PLAB Exam Process and Pathways

A comprehensive guide to the PLAB exam process, including its stages, eligibility, fees, success rates, and pathways to GMC registration.

What is the PLAB Exam?

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exam is designed for international medical graduates who wish to practice medicine in the UK. It assesses the skills and knowledge required to work as a doctor under UK standards.

The exam is set by the General Medical Council (GMC) and is necessary for doctors who do not have a recognized postgraduate qualification or come from a non-European Economic Area (EEA) country. PLAB is structured to evaluate whether an international doctor has the competency equivalent to a junior doctor who has completed their first year of the UK Foundation Programme.

The exam is divided into two main parts: PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. PLAB 1 is a written test that examines theoretical knowledge, while PLAB 2 is a clinical skills assessment.

PLAB Exam Structure

PLAB 1: A multiple-choice exam with 180 questions covering clinical scenarios. Candidates have three hours to complete the test, which covers major medical disciplines, including medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and ethics.
PLAB 2: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) assessing practical skills, patient interaction, and decision-making. It involves 18 scenarios where candidates demonstrate their clinical competency.

PLAB 1 is conducted worldwide in test centers, whereas PLAB 2 must be taken in the UK. The GMC ensures that the scenarios in PLAB 2 reflect real-life cases, testing a candidate?s ability to apply medical knowledge in practical settings.

Eligibility Criteria

To take the PLAB exams, candidates must have a recognized primary medical qualification and an English language proficiency certificate such as IELTS or OET.

The primary medical qualification should be recognized by the GMC. Candidates must check the World Directory of Medical Schools to ensure their institution is listed. Additionally, proof of English language proficiency is required, with an IELTS score of at least 7.5 overall and no component below 7.0, or an OET grade of B in each component.

Exam Fees

PLAB 1: ?255
PLAB 2: ?934

Fees are subject to change; candidates should verify on the GMC website.

Pathways to GMC Registration

There are multiple pathways to obtain GMC registration, including the PLAB route, postgraduate qualifications, and sponsorship schemes. Most international doctors take the PLAB exams before applying for GMC registration, ensuring they meet the UK?s medical competency standards.

Success Rates & Exam Difficulty

PLAB 1 has an average pass rate of around 60-70%, while PLAB 2 has a pass rate of approximately 65-75%. Thorough preparation is essential.

Preparation Tips

Study official GMC resources and question banks.
Attend mock exams and practical skill workshops for PLAB 2.
Improve time management and clinical reasoning skills.
Join PLAB preparation groups and online forums.

Recommended PLAB Books

How to Register

Registration for PLAB exams is done through the GMC UK website. Candidates should check for updates on test dates and application deadlines.