The Complete Guide to PLAB 1 | Pastest

Want to take the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) 1 exam? Our detailed PLAB 1 guide will equip you with all the necessary information, including registration details, fees, important dates, what the exam covers, and preparation tips.

If you intend to practise medicine in the UK, you may be wondering, "What is the PLAB 1 exam?" The PLAB exam (comprising two exams: PLAB 1 and PLAB 2) is required to register with the General Medical Council (GMC) for international medical graduates (IMGs) who lack a relevant European qualification. This is because registration with the GMC is mandatory for all doctors who wish to practise medicine in the UK.

This guide will explore the PLAB 1 exam in full detail. For more information about the PLAB 2 exam, including costs, scoring, and exam dates, check out our PLAB 2 guide.

What is PLAB 1?

The PLAB test is a two-part examination conducted by the GMC of the United Kingdom. It is a mandatory assessment for IMGs who wish to practise medicine in the UK.

PLAB 1 is the first part of this exam - an applied knowledge test (AKT) - designed to assess a candidate's ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-life scenarios they may come across in a clinical setting. It tests the fundamental medical knowledge and principles that underpin safe and effective patient care.

Passing PLAB 1 is a crucial step for IMGs as it demonstrates that they possess the necessary knowledge and understanding to practise medicine in the UK. It serves as a gateway to the second part of the assessment, PLAB 2, which evaluates a candidate's clinical skills through an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

What's the exam format of PLAB 1?

The PLAB 1 exam is a computer-based test consisting of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that assess your knowledge and understanding of basic medical sciences. The questions are in single best-answer format, where you must select the most appropriate response from the options provided.

The PLAB 1 exam consists of 180 multiple choice questions (MCQs), which must be completed in 3 hours. The questions cover a wide range of topics related to basic medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, and behavioural sciences.

The scoring system for PLAB 1 is based on the number of correct answers you provide. Each correct answer carries equal weight, and there is no negative marking for incorrect responses. Your total score is calculated by summing the number of correct answers from both parts of the exam.

To pass PLAB 1, you must achieve a minimum score set by the GMC, which can range from 115-120. The passing score may vary from one exam session to another, depending on the difficulty level of the questions. The GMC uses a criterion-referenced standard setting method to determine the passing score, ensuring that candidates who pass the exam have demonstrated the required level of knowledge and competence.

What is the PLAB 1 syllabus? 

In order to structure your revision for the PLAB 1 exam as effectively as possible, here is the detailed syllabus for PLAB 1:

Where can I sit PLAB 1?

PLAB 1 is a computer-based exam that can be taken at various test centres around the world. In the UK, candidates can sit for the exam at several Pearson VUE test centres located in major cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.

For international candidates, PLAB 1 is available at numerous Pearson VUE test centres across multiple countries. Some of the locations where you can take the exam include:

• United States

• Canada

• Australia

• New Zealand

• India

• Pakistan

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries

• Singapore

• Malaysia

• Hong Kong

It's essential to check the availability of test dates and book your slot well in advance, as test centres may have limited capacity, especially during peak periods.

Exam and result dates for recent and upcoming PLAB 1 tests

You may be wondering “how long does the PLAB 1 result take?”. Below are the most up-to-date exam and result dates for the PLAB 1 test (updated in January 2025).

How do I book my PLAB 1 test?

Here’s how to book the PLAB 1 test:

1. Create an online account on GMC

2. Meet the prerequisites:

1. Holding a primary medical qualification from a recognised medical school

2. Meeting the GMC's English language requirements (if applicable)

3. Providing proof of identity and qualifications

3. Submit your application and pay the application fee

4. Book your exam date 

It's important to note that the booking process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the volume of applications and the availability of exam dates. Be sure to start the process well in advance of your desired exam date to avoid disappointment.

How much does it cost to sit the PLAB 1 exam?

As of April 2024, the cost of taking the PLAB 1 exam is £268. This covers the administration and delivery of the exam.

You’ll also need to take any travel and accommodation costs into account, particularly if you need to travel to a test centre location. These expenses can vary depending on your location and the distance to the nearest test centre.

When will I receive my PLAB 1 exam results?

The PLAB 1 results are typically released within 7 weeks after the exam date. The GMC will notify all candidates of their results via email (to the email address provided during registration - so make sure this is accurate and up-to-date!). The results will state whether you have passed or failed the exam.

It's important to note that the GMC does not provide further details or a breakdown of your score. The PLAB 1 result is simply a pass-or-fail outcome. If you pass, you will be eligible to apply for the PLAB 2 exam, which is the final step in the PLAB process.

We appreciate that awaiting your exam results can cause some anxiety. We do recommend refraining from contacting the GMC unnecessarily, as this can delay the process. The GMC aims to release all results on the scheduled date, but there may be instances where results are delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, the GMC will communicate the revised timeline to all candidates.

