Outstanding results in the first national MLA
This month we celebrate our fantastic Class of 2025 and this year, for the first time, the cohort took the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) as part of their qualification, a new requirement to qualify for medical practice in the UK.
Our Student Doctors absolutely smashed it, achieving an impressive 99.5% pass rate.
Professor Hazel Scott, Dean of the School of Medicine said, “Results of this calibre reflect not only our students’ dedication but the collective efforts of the entire team - the many educators, mentors, and support staff across the School and our partner sites - whose commitment and guidance shape their success in countless ways.”
We are incredibly proud and incredibly thankful for the support.
What is the MLA?
The Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) is a two-part evaluation comprising an Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) and a Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA). It ensures that all doctors, whether graduating from a UK medical school or training abroad, meet a consistent standard of safe practice appropriate for their entry into the medical register.
For the first time, both UK graduates and international candidates will complete assessments drawn from the same resources (based on the GMC MLA content map). This approach introduces a consistent threshold for safe practice and ensures fairness in evaluating candidates’ readiness to practise medicine.
What does the MLA include?
The MLA consists of two components, both of which are familiar to our students.
The Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) is a written exam testing applied clinical knowledge and comprises two 100-question papers taken on consecutive days, with single-best-answer (SBA) format questions.
The Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA) is a performance-based test using the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) format (at Liverpool). It includes a mixture of consultation, examination, and procedural skills stations with communication for clinical practice is integrated across stations.
How has Liverpool adapted to the MLA?
Here at Liverpool, we have progressively integrated the MLA format into all our assessments, as well as introducing final-year students to MLA style clinical exams over the past three years and AKTs over the past two years.
Bee Collier, Director of Assessment and Feedback said, “The results our students have achieved are further confirmation of the skills and knowledge they have built over their time with us, and the fact that they really are ready to 'hit the ground running' as they take up their foundation positions this summer. We couldn’t be prouder of them and wish them all the best in the weeks and months ahead.”
Congratulations to our Year 5 Student Doctors! Setting the bar high there for the cohorts coming up behind you. But we’re sure, they too, will rise to the challenge!
Learn more about the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) on the General Medical Council website.