If you’re an international medical graduate (IMG) looking to practice medicine in the UK, the PLAB exam is one of the most common routes to GMC registration.
Whether you're familiarising yourself with the process or are ready to start preparing, this guide will help you navigate the key aspects of the PLAB exam, including its structure, entry requirements, costs, and more. Additionally, we’ll explore what happens after you pass the exam and how you can take the next steps toward a successful career in the UK healthcare system.
What is the PLAB exam?
The PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) exam is a two-part assessment. It is designed to evaluate whether IMGs have the knowledge and skills necessary to practice medicine safely in the UK at the level of a Foundation Year 2 doctor and is overseen by the General Medical Council (GMC).
It’s important to note, however, that the PLAB exams will soon be replaced by the ULMKA (UK Medical Licencing Assessment). For more information on this exam, including the key question everyone is asking - Will the UKMLA be harder than PLAB? - check out our complete guide to the UKMLA.
Who needs to take the PLAB exam?
The PLAB exam is required for IMGs who wish to practice medicine in the UK but have not graduated from medical schools in the UK, European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. These individuals must take the PLAB to demonstrate that their medical knowledge and skills meet UK standards.
However, some exceptions apply. For instance, IMGs who have passed specific postgraduate qualifications or are from countries with recognised medical training programs may not need to take the PLAB.
Structure of PLAB exam
The PLAB exam consists of two parts, PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, designed to test a doctor’s medical knowledge and practical skills to ensure they meet UK standards.
PLAB 1
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Format: A written, multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam.
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Structure: Contains 180 single best answer (SBA) questions.
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Duration: 3 hours.
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Content: Focuses on clinical scenarios that test a doctor’s ability to apply medical knowledge to real-world situations. Topics include medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, and ethics.
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Frequency and Locations: Conducted four times a year in the UK and several overseas locations.
PLAB 2
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Format: A practical, Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
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Structure: Comprises 16 clinical scenarios, each lasting 8 minutes, with 2 minutes for reading instructions before each scenario.
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Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes.
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Content: Tests communication, clinical, and practical skills through simulated scenarios involving actors or mannequins. Scenarios may include taking patient histories, performing physical examinations, interpreting test results, and managing emergencies.
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Location: Conducted multiple times a year, only in the UK, at the General Medical Council’s clinical assessment centre in Manchester.
As of 2025, the fees for the PLAB exams are:
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PLAB 1: £273
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PLAB 2: £998
These fees are payable to the GMC upon registration for each part of the exam.
In addition to the exam fees, candidates should also consider other expenses associated with taking the exam. This includes travel, accommodation, and revision materials, especially for PLAB 2, which is conducted exclusively in the UK.
What are the entry requirements?
To sit the PLAB exams, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the GMC. These requirements ensure that candidates are suitably qualified and prepared to progress toward practising medicine in the UK.
The main entry requirements are:
1. Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ)
Candidates must have a medical degree from a university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. This confirms their qualification as a doctor.
2. English language proficiency
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English, usually by achieving the required scores in one of the following:
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IELTS Academic: A minimum overall score of 7.5, with at least 7.0 in each component (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
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OET (Medicine): A grade of B or higher in each component (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
3. Clinical experience
Candidates must have completed at least 12 months of internship or equivalent clinical experience, which includes working in a medical role with direct patient care.
4. Valid passport
A current passport is required for identification purposes during the application and at the exam, along with travel to the UK to sit PLAB 2.
How to apply for the PLAB exam
Applying for the PLAB exam involves a series of steps through the GMC online portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Create a GMC online account
Visit the GMC website and register for a GMC online account. Here you need to provide your personal details, contact information, and a valid email address.
Step 2: Verify eligibility
To ensure you are eligible to sit the PLAB exams, you need:
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Valid Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ).
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Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS or OET scores).
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Completion of a 12-month internship or equivalent clinical experience.
Step 3: Submit documents
To prove your eligibility, log in to your GMC online account and upload the required documents:
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Primary Medical Qualification certificate.
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IELTS or OET certificate for English proficiency.
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Passport or other valid ID.
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Internship completion certificate, if required.
Step 4: Book PLAB 1
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be allowed to book PLAB 1 through your GMC online account. Select a test date and location (PLAB 1 is offered in the UK and internationally) and pay the exam fee online.
Step 5: Book PLAB 2
Upon passing PLAB 1, you can then book PLAB 2 through the GMC online portal. PLAB 2 is conducted only in Manchester, UK. Choose an available date and pay the exam fee, and plan your travel and accommodation if needed.
How to prepare for the PLAB exam
Preparing for the PLAB exam requires a structured approach and access to the right resources. Here’s a guide of how you can successfully prepare for the PLAB exam:
1. Understand the exam format and syllabus
To prepare for the PLAB exam, you need a thorough understanding of the exam format and syllabus.
