The PLAB test evaluates the ability of international medical graduates to work securely in the UK, showing the GMC that they possess the abilities required to work as junior doctors in the NHS. IMGs from any nation may sit for the PLAB exams as long as certain requirements are completed.
What is PLAB test?
The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board test, also known as the PLAB test, helps in ensuring that doctors who qualified abroad possess the knowledge and abilities necessary to practice medicine in the UK.
Who needs to take PLAB test?
You’ll likely need to take the PLAB test if you attended medical school outside of the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. The PLAB test will determine whether you are capable of performing the same tasks as a doctor beginning their second year of foundational training in the UK.
How many parts does PLAB test have?
The PLAB test consists of two parts.
PLAB Part 1
There are 180 multiple-choice questions in the PLAB 1 written exam, and you have three hours to complete it. Each begins with a brief scenario, which is followed by a question. You need to choose the right answer out of the five possible answers given. You can sit part 1 in a number of countries, as well as in the UK.
PLAB Part 2
PLAB 2 is an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE). It has 16 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes, and aims to reflect real life settings including a mock consultation or an acute ward. Part 2 tests run throughout the year at GMC clinical assessment centre.
You must pass both tests before you may submit an application for registration with a license to practice medicine in the UK.
What are the entry requirements?
You must create a GMC Online account and demonstrate that your medical credentials and English language proficiency are acceptable before you can take the PLAB test.
You must fulfill the following requirements in order to take the PLAB test.
- You’ll need an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification.
Your qualification must be awarded by an institution listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools. If you haven’t graduated yet, you need to provide evidence that you have passed your final examinations and have met all other requirements to be eligible for the qualification.
Where a qualification is not listed in the directory, GMC may still accept it if the reason it’s not listed is because either:
- the country awarding the qualification is not recognised by the United Nations, or
- the institution that awarded the qualification no longer exists or no longer delivers medical education and we are certain the qualification is valid.
In each of these circumstances, the qualification must satisfy all of the other criteria for an overseas qualification to be acceptable.
Read more about acceptable primary medical qualifications at GMC website.
- You’ll also need to demonstrate you have the necessary knowledge of English by providing your English language evidence.
IELTS
You need to have a score of at least 7.0 in each testing area and an overall score of 7.5 in the academic version of the test.
OET
You need to have at least a grade ‘B’ in each testing area (speaking, listening, reading and writing) in the medicine version of the test.
How much does it cost?
Please visit GMC for price listings. You can view these on the PLAB fees tab.
When and where can I take the PLAB test?
PLAB 1 test
GMC run the exam four times a year in the UK and in a number of overseas locations. To see the locations and whether places are available you’ll need to register for a GMC Online account and look under the ‘My Tests’ section.
The UK exams currently take place in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield. The overseas exams are hosted for GMC by the British Council.
PLAB 2 test
GMC run PLAB 2 test dates throughout the year. You can view available dates and book under the ‘My Tests’ section of GMC Online. You can only do this once you have your PLAB 1 results.
PLAB 2 is held at GMC assessment centre sites in Manchester, UK.
- How can I book for the PLAB test?
You can view available dates and book under the ‘My Tests’ section. However, before you book for PLAB 2 exam you must have recently passed PLAB 1 within three years.
How do I prepare for the PLAB test?
Medvin Academy is the foremost platform that offers everything required to pass the PLAB and obtain GMC registration. Our PLAB preparation materials are regularly updated and based on the GMC blueprint. You can access Medvin Academy’s online lectures, question banks, ebook, and practice mock tests from anywhere with an internet connection.
To learn more, click here.
- How can I apply for GMC full registration after passing PLAB test?
Before apply to join the UK medical register you will need to:
- Check you are eligible
You must have passed both parts of PLAB test within past two years and have completed an internship.
- Complete an application (online)
- Pay a fee
- Provide the required evidence (via email)
- Attend an identity check (if required)
The exact requirements are different for every type of registration application. GMC have specific guidance depending on your personal circumstances and which type of application you are eligible for.
You can find this guidance by using our registration application finder.
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