Exam feedback

The GMC categorises exam questions into ten primary sections of clinical practice (following the MLA content map):

• Reproductive health

• Renal and urology

• Neurosciences and senses 

• Musculoskeletal

• Mental health

• Gastrointestinal

• Endocrine, metabolic, and clinical haematology

• Child and adolescent health

• Cardiorespiratory

• Ethics and others

You will receive feedback on the percentage of questions you answered correctly in each domain, along with the average percentage of correct answers from all candidates in those areas. This information can be useful to determine any areas of improvement (even if you pass!).

What can I expect on the day of the exam?

On the day of your PLAB 1 exam, it's important to arrive at the test centre well-rested and with plenty of time to spare. You'll want to get there at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time to allow for check-in procedures.

When you arrive, you'll need to present a valid form of identification, such as a passport or driver's licence. You'll also be required to have your admission letter or confirmation email with you.

Once you've checked in, you'll be directed to a secure locker area where you'll need to store any personal belongings, including your cell phone, smartwatch, and any other electronic devices. You'll be allowed to bring a few items into the testing room, such as a simple calculator, pencils, and an eraser, but all other materials will need to be left in your locker.

The testing room itself will be a quiet, controlled environment. You'll be assigned a specific seat and workstation, and you'll need to follow all instructions from the test administrators. Any attempts to cheat or violate the rules could result in immediate dismissal and potential disciplinary action.

During the exam, you'll be closely monitored by exam invigilators. You'll have a set amount of time to complete the exam, and you won't be allowed to leave the room until the exam is over, except for brief, supervised breaks (which your invigilator will communicate with the entire exam hall).

Passed? What's Next?

If you’ve passed the PLAB 1 exam, congratulations! This is a significant achievement and a crucial step towards your goal of practising medicine in the UK. However, your journey doesn't end here. The next step is to prepare for the PLAB 2 exam, which is a practical assessment of your clinical skills.

The PLAB 2 exam is a two-day assessment that takes place at a clinical site in one of two sites in Manchester (UK). During this exam, you will be evaluated on your ability to take medical histories, perform physical examinations, diagnose and manage clinical scenarios, and communicate effectively with simulated patients and examiners.

Failed PLAB 1? What are my options?

If you unfortunately do not pass the PLAB 1 exam, don’t forget there are several options available to you. 

You are allowed to take the PLAB 1 test up to four times. If you do not pass after four attempts, you need to complete an additional 12 months of clinical practice or obtain a postgraduate qualification to be eligible for another attempt. As a reminder, you can only apply for PLAB 2 once you receive your results for PLAB 1.

You must wait a minimum of seven days before rebooking the exam, and you cannot take the exam more than 4 times in a 12-month period. It's essential to use this time wisely and thoroughly review the areas where you struggled. 

If you have already exhausted the maximum number of attempts allowed within a year, you may need to explore alternative pathways. One option is to pursue postgraduate qualifications or training in your home country, which could potentially lead to registration with the GMC through different routes. Some candidates may even choose to explore opportunities in other countries with different medical licensing requirements. It's crucial to research the specific regulations and processes for each country you're considering.

Throughout this process, it's important to remember that failing the PLAB 1 exam is not the end of your medical training journey. Many successful doctors have faced setbacks along the way. Seek support from your peers, mentors, or professional organisations, and don't hesitate to access any available counselling or mental health resources if you're feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.

Is the UKMLA replacing the PLAB?

The United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA or MLA) is set to become the new benchmark for evaluating doctors who want to practise in the UK (as introduced by the GMC).

Starting in the 2024-25 academic year, UK medical students will need to pass the UKMLA to graduate and obtain a practice licence. Although it was initially intended to replace the PLAB for international medical graduates, the GMC has confirmed that the PLAB will still be available, but it will now be aligned with UKMLA standards. This has already been in place from 8 August 2024 for PLAB 1 and from 17 May 2024 for PLAB 2. The exams will adhere to the MLA content map rather than the old PLAB framework. Candidates should prepare using resources that are based on the MLA content map. 

For further details, it is advisable to refer to the UKMLA and PLAB guides provided by the GMC.

Is the PLAB 1 exam difficult?

The difficulty of the PLAB 1 exam is a matter of personal perspective and can differ significantly among international medical graduates. Some candidates find the exam to be quite manageable, comparing it to a practice test, with their scores on preparatory exams closely reflecting their actual performance. 

However, many challenges arise from needing to discern subtle differences between similar answer options, and having a solid understanding of UK clinical guidelines is crucial for success. Thorough preparation is key, and using resources that align with the exam's structure (such as those based on the MLA content map for exams post-2024) is recommended.

We hope this guide has given you all the information you need to learn about what the PLAB 1 exam entails, the PLAB 1 registration process, fees and anything else you need. Want more information on other medical exams? Explore the Pastest medical revision blog for more guides on all medical exams, including exams for those studying Dentistry!