Whilst PLAB 1 focuses on applied medical knowledge, PLAB 2 Tests practical skills through simulated scenarios with an emphasis on communication, professionalism, and clinical decision-making.
2. Gather study materials
Like with any exam, you need to study.
PLAB 1 is the most revision-heavy exam. Along with textbooks and the GMC’s PLAB blueprint, we also recommend using other resources, such as our PLAB 1 revision from Pastest, filled with over 3,500 PLAB 1 questions and mock exams tailored to the latest syllabus
For PLAB 2, we suggest attending coaching or preparatory classes and watching online videos, along with practising scenarios with your peers.
3. Develop a study plan
Allocate 3-6 months for preparation depending on your schedule. Try to break study time into smaller, focused blocks, such as:
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Theory for PLAB 1: 3-4 hours per day.
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Role-play and practical practice for PLAB 2: At least 1-2 months of daily practice closer to the exam.
For more tips on organising your revision, explore our guide.
4. Practice mock exams
Mock exams are one of the best ways that you can test your revision and practise applying your knowledge.
For PLAB 1, attempt full-length timed mock tests from question banks and analyse your mistakes to improve weak areas.
For PLAB 2, if possible, simulate exam conditions using mock OSCE setups. Time yourself and seek feedback on communication and performance.
5. Improve communication skills
Communication is a huge part of the PLAB exam, especially PLAB 2. Practise using simple, empathetic language when explaining diagnoses or procedures. This could be breaking bad news, obtaining informed consent, or addressing patient concerns.
6. Join online communities
Whilst you may have a thriving student community at your current university, you may not have many peers taking the PLAB exam. Participate in forums or social media groups for PLAB candidates, where you can share resources, ask questions, and gain insights from those who have taken the exams before you.
7. Review UK guidelines and ethics
UK guidelines and ethics are another big part of the PLAB exam, and your future as a doctor in the UK healthcare system. Familiarise yourself with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, and gain a full understanding of UK medical ethics, such as confidentiality, informed consent, and patient autonomy.
8. Manage stress and time
The lead-up to your PLAB exam can be a stressful time, but it’s important that you learn to manage it as much as you can. Be sure to balance study with breaks to avoid burnout, and develop exam-taking strategies, such as time management and prioritising high-yield topics.
9. Take care of logistics
To stay ahead of the game, book your exams early to secure your preferred dates. For PLAB 2, you should also be sure to plan travel and accommodation in Manchester well in advance.
10. Stay consistent
As with all revision, consistency is key. Regular, focused study and practice are paramount to passing both parts of the PLAB exam.
What happens after you pass the PLAB exam?
After passing both parts of the PLAB exam, you can proceed with the following steps to practice medicine in the UK:
1. Apply for GMC registration
Once you pass both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, you can apply for Full Registration with the GMC. This allows you to practice medicine unsupervised in the UK. You will need to provide proof of your PLAB exam results, your Primary Medical Qualification, evidence of English proficiency, and other supporting documents.
2. Obtain a license to practice
Upon approval of your registration, the GMC will issue you with a license to practice. This is a mandatory requirement for working as a doctor in the UK.
3. Join the NHS or other medical organisations
Most new doctors begin working in the UK healthcare system at NHS Foundation Year 1, even though PLAB candidates may be eligible to skip F1 if they have adequate experience. Once registered, you may also choose to work in private healthcare, clinics, or other medical settings.
4. Consider further training or specialisation
If you want to specialise, you may need to apply for a specialty training program. However, as a registered doctor, you must engage in continuous professional development (CPD) and follow the GMC’s revalidation process to maintain your license.
5. Relocate and start work
Once you receive your registration and license, you can legally work in the UK, whether you are joining the NHS or pursuing other opportunities. You may also consider moving to different regions of the UK for job opportunities.
Frequently asked questions about the PLAB exam
How many times can I take the PLAB exam?
If you fail, you can take PLAB 1 up to four times in a 12-month period and up to a total of 6 attempts. For PLAB 2, there is no official limit, but you must pass PLAB 1 before attempting PLAB 2.
Can I take PLAB 2 without passing PLAB 1?
No, you must pass PLAB 1 before you are eligible to book PLAB 2.
How long is the PLAB exam valid for?
Your PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 results are valid for two years. If you don’t apply for GMC registration within this period, you will need to retake the exams.
Do I need to take PLAB if I already have a postgraduate qualification?
Some candidates with certain recognised postgraduate qualifications may be exempt from taking PLAB. You should check with the GMC to confirm if your qualification meets the exemption criteria.
Have you chosen the best route for your GMC registration? Preparing for your upcoming medical exams can be overwhelming. Be sure to explore our medical revision blogs and med school revision resources to help you during your qualifying years.