What is the Difference Between PLAB 1 and the UKMLA?

One of the most common questions we receive at MedRevisions is about the shift to the UKMLA (United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment).

Crucial Update: From August 2024 onwards, the PLAB 1 exam is officially based on the MLA Content Map as part of the GMC’s new licensing assessment.

However, the core clinical concepts remain equally crucial for both PLAB 1 preparation and the UKMLA exam. The fundamental medical knowledge required has not changed; the exam is simply now aligned with a more structured framework known as the MLA Content Map.

• The AKT (Applied Knowledge Test): This is the multiple-choice component of the MLA, similar to PLAB 1. It consists of single best answer (SBA) questions.

• The CPSA (Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment): This is the practical component, similar to PLAB 2.

Our question bank is specifically updated to align with these changes, ensuring that you are studying the correct material for the current exam format.

How to Use These Free Practice Questions Effectively

Many candidates make the mistake of treating practice questions as a simple "test." To score highly, you must treat them as a learning tool.

1. The "Active Recall" Method

Don't just look at the answer and nod. Before revealing the correct option, force yourself to formulate a diagnosis and a management plan in your head. This process of "active recall" strengthens neural pathways much more effectively than passive reading.

2. Analyze the Distractors

In every Single Best Answer (SBA) question, there is one correct answer and four "distractors." A high-scoring candidate knows why the correct answer is right, but also exactly why the other four are wrong.

3. Focus on High-Yield Scenarios

Certain clinical presentations appear repeatedly. For instance, a progressive dysphagia case is a classic high-yield scenario often seen in PLAB 1 and UKMLA exam questions. These questions focus on identifying upper GI cancer red flags and applying NICE guideline-based management immediately.

Sample Clinical Scenario Breakdown (Understand the depth required for a UKMLA or PLAB exam question)

To give you an idea of the depth required, let’s look at how to deconstruct a typical question style found in our bank.

The Scenario:

A 65-year-old man presents with sudden onset, severe epigastric pain radiating to the back. He has a history of gallstones and alcohol excess. His blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg and heart rate is 110 bpm. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

The Thought Process:

1. Identify the Keywords: "Epigastric pain radiating to back" + "Gallstones/Alcohol" = Acute Pancreatitis.

2. Assess the Status: Low BP and High HR indicate he is haemodynamically unstable (Shock).

3. Analyze the Question: It asks for the initial investigation.

   • CT Abdomen? This is the gold standard for diagnosis, but it is not the initial test. It takes time.

   • Serum Amylase/Lipase? Yes. This is a blood test, quick to perform, and diagnostic for pancreatitis.

Always check if the question asks for the initial test, the diagnostic test (gold standard), or the definitive management. These subtle word changes alter the answer completely. In our question we have numerous question to tackle all the possible scenarios the examiner might present to you.

Why Thousands of Doctors Trust MedRevisions for PLAB & UKMLA Prep

We are not just a question bank; we are a complete revision ecosystem designed by doctors who understand the exam with over a decade experience with exams conducted by the GMC.

Realistic Exam Experience

MedRevisions’ questions mirror the style and complexity of recent PLAB 1 and UKMLA exams (after every exam we analyse the question complexity and add new questions derived from recent exams). Each clinical scenario is crafted to reflect real exam scenarios—like the progressive dysphagia question mentioned above—so you’ll be familiar with the exam format and challenge level on test day.

Continuously Updated Content

Our material is always up-to-date with the latest NICE guidelines and the evolving UKMLA content map. We incorporate new changes (including those from 2024–2025) into our question bank and notes immediately, so you can be confident you’re studying the most current information.

Comprehensive Question Bank

Access 5000+ PLAB 1 and UKMLA practice questions covering all specialities and themes. Every question comes with a detailed explanation for both correct and incorrect answers, complete with guidelines and reasoning. This helps reinforce your understanding of why an answer is right or wrong, solidifying your clinical reasoning skills.

Full-Length Mock Exams

Challenge yourself with 30+ full mock exams designed to simulate the real test. Each attempt generates a new set of questions, closely emulating actual exam conditions. By practising with our mocks, you’ll build stamina and confidence for exam day.

Focused Study Modes

Short on time? Use our Study Essential mode to concentrate on the highest-yield topics (around 1800 key questions with our study notes) – ideal for efficient UKMLA preparation or last-minute revision. Then switch to full study mode to cover the remaining questions and ensure comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.

In-Depth Revision Notes

Our concise study notes distil complex topics into understandable summaries. They highlight common exam pitfalls and integrate with our question explanations, so you can quickly review concepts like upper GI cancers, PLAB 1 exam updates, and more without searching through textbooks.

Smart Revision Tools

Leverage our spaced repetition system and performance analytics to focus on your weak areas. Important topics (e.g. gastroenterology red flags, emergency management protocols) will be revisited at optimal intervals, improving retention and recall during the exam. When you answer a question wrong, it will be directly added into the smart revision tool for revision.

Ready to Ace Your Exam?

Whether you are just beginning your prep or doing final revisions, MedRevisions provides everything you need to pass PLAB 1 or UKMLA on the first attempt. Our blend of realistic questions, updated content, and smart study tools has helped thousands of doctors succeed – and you can be next.

Sign up now for free to try 20 sample questions with full explanations, access a demo of our notes, and explore the platform trusted by countless successful candidates. Boost your preparation with MedRevisions’ PLAB question bank, high-yield notes, and performance tracking tools – and take the next step toward acing your exam!

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