Some have criticized the exam to be excessively difficult.[9] The Medical Council has responded that the examination is set at the same level as the final MB examination of the HKU MBBS/ CUHK MBChB, with questions taken from the same question bank. In order to facilitate preparation for the exam, the Medical Council launched an exam portal on 11 October 2018 with suggested readings and topics, instructive videos, and other information about the exam.[10] In 2019, an independent, non-profit medical association known as the Medical Licentiate Society of Hong Kong (Licentiate Society) was founded. An important part of the Society's mission is to support candidates in their efforts in sitting the HKMLE.[11]