The complete guide to PLAB 2

Are you ready to take the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) 2 exam to practise medicine in the UK? Here’s your complete guide to everything you need to know before your PLAB 2 exam, including the exam format, the assessment method, how to prepare, how to book your PLAB 2 test, and more.

PLAB 2 is the second stage of the PLAB exam, and you can only book this test if you’ve passed PLAB 1. If you’ve not passed your PLAB 1 test yet, bookmark this page for later and make sure you visit our PLAB 1 revision page and our complete guide to PLAB 1 for more information.

What is PLAB 2?

The PLAB is a two-part examination comprising the PLAB 1 exam and PLAB 2 exam. Passing both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 is required for international medical graduates (IMGs) who lack a relevant European qualification to register with the General Medical Council (GMC), which will enable you to practise medicine in the UK.

PLAB 1 is an applied knowledge test (AKT) that will evaluate your understanding of fundamental medical knowledge and principles that underpin safe and effective patient care. Once you’ve passed PLAB 1, you will be able to progress to PLAB 2 – a clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA). You may also know this type of assessment as an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE). 

PLAB 2 is a performance-based assessment of your clinical and professional skills, behaviours and knowledge. PLAB 2 also tests your ability to apply these skills and knowledge to the care of patients using simulated medical scenarios, whilst also assessing your behaviour towards and communication with patients (who will be portrayed by actors in the test). The format and assessment of PLAB 2 is compliant with the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) requirements, and success will depend on your ability to demonstrate comprehensive medical knowledge, professionalism, clinical management skills, and interpersonal skills.

What’s the exam format of PLAB 2?

Unlike PLAB 1, which is a computer-based test, the PLAB 2 exam is a performance-based assessment made up of simulated scenarios that aim to replicate real-life medical settings and problems, including mock consultations or investigations in an acute ward. The exam comprises 16 of these scenarios, with each lasting 8 minutes. You will have one and a half minutes between the test scenarios to read the instructions and patient information for each assessment. There will also be at least two rest stations for you to take breaks during the test, taking the total exam time to just over three hours. 

The PLAB 2 exam will cover anything and everything that a doctor appointed to a Foundation Programme Year 2 (FY2/F2) role might encounter during a day of work. For a better idea of what you could face during your test, take a look at the Foundation Programme Curriculum. You can also use the MLA content map as a guide to what this exam will cover.  

How will I be assessed?

Similar to PLAB 1, you will be assessed according to multiple ‘domains’ in the PLAB 2 exam. Here’s a guide to each domain and what it covers:

Looking at these domains in more detail, there are numerous criteria that assessors will use to evaluate you in these areas. For example, when assessing your practical skills as part of the ‘data gathering, technical and assessment skills’ domain, your examiner will evaluate your ability to perform common practical procedures, such as:

• checking blood pressure

• performing venepuncture

• inserting a cannula into a peripheral vein

• calculating drug dosage

• giving intravenous injections

• mixing and injecting drugs into an intravenous bag

• giving intramuscular and subcutaneous injections

• basic cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (adult and child)

• suturing

• interpreting an electrocardiogram (ECG), X-rays or results of other investigations

• interpreting basic respiratory function tests

• performing urinary catheterisation

• taking a cervical smear

• safe disposal of sharps.

When assessing your clinical management skills, the examiner will evaluate how you interact with the actor playing the role of a patient and how well you identify and perform relevant clinical examinations. For example, you will be expected to perform basic physical examinations, including examinations of the abdomen, breast, chest, hand, heart, ear, eye, nervous system and joints, plus rectal or bimanual vaginal examinations. You may need to perform these examinations on an actor or a manikin, using the appropriate equipment and a professional manner. When performing procedures on a manikin, you must not do anything that would be unsafe or painful for a real person. 

