PLAB Exam
Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board
The PLAB test is a licensing exam for the medical graduates from outside UK and who wish to practice medicine in the UK under limited registration. The test assesses the interested candidate’s ability, as a doctor, to work safely as a senior house officer (SHO) in a UK NHS hospital. The exam tests ability to apply knowledge for the care of patients rather than how well one can remember and recite facts.
What are the basic Entry requirements for the PLAB test?
Before a candidate gets eligible for the PLAB test, he/she must have fulfilled the following criteria:
A primary medical school qualification from a recognized institute or university mentioned in the World Directory of Medical Schools
Candidate must have taken the IELTS academic modules and attained a score of at least 7.5 overall and a minimum of 7.0 for all the four language skills.
After meeting the basic eligibility criteria, the candidate can apply for the exam.
Where to apply for the exam?
To apply for the exam, the candidate can visit the General Medical Council website.
PLAB exam has two steps:
PLAB 1 and PLAB 2
PLAB 1
PLAB 1 is a one day written exam consisting of 180 multiple choice questions, which must be answered within 3 hours.
Every question starts with a short scenario followed by a question.
Candidate needs to choose the right answer out of the five possible answers given.
This PLAB Step 1 exam is held 4 times a year in the UK and in multiple locations worldwide.
These overseas exam locations can be checked by visiting the GMC official website.
Before, the student can book a test, they will need to provide your English language test scores.
If the student has taken the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test or the Occupational English Test (OET), students, can apply for the test in GMC Online.
Once the IELTS or OET score meets the GMC’s requirements, the student will be able to book a test.
Cancellation Fees:
Over 83 days before the Exam No cancellation fee
Between 83 and 57 days before the exam 50% of the fee paid
Less than 57 days before the exam 100% of the fee paid
What to carry For the Examination?
Identification Proof
Original Passport
Stationery
You should bring HB pencils, an eraser and a pencil sharpener.
PLAB 1 Fees:
£239
£875
PLAB 2:
PLAB 2 is an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE). It’s made up of 16 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes and aims to reflect real life settings, including a mock consultation or an acute ward. It tests your ability to apply knowledge to the care of patients, not how well you can remember and recite facts.
Eligibility of PLAB 2 Exam:
Before you book a PLAB exam you must have:
Recently passed PLAB 1 within three years (from March 2018)
Book using your GMC Online account
Go to GMC Online. You can view available dates and book under the ‘My Tests’ section.
How much does it cost?
The current fee for the PLAB 2 is £875
The whole exam will take around three hours. The candidate has one and a half minutes between scenarios to read the instructions and patient information. There will be at least two rest stations, allowing candidates to take breaks.
Data gathering, technical and assessment skills: History taking, physical examination, practical procedures, investigations leading to a diagnosis
Clinical management skills: Formulating a diagnosis, explaining something to the patient, formulating a management plan
Interpersonal skills: How you approach the station: whether you establish a rapport with the patient, how you use open and closed questioning, involving the patient and demonstrating your professionalism and understanding of ethical principles.
Most of the stations will involve a simulated patient. You should interact with the actor as you would a real patient, including requesting to perform any relevant clinical examinations.
You should begin each station by confirming your name and GMC number. This is important as the examiner may not be present in the room and will be watching remotely by camera.
In some rooms you will find telephone based stations: the call will be connected for you before you enter the room. It is important you do not touch the phone as this may disconnect your call.
In some stations, you will be assessed on your ability to conduct a physical examination using a model or manikin.
We expect you to be able to carry out any basic physical examinations, including but not limited to examination of the abdomen, breast, chest, hand, heart, and joints. You must be able to perform a rectal or bimanual vaginal examination. You must also be able to use the appropriate equipment in carrying out an examination of the ear, eye or nervous system.
The practical skills may include:
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
Where can you take PLAB 2?
You can take part 2 at our clinical assessment centre in Manchester, UK.
When can you apply for an additional attempt?
To be eligible for an additional attempt for either PLAB 1 or 2 (after your fourth attempt), there must be at least 12 months between your fourth attempt and requesting an additional attempt.
You should undertake further learning to improve your medical knowledge and clinical skills. You must have completed either 12 months’ clinical practice or a post graduate qualification.
If you have already had more than four attempts at either part of PLAB 1 or 2, you are no longer eligible to take the test or apply for an additional attempt.
When can you apply for an additional attempt?
To be eligible for an additional attempt for either PLAB 1 or 2 (after your fourth attempt), there must be at least 12 months between your fourth attempt and requesting an additional attempt.
What is expected from your clinical practice?
A minimum of 12 months’ full time clinical practice (or equivalent part time basis), with direct patient care.
Supported by structured reports from senior doctors responsible for your work, to show satisfactory completion.
Completed in the two years before requesting an additional attempt to demonstrate that you are keeping your knowledge and skill up to date.
Undertaken in an institution that meets the standards for regulation within its jurisdiction, and we must be able to verify this.
Honorary posts and those involving observation, such as clinical attachments, shadowing, observerships and clerkships are not acceptable.