PLAB

PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) is the medical licensing examination for international medical graduates (IMGs) who wish to practice medicine in the United Kingdom (UK). The exam is conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC), UK, and assesses whether a doctor has the knowledge, skills, and clinical competence equivalent to a UK-trained medical graduate.

What is PLAB?

PLAB is designed to ensure that overseas-qualified doctors are safe to work in the UK healthcare system (NHS). Clearing PLAB allows IMGs to apply for GMC registration, which is mandatory to practice medicine in the UK.

PLAB consists of two parts:

• PLAB 1 – Written exam
• PLAB 2 – Practical clinical exam

Who Needs to Appear for PLAB?

PLAB is required for:

• International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
• MBBS doctors trained outside the UK

Doctors planning to:

• Work in the NHS
• Obtain GMC registration
• Build a long-term medical career in the UK

PLAB Exam Structure

PLAB 1

• Exam Type: Computer-based test
• Total Questions: 180 MCQs
• Duration: 3 hours
• Question Type: Single Best Answer (SBA)
• Mode: Online (Pearson VUE centers worldwide)

PLAB 2

• Exam Type: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
• Stations: 16–18 clinical stations
• Location: United Kingdom

Tests include:

• Clinical examination
• Communication skills
• Ethical decision-making

PLAB Syllabus

PLAB focuses on clinical scenarios commonly seen in UK practice, including:

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Psychiatry
• General Practice
• Emergency Medicine
• Ethics & Professionalism

PLAB Passing Criteria

• PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 are pass/fail exams
• Passing score is set by the GMC using standard-setting methods
• Both parts must be cleared to apply for GMC registration

PLAB Validity

• PLAB results are valid for 2 years
• GMC registration must be applied for within the validity period

Why Choose PLAB for the UK?

• Direct route to GMC registration
• High demand for doctors in the NHS
• Globally respected medical qualification
• Excellent training, salary, and work-life balance

PLAB vs Other Medical Licensing Exams

Exam	Country
PLAB	United Kingdom
AMC CAT	Australia
MCCQE	Canada
USMLE	United States
NExT	India

Benefits of Clearing PLAB

• Eligibility to practice medicine in the UK
• Access to NHS training and jobs
• Clear and structured licensing pathway
• Opportunity for permanent settlement