Finally, for the ‘interpersonal skills’ domain, you will be assessed on how you interact with your patients, either in person, on the telephone or in writing (e.g. when filling out a prescription). These interactions can include:

• explaining diagnosis, investigation and treatment

• involving the patient in the decision-making

• communicating with relatives

• communicating with healthcare professionals

• breaking bad news

• providing clear, legible written instructions where appropriate (e.g. prescribing)

• seeking informed consent/clarification for an invasive procedure or obtaining consent for a post-mortem

• dealing with anxious patients or relatives

• giving instructions on discharge from hospital

• giving advice on lifestyle, health promotion or risk factors.

How do I prepare for the PLAB 2 exam?

The PLAB 2 exam isn’t testing your ability to remember and recite facts. Instead, it’s testing how you apply your existing medical knowledge in a simulated real-life scenario in order to evaluate whether you reach the standard for UK-trained doctors according to the three domains listed above. 

Therefore, there isn’t a set syllabus you can revise for this exam. However, you should have the up-to-date medical knowledge expected of an FY2 doctor, plus up-to-date English language skills to communicate clearly, professionally and empathetically with patients. For a better idea of what areas to brush up on, refer to the Foundation Programme Curriculum and MLA content map linked above. You can also download the GMC’s Good Medical Practice guidance for more information on what your examiner will be looking for, as this guidance sets out the standards of care and behaviour expected of all medical professionals.

PLAB 2 courses

Many IMGs find it extremely helpful to take on further study with a specialised PLAB 2 course. Here at Pastest, we offer both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 revision courses to elevate your exam performance, increasing your chances of passing the first time. You can access 3-month, 6-month and 12-month courses to tailor your revision to your needs, and we also offer a free 48-hour trial for you to try before you buy.

Where can I sit PLAB 2?

You can only sit the PLAB 2 exam in the UK. There are currently two PLAB 2 test centres, both located in Manchester: 

Your booking confirmation will tell you which test centre to go to. You’ll notice that these addresses are very similar, so pay close attention to the one you’re assigned to so that you’re sure you’re turning up to the right one on the day.

You should leave plenty of time to travel to your test centre on the day of your test. Latecomers will have to book another test date, but if you turn up too early, you may be told to leave the building until the time of your test.

How much are the PLAB 2 fees?

The PLAB 2 exam currently costs £934. However, refugees can apply for a 50% reduction in their PLAB 2 fees for their first two attempts. If you think you’re eligible, you can book the exam online and then contact the GMC for your partial refund.

If you need to cancel your PLAB 2 exam, you may be charged a PLAB 2 cancellation fee. However, you may be entitled to a refund from the GMC if exceptional circumstances have prevented your attendance, such as illness, bereavement or visa refusal. You should email evidence of this to the GMC after cancelling your test.

PLAB 2 dates

The GMC runs PLAB 2 exam dates throughout the year. You will only be able to see these dates in the GMC Online booking service once you’ve passed your PLAB 1 exam and received your results.

Since demand for these tests is high, you may have to wait a while to confirm your PLAB 2 test date. If you have a pending NHS job offer or your previous PLAB 1 or English language certifications may expire during the waiting period, contact the GMC for assistance. They may be able to offer you a closer test date.

How do I book my PLAB 2 test?

You’re only eligible to book the PLAB 2 test if you’ve passed PLAB 1 – for more information on the PLAB 1 exam, refer to our PLAB 1 guide. You must also have an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification and an IELTS or OET certification demonstrating English language proficiency.

To book your exam, sign into the GMC Online portal with your existing login (which you used to book the PLAB 1 test) and complete the booking process, which should become available to you once you’ve officially passed PLAB 1. You will need to provide evidence of your medical and English language certifications, plus proof of identity.

 

Be aware that there are some upcoming changes to your PLAB 1 validity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the GMC increased the amount of time a PLAB 1 pass is valid from two years to three years, to account for delays in testing and travel restrictions. However, this window of validity will go back down to two years from 31 March 2025, so you must pass PLAB 2 within 2 years of passing PLAB 1 – or you will need to pass PLAB 1 again. Your PLAB 1 pass date is the date that you took the test, not the date that you received your pass result.

When will I receive my PLAB 2 results?

