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PLAB 1 / UKMLA AKT syllabus 2026 — complete topic list
The PLAB 1 / UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) is a crucial step for international medical graduates seeking GMC registration to practise in the UK. The syllabus covers a wide array of topics essential for medical practice. Below is a comprehensive list of topics included in the exam:
- Clinical Assessment
- History Taking
- Physical Examination
- Interpretation of Clinical Findings
- Diagnosis and Management
- Common Medical Conditions
- Emergency Situations
- Drug Prescribing and Management
- Professionalism and Ethics
- Patient Safety
- Consent and Confidentiality
- Ethical Principles in Medicine
- Public Health and Epidemiology
- Health Promotion
- Disease Prevention
- Understanding of Epidemiological Principles
- Communication Skills
- Effective Communication with Patients
- Breaking Bad News
- Multidisciplinary Teamwork
- Understanding of Healthcare Systems
- NHS Structure and Function
- Role of Healthcare Professionals
- Patient Pathways and Referral Processes
Section-wise breakdown with weightage
The PLAB 1 / UKMLA AKT is structured into several sections, each covering different areas of medical knowledge. The following is a section-wise breakdown along with their approximate weightage in the exam:
- Clinical Assessment — 25%
- Diagnosis and Management — 30%
- Professionalism and Ethics — 15%
- Public Health and Epidemiology — 10%
- Communication Skills — 10%
- Understanding of Healthcare Systems — 10%
This breakdown helps candidates focus their study efforts on areas that carry more weight in the examination.
Subject-wise topics in detail
Clinical Assessment
This section evaluates your ability to perform thorough clinical assessments, including:
- History Taking: Understanding patient history and relevant questions.
- Physical Examination: Techniques and approaches to physical examination.
- Interpretation of Clinical Findings: Analysis of signs and symptoms.
Diagnosis and Management
Candidates must be adept in diagnosing and managing:
- Common Medical Conditions: Disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory diseases.
- Emergency Situations: Immediate care protocols for acute conditions.
- Drug Prescribing and Management: Knowledge of pharmacology and treatment plans.
Professionalism and Ethics
This section tests understanding of:
- Patient Safety: Protocols and practices to ensure patient safety.
- Consent and Confidentiality: Legal and ethical aspects of patient consent.
- Ethical Principles in Medicine: Application of ethical principles in clinical scenarios.
Public Health and Epidemiology
Candidates should be familiar with:
- Health Promotion: Strategies to promote health and wellbeing.
- Disease Prevention: Methods to prevent diseases in populations.
- Understanding of Epidemiological Principles: Basic concepts of disease distribution and determinants.
Communication Skills
This section assesses:
- Effective Communication with Patients: Techniques for clear communication.
- Breaking Bad News: Approaches to sensitively deliver difficult information.
- Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Collaboration within healthcare teams.
Understanding of Healthcare Systems
Knowledge of:
- NHS Structure and Function: Understanding the organisation of the NHS.
- Role of Healthcare Professionals: Various roles within the healthcare system.
- Patient Pathways and Referral Processes: Navigation of patient care pathways.
Recent syllabus changes for 2026
As the PLAB 1 transitions to the UKMLA framework, there may be updates to the syllabus. While the core topics remain similar, candidates should remain vigilant for any changes announced by the General Medical Council (GMC). Always consult the official GMC website for the most current syllabus details and updates.
Topics ranked by frequency in past papers
Reviewing past papers can provide insights into frequently tested topics. While specific statistics are unavailable, candidates often find that:
- Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis & Management are heavily featured.
- Professionalism and Ethics topics appear regularly.
- Public Health and Communication Skills are also significant but less frequent.
Focusing on these high-frequency areas can enhance preparation and improve chances of success.
Official syllabus PDF download
For the most accurate and up-to-date syllabus information, candidates are encouraged to download the official syllabus PDF from the General Medical Council's website. This resource provides the definitive guide for PLAB 1 / UKMLA AKT preparation.
Additionally, consider practising with mock tests on PractiseExam.com to familiarise yourself with the exam format and question types. These resources can significantly aid in your preparation strategy.