For Medical Graduates

UK graduates · International medical graduates · One exam. One standard. One platform.

Fully aligned to the GMC MLA Content Map — applicable from September 2026 onwards

September 2026

Same exam. Same content map. Same preparation.

From September 2026, the GMC Medical Licensing Assessment applies equally to UK medical school graduates and international medical graduates. Whether you are sitting your medical school finals or booking PLAB through the GMC portal, the AKT draws from the same content map, tests the same clinical reasoning, and demands the same standard: a doctor ready for safe, independent practice at Foundation Year 2 level.

MD Acumen serves both audiences from a single platform — because the exam does not distinguish between you. Neither should your preparation.

430

Core conditions in the 2026 MLA Content Map

180

SBA questions · AKT · 3 hours

OSCE stations · CPSA · 8 min each

62%

PLAB 1 pass rate 2025

For all MLA candidates

MLA preparation — UK graduates and IMGs

These resources serve every doctor preparing for the MLA AKT and CPSA, regardless of where you qualified.

PLAB MLA Mastery Programme

12 live virtual sessions, 36 contact hours, led by a Professor of Primary Care and former PLAB examiner. AKT programme starts 1 July 2026. CPSA programme starts 14 November 2026.

Programme Details

MD Acumen App

AI-powered adaptive question bank launching 21 July 2026. Guideline-grounded clinical vignettes, clinician-verified content, personalised performance tracking.

Join the Waitlist

AKT Teaching Resources

Structured study materials aligned to the MLA Content Map. Clinical reasoning frameworks, worked examples, and guideline-referenced content.

Access Resources

CPSA Teaching Resources

Preparation for the Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment. Communication frameworks, OSCE station guidance, and professional skills development.

Access Resources

For international medical graduates

Your pathway to UK medical practice

If you qualified outside the UK, these resources guide you through GMC registration, the UK Foundation Programme, career planning, and clinical placements — the steps beyond the exam itself.

GMC Registration & MLA Pathway

Step-by-step guide to GMC registration for IMGs. Eligibility criteria, English language requirements, AKT and CPSA booking, fees, and the complete pathway from qualification to UK practice.

View Pathway Guide

UK Foundation Programme

How IMGs enter the UK Foundation Programme after passing PLAB. Application process, portfolio requirements, and what to expect in your first NHS posts.

Foundation Programme Guide

International Career Destinations

Beyond the UK — career pathways for medical graduates considering the USA, Australia, Canada, and other international destinations. Comparative guidance to help you make an informed decision.

Explore Destinations

Portfolio Scoring for Specialty Training

Understanding the UK specialty training application process. Portfolio scoring criteria, how to maximise your points, and strategic planning for competitive specialties.

Scoring Guide

International Clinical Placements

Structured UK primary care clinical experience under professorial supervision in NHS general practices across Hertfordshire and Essex. For individual doctors and international medical school partnerships.

Clinical Placements

Why prepare with MD Acumen? MD Acumen is the only MLA preparation platform designed and led by a Professor of Primary Care who is on both the GMC Specialist Register (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) and the GP Register, has examined for PLAB, sits on NICE guideline committees, and practises as an NHS GP this week. Every question is AI-generated from current UK guidelines and verified by practising clinicians. The platform teaches you how to think through clinical vignettes — not just what to answer, but how to arrive at the answer.

PLAB MLA Mastery Programme Meet Our Founders Contact Us