Your PLAB 2 results should be published in your GMC Online portal within a month of you taking the test. If there are any delays, the GMC should contact you directly. You can find your results in the ‘My Tests’ section of your account.

Exam feedback

As explained earlier, the examiners will assess your performance at each station (out of 16) according to three domains:

• Data gathering, technical and assessment skills

• Clinical management skills

• Interpersonal skills

They will also make a standard judgement of your performance: Unsatisfactory, Borderline, Satisfactory or Good. This judgement is not used to assess whether you pass, but is used to determine the pass mark needed for each station using the borderline regression scoring method.

To pass the PLAB 2 exam, you need to meet or exceed the minimum score determined by the GMC, and also pass a minimum number of stations during the exam. To help you understand where to improve – which is important for those who pass and fail – you’ll also receive both quantitative and qualitative feedback. You’ll receive a table of scores for each station and marks for the three domains, and your examiner will also indicate which of 10 pre-set feedback statements applies to your performance at each station.

What can I expect on the day of the exam?

On the day, allow plenty of time to travel to your assigned test centre, which you’ll find details of in your booking confirmation. Aim to arrive on time; latecomers won’t be able to take the exam, and those who arrive too early may be asked to leave the building until their exam time.

Bring your booking confirmation and a valid form of ID with you, such as your passport or driving licence (provisional licences are not accepted). You will be asked to leave any personal belongings (such as electronic equipment, books, phones and smartwatches) in a locker provided for you. You don’t need to bring any medical equipment, as this will all be provided for you.

When you arrive, your photograph will be taken and you’ll be issued with an ID badge. You must wear this throughout your exam.

During the exam, you’ll have 8 minutes to complete each station and a minute and a half to travel between stations and read the instructions. Some scenarios will involve an actor and some may involve a manikin or other equipment. Your examiner will observe your performance either in person, via a camera or by telephone.

PLAB 2 dress code

For your PLAB 2 exam, you should dress exactly as you would on an NHS hospital ward. For example, this will involve being bare to the elbow – with no rings, watches or bracelets – and dressing professionally to inspire public confidence, whilst also being comfortable and able to move around freely. You should also be able to dress in line with your cultural practices and beliefs.

For more information, consult the NHS guidance on uniforms and workwear.

Passed? What's Next?

Congratulations! If you’ve passed your PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 exams to complete your PLAB qualification, you will now be eligible to register with the GMC as a medical practitioner, allowing you to work as a doctor in the UK. Your application to the GMC must be approved within 2 years of passing the PLAB 2 exam, or you will have to obtain this qualification again.

Failed PLAB 2? What are my options?

Failed first time? Don’t fret! You’re allowed four attempts to pass the PLAB 2 exam. 

If you fail your fourth attempt, you will need to wait 12 months before applying for an additional attempt. To approve this additional attempt, the GMC will need to see evidence that you’ve undertaken 12 months of clinical practice or completed a postgraduate qualification since your last failed attempt. And if your PLAB 1 qualification has expired in this time, you’ll need to retake this test first. You may need to submit your English language proficiency evidence again to book your PLAB 1 exam.

If you have more than four failed attempts at PLAB 1 or PLAB 2 level, you will no longer be eligible to take PLAB tests.

 

Is the UKMLA replacing the PLAB?

The GMC has announced that 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 opposed to the PLAB qualification.

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, please refer to the UKMLA and PLAB guides provided by the GMC.

Will UKMLA be harder than PLAB?

The PLAB is generally seen as more approachable than the UKMLA because the latter is more comprehensive. Candidates will need to hone their communication skills, clinical skills and professional judgement to succeed in this new format, and since comprehensive medical knowledge is absolutely critical, it’s more important than ever for IMGs to use specialist revision courses to give them the best chances of success.

Looking for further resources to help you pass your PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 exams according to the new UKMLA benchmark? Check out our PLAB revision pages for everything you need, or visit the Pastest blog for more information on other types of medical exams. No matter what medical qualification you’re studying for, we can help you get the results you need!