UKMLA vs PLAB: Key Differences Explained
The UKMLA (United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment) and the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) tests are both designed to assess doctors seeking to practice in the UK, but they differ in purpose, audience, and format. Here’s a breakdown:
UKMLA vs PLAB: Comparison Table
| Aspect | UKMLA | PLAB |
|---|---|---|
Purpose |
Unified assessment for all medical graduates (UK and international) |
For international medical graduates (IMGs) only |
Target Audience |
UK medical students and IMGs (starting from 2024) |
IMGs applying for GMC registration |
Structure |
Two parts: AKT (theory) and CPSA (practical skills) |
Two parts: PLAB 1 (theory) and PLAB 2 (OSCE-based practical) |
Content |
Aligns with UK medical curricula and GMC Content Map | Focuses on knowledge required for a junior doctor in the UK |
Standardization | Ensures consistent standards for UK and IMG candidates | Evaluates whether IMG skills are equivalent to UK-trained doctors |
Introduction Year | Mandatory from 2024 onwards | Established test, phased out by 2024 |
Key Differences
Scope
UKMLA applies to both UK graduates and IMGs, while PLAB was only for IMGs.
Content Map
UKMLA content aligns with modern UK medical training, ensuring uniform standards.
Phase-Out
PLAB will no longer be offered after 2024, replaced entirely by the UKMLA.
The UKMLA introduces a fair, unified assessment system for all doctors, ensuring consistent quality of care in the UK healthcare system.