There is no single date for the whole country. Where you find your date depends on your route.
| If you are… | Where your dates come from |
|---|---|
| A UK medical student | Your medical school’s assessment office sets your AKT and CPSA dates within GMC requirements and tells you when and where. |
| An international graduate taking PLAB | The GMC publishes PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 dates and you book through your GMC online account. Dates are released in blocks, so check regularly. |
A simple planning timeline
- 12 weeks out: confirm your date, venue and any adjustments you need.
- 8 weeks out: finish a first pass of the content map and start timed mixed papers.
- 4 weeks out: fix weak areas, practise stations aloud and check your ID and travel plan.
- Final week: light revision, sleep, and everything packed the night before.
Quick answers
- When is the UKMLA AKT held?
- Your medical school confirms your AKT date. Ask your assessment office, and check the GMC’s Medical Licensing Assessment pages for any national guidance.
- How do I book PLAB?
- Through your GMC online account once booking is open for the dates you want. Dates are released in blocks.
- How far ahead should I start preparing?
- A common plan is around three months: a first pass of the content map, then timed mixed papers and practice stations in the last weeks.
General education, reviewed 27 October 2026. Guidance changes: confirm with the official sources. Not medical, legal or immigration advice.