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If you are a medical student planning to work as a doctor in the UK, the PLAB Exam is an important step in your journey. This exam is mandatory for international medical graduates who wish to register with the General Medical Council (GMC) and practise medicine in the UK healthcare system.
Many students feel confused about PLAB exam eligibility, fees, exam pattern, and preparation strategy. To make things easier, this guide explains everything in simple, easy-to-understand language. By the end of this blog, you will have a complete idea of how the PLAB exam works and how to start your preparation the right way.
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What is the PLAB Exam?
The PLAB Exam (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Examination) is conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC), UK, for international medical graduates who want to practise medicine in the United Kingdom.
The purpose of the PLAB Examination is to check whether a doctor trained outside the UK has the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviour required to work safely at the level of a UK Foundation Year 2 (FY2) doctor.
Rather than testing advanced specialisation, the PLAB Exam focuses on:
- Practical medical knowledge
- Clinical reasoning
- Patient safety
- Professional and ethical behaviour
The exam has two parts, PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, and passing both allows candidates to apply for GMC registration and work in the UK National Health Service (NHS).
Who Should Take the PLAB Exam?
The PLAB Exam is suitable for medical students and doctors who want to practise medicine in the UK without choosing costly licensing routes. It is especially helpful for those planning to work in the UK healthcare system. This exam is ideal for:
- Final-year MBBS students
- MBBS graduates trained outside the UK
- Doctors planning to work in the UK NHS
- Medical students looking for an affordable international career option
PLAB Exam Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the PLAB Exam, candidates must meet certain academic and English language requirements set by the General Medical Council (GMC). These requirements ensure that applicants have the right medical background and communication skills to practise safely in the UK.
Educational Qualification
To be eligible for the PLAB Exam, candidates must have:
- A primary medical qualification, such as MBBS or an equivalent degree
- A medical degree that is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
English Language Requirement
Strong English communication skills are essential for working as a doctor in the UK. Therefore, the GMC requires candidates to prove their language proficiency through approved exams before appearing for the PLAB Examination. Accepted English language tests include:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.5, with at least 7.0 in each section
- OET (Medicine): Grade B in all four sections.
Also Read: What is the Syllabus for the GRE Exam?
PLAB Exam Pattern and Structure
The PLAB examination is conducted in two stages. Candidates must clear both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 to become eligible for GMC registration and practise medicine in the UK. Each stage tests different skills, starting with medical knowledge and moving to real-life clinical practice. Let’s understand them one by one:
PLAB 1 Exam: Written Assessment
PLAB 1 is the first stage of the PLAB examination. It checks a candidate’s medical knowledge and ability to make safe clinical decisions based on common medical situations. This stage is entirely computer-based and conducted in multiple countries. Here are the PLAB 1 key details:
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Format | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 180 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Mode | Computer-based |
| Exam Centres | Available in multiple countries |
PLAB 1 Subjects Focus
PLAB 1 mainly covers core clinical subjects that reflect real-life medical practice, including:
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Paediatrics
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Psychiatry
- Ethics and patient safety
PLAB 2 Exam: Clinical Assessment
PLAB 2 is the second and final stage of the PLAB examination. It is a practical exam conducted only in the UK and focuses on real-life clinical and communication skills required to work as a doctor. Here are the PLAB 2 key details:
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Format | OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) |
| Number of Stations | 16 |
| Duration | Around 3 hours |
| Exam Location | Manchester, UK |
Skills Tested in PLAB 2
During PLAB 2, candidates are assessed on:
- History taking
- Clinical examination
- Communication with patients
- Diagnosis and patient management
- Ethics and professionalism
PLAB Exam Fees
Understanding the PLAB Exam fees is important for proper financial planning. Compared to other international medical licensing exams, the PLAB Examination is considered relatively affordable for students and graduates. Below is an approximate fee structure.
| Exam Component | Fee (Approximate) |
| PLAB 1 | GBP 255 |
| PLAB 2 | GBP 934 |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Candidates should always verify the latest fees on the official GMC website.
How to Prepare for the PLAB Exam?
Proper preparation is important to clear both stages of the PLAB Exam with confidence. A focused study plan, regular practice, and understanding UK clinical standards can help candidates perform well in both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2.
Preparation Tips for PLAB 1
PLAB 1 mainly tests medical knowledge and clinical decision-making. To prepare effectively, candidates should:
- Follow the GMC PLAB Blueprint to understand the exam syllabus
- Practise MCQs regularly to improve accuracy and time management
- Focus on clinical reasoning instead of memorising facts
- Use trusted question banks and take mock tests
- Study UK-based clinical guidelines for a better understanding
Preparation Tips for PLAB 2
PLAB 2 focuses on practical and communication skills needed in real clinical settings. To prepare well, candidates should:
- Practise mock OSCE stations regularly
- Improve communication skills for patient interaction
- Learn common UK clinical scenarios and protocols
- Practise with peers or attend coaching sessions if needed
Also Read: UK Entrance Exams: Tests Required for University Admission, Jobs, and Visa
Career Opportunities After the PLAB Exam
After passing the PLAB Exam and obtaining GMC registration, candidates become eligible to work in various medical roles across the UK healthcare system.
- Junior Doctor (Foundation Level)
- Trust Grade Doctor
- Specialty Training Doctor
- General Practitioner (after further training)
FAQs on the PLAB Exam
The PLAB exam is not considered extremely difficult, but it requires strong clinical understanding and regular practice. Students who focus on concepts, practice MCQs, and understand UK-based clinical scenarios can clear the exam with proper preparation and consistency.
You can start preparing during MBBS, but you must complete your medical degree before getting GMC registration. English language tests and PLAB 1 are usually taken after graduation or during the final year, depending on eligibility.
Candidates are allowed up to four attempts for PLAB 1 and four attempts for PLAB 2. If all attempts are used, students may need to provide additional evidence of learning or explore alternative GMC-approved pathways to continue their UK medical journey.
Coaching is not compulsory for the PLAB examination. Many students clear the PLAB exam through self-study, MCQ practice, and mock tests. Coaching can be helpful for structured guidance, especially for PLAB 2, but success mainly depends on consistent practice.
On average, students take 4–6 months to prepare for PLAB 1 and 2–3 months for PLAB 2. The preparation time for the PLAB examination varies based on clinical knowledge, daily study hours, and familiarity with exam-style questions.
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