Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB)

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) is a comprehensive assessment designed for international medical graduates seeking to practice medicine in the UK. Administered by the General Medical Council (GMC), the PLAB ensures that overseas doctors meet the same standards as UK-trained physicians before joining the medical register.

The PLAB consists of two parts: PLAB 1 (written examination) and PLAB 2 (practical clinical assessment). Success in both components is essential for GMC registration and the right to practice medicine in the UK. The exam now aligns with the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) content map to ensure consistent standards across all doctors in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PLAB exam?

The PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) is a two-part examination for international medical graduates who want to practice medicine in the UK. It assesses whether overseas doctors have the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors equivalent to UK Foundation Year 2 level doctors.

How many questions are in PLAB 1?

PLAB 1 contains 180 multiple-choice questions in single best answer format. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam, allowing approximately 1 minute per question. Each question presents a clinical scenario with five possible answers.

How long is the PLAB 2 exam?

PLAB 2 is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) with 16 clinical stations. Each station lasts 8 minutes, with the total exam duration being approximately 3 hours including transition time between stations and rest breaks.

How much does the PLAB exam cost?

As of April 2025, PLAB 1 costs £273 and PLAB 2 costs £998. These fees are set by the GMC and may change annually. Refugee doctors in the UK receive a 50% discount on PLAB 2 for their first two attempts.

Where can I take the PLAB exam?

PLAB 1 is available worldwide at various locations including the UK, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt, Australia, Canada, and many other countries. PLAB 2 is only available in the UK at two GMC clinical assessment centers in Manchester.

When are PLAB exam dates in 2025?

PLAB 1 is typically offered four times per year (February, May, August, and November). PLAB 2 runs throughout the year with multiple dates available. You can only book PLAB 2 after passing PLAB 1, and dates are subject to availability.

What are the eligibility requirements for PLAB?

You need a primary medical qualification from a GMC-recognized institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, plus English proficiency (IELTS 7.5 overall with 7.0 in each section, or OET Grade B in all sections). You must also meet other GMC registration requirements.

How long is a PLAB 1 pass valid?

A PLAB 1 pass is valid for 2 years, during which you must pass PLAB 2. Due to COVID-19 extensions, some passes had extended validity until March 31, 2025, but this extension has now ended and all future passes return to the standard 2-year validity.

PLAB Key Information

Exam Format: Two-part assessment (written + practical)
PLAB 1 Duration: 3 hours
PLAB 2 Duration: Approximately 3 hours (16 × 8-minute stations)
Total Questions: 180 (PLAB 1) + 16 stations (PLAB 2)
Exam Fees: £273 (PLAB 1) + £998 (PLAB 2)
Frequency: PLAB 1: 4 times/year, PLAB 2: Year-round

PLAB Exam Structure

PLAB 1 - Applied Knowledge Test

  • Format: 180 single best answer multiple-choice questions
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Content: Clinical scenarios covering all major medical specialties
  • Standard: Foundation Year 2 level knowledge and decision-making
  • Locations: Available worldwide at approved test centers

PLAB 2 - Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment

  • Format: 16 OSCE stations with standardized patients/actors
  • Duration: 8 minutes per station (approximately 3 hours total)
  • Content: Clinical skills, communication, examination techniques, procedures
  • Assessment Domains: Data gathering, interpersonal skills, clinical management
  • Locations: Manchester, UK only (two GMC assessment centers)

PLAB 2 Assessment Domains

Data Gathering, Technical and Assessment Skills

  • History taking and clinical examination techniques
  • Interpretation of investigations and diagnostic procedures
  • Use of medical equipment and clinical tools
  • Documentation and record keeping

Clinical Management Skills

  • Treatment planning and therapeutic interventions
  • Emergency management and acute care decisions
  • Prescribing and medication management
  • Referral processes and multidisciplinary working

Interpersonal Skills

  • Patient communication and consultation skills
  • Breaking bad news and difficult conversations
  • Professional behavior and ethical practice
  • Working with colleagues and team members

Eligibility Requirements

Medical Qualification

  • Primary medical degree from institution listed in World Directory of Medical Schools
  • GMC recognition of your medical qualification
  • Clinical experience as part of degree or internship
  • No requirement to complete full internship before PLAB 1

English Language Proficiency

  • IELTS Academic: 7.5 overall with minimum 7.0 in each section
  • OET Medicine: Grade B in all four sections
  • Alternative: Medical degree taught entirely in English (strict criteria apply)
  • Validity: IELTS valid for 2 years, OET varies by test date

PLAB Preparation Strategy

PLAB 1 Preparation

  • Study using the MLA content map covering all medical specialties
  • Practice with question banks focused on UK clinical guidelines
  • Familiarize yourself with NICE guidelines and UK best practices
  • Focus on Foundation Year 2 level decision-making scenarios

PLAB 2 Preparation

  • Practice clinical examination techniques and communication skills
  • Study GMC's "Good Medical Practice" guidance thoroughly
  • Attend PLAB 2 preparation courses for hands-on practice
  • Practice with mock OSCE stations and standardized patients

PLAB Resources

Official GMC Resources

Study Materials

Start Your PLAB Preparation

Ready to begin your journey to UK medical practice? Access our comprehensive PLAB question bank with over 2,000 practice questions, detailed explanations, and mock OSCE scenarios designed to help you succeed.