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UKMLA resits: what happens if you do not pass

What to do if you do not pass the UKMLA AKT or CPSA: asking for feedback, getting support, planning a resit and where the rules come from.

3 minute read · reviewed 27 October 2026

A resit is a plan, not a verdict. Many people who do not pass first time pass next time with a clearer strategy.

First steps

  1. Read your result and any feedback carefully. Look for patterns, such as a system, a station type or time management.
  2. Contact student support or your assessment office early. They can explain the resit process and the support available.
  3. Ask whether adjustments, extra time or other support might apply, and how to request them.
  4. Build a short, realistic plan around the weak areas, not the whole syllabus again.

Who sets the rules?

  • The GMC and your medical school set resit dates, the number of attempts and the consequences of not passing.
  • The rules can differ by school and can change. Always take them from your school’s written regulations and the GMC.
  • International graduates taking PLAB follow the GMC’s PLAB rules, including limits on attempts, so check them before booking again.

Quick answers

What happens if I fail the UKMLA?
You usually get a resit opportunity under your medical school’s regulations and GMC requirements. Ask your assessment office about dates, attempts and support.
How many attempts do I get?
The limit depends on the GMC’s rules and your school’s regulations, and can change. Check both in writing.
Can I get feedback on my AKT result?
Ask your school what feedback is available. Look for patterns in your weaker areas rather than just the total.
Do the same rules apply to PLAB?
No. PLAB has its own rules, including limits on attempts. Read the GMC’s PLAB pages before you book again.

General education, reviewed 27 October 2026. Guidance changes: confirm with the official sources. Not medical, legal or immigration advice.