medical students, the AKT is now part of finals; for international medical graduates, the equivalent knowledge test is taken through the PLAB route. It tests the applied knowledge a doctor needs to practise safely at the point of entry to the profession.

UKMLA AKT format and structure

The AKT comprises two papers, each with 100 single best answer questions, for a total of 200 questions, with two hours allowed per paper. Each question uses a five-option single best answer format, with one correct answer and four plausible distractors. Notably, the exam is designed nationally but delivered locally by individual medical schools under in-person invigilation, so UK students sit it at their own institution rather than remotely.

• Two papers, each with 100 single best answer questions (200 in total).
• Two hours allowed per paper.
• Five-option single best answer format.
• Designed nationally by the GMC, delivered locally by medical schools with in-person invigilation.

Because the assessment is new and its delivery arrangements can evolve, confirm the current format and your own medical school's arrangements when you plan your sitting.

The MLA content map: where to focus

The AKT is built on the GMC's MLA content map, which defines what candidates are expected to know. The content map spans a large set of clinical conditions and patient presentations across many clinical areas, reflecting the breadth of knowledge a newly qualified doctor needs. Revising against the content map is the single most efficient way to prepare, because it tells you exactly what is examinable. The papers sample widely across these areas, so broad, even coverage matters more than deep expertise in a few topics.

Who sits the UKMLA AKT, and when?

UK medical students sit the AKT as part of finals, typically in their final year, from the 2024 to 2025 academic year onward. International medical graduates take the equivalent knowledge assessment through the PLAB pathway. Because the AKT is integrated into medical school finals for UK students, the timing is set by your institution within the national framework, so confirm your own school's schedule and the GMC's current guidance.

How the AKT fits into the UKMLA and your career

The UKMLA has two parts: the Applied Knowledge Test and the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment. Passing both is required to hold UK registration and a licence to practise. For UK students, the AKT is woven into finals, so passing it is part of graduating and entering the Foundation Programme. For international graduates, it is a key step toward UK registration. Either way, the AKT confirms the knowledge base for safe practice, and a strong performance builds confidence going into your first foundation post.

A realistic UKMLA AKT study plan

• Early phase work through the MLA content map area by area, answering questions as you go and reading every explanation, and using your clinical placements to reinforce what you revise.
• Middle phase consolidate through mixed question blocks that keep the whole content map active, and log weak areas to return to.
• Final phase sit timed, two-paper practice to build pacing and stamina across 200 questions, review your analytics, and taper before the exam.

Exam technique and what to expect on the day

With 100 questions in two hours per paper, you have a little over a minute per question, so keep a steady pace and do not stall. Read each stem carefully, decide on your answer before the options bias you, and pick the single best answer for the scenario. Flag anything slow and return to it, and answer every question. Because the two papers are sat with breadth across the content map, practising under timed conditions across the full range of topics is the best way to build both pacing and confidence.

The best way to revise for the UKMLA AKT

Because the AKT is entirely single best answer and mapped to a defined content map, a question bank built around that content map is the most efficient way to prepare. Work in tutor mode, read the reasoning behind every option, and track your performance across the clinical areas so you can see which need more work. A bank that mirrors the AKT style and covers the full content map lets you build the broad, even knowledge the exam rewards, while your clinical placements bring it to life. Revise against the MLA content map, aim for broad even coverage rather than depth in a few topics, and confirm your own medical school's arrangements and the GMC's current guidance.

Passmed's UKMLA question bank is mapped to the MLA content map, written by qualified doctors, with detailed explanations and a dashboard that shows which clinical areas need the most attention as you prepare for finals. Explore the question bank →

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in the UKMLA AKT?

Two papers of 100 single best answer questions each, 200 in total, with two hours allowed per paper and a five-option single best answer format.

How is the UKMLA AKT delivered?

It is designed nationally by the GMC but delivered locally by individual medical schools under in-person invigilation, so UK students sit it at their own institution rather than remotely.

What is the MLA content map?

It is the GMC's blueprint for the assessment, defining the clinical conditions and patient presentations across many clinical areas that candidates are expected to know. Revising against it is the most efficient way to prepare.

Who has to sit the UKMLA AKT?

UK medical students from the 2024 to 2025 academic year sit it as part of finals, while international medical graduates take the equivalent knowledge assessment through the PLAB pathway.

How should I prepare for the UKMLA AKT?

Revise against the MLA content map area by area with a question bank, aim for broad even coverage, use your placements to reinforce learning, and build to timed two-paper practice before the exam.

Exam format and scoring details were checked against the official examining bodies (accessed July 2026). Specifications, dates and fees change, always confirm the current details on the official website before you sit.