PLAB Exam Quick Summary
PLAB is the General Medical Council's two-part test for doctors who qualified outside the UK, EEA or Switzerland. PLAB 1 is a 180-question written exam held in February, May, August and November, including in Islamabad and Karachi; the February 2027 sitting is held only in the UK and EU. PLAB 2 is a 16-station clinical exam in Manchester. Pass both, and your GMC registration must then be approved within two years of passing PLAB 2.
What is the PLAB test?
The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test is run by the General Medical Council (GMC), which regulates doctors in the UK. It checks that doctors who qualified abroad have the knowledge and skills to practise medicine safely in the UK. You need to pass both parts before you can apply for registration with a licence to practise. PLAB is pitched at the level of a doctor starting the second year of the UK Foundation Programme (F2).
Who needs to take PLAB?
PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 at a glance
PLAB 1 tests how you apply knowledge to patient care, not how well you recall facts. It covers common, important and acute conditions, plus the management of long-term conditions in primary care; see the PLAB 1 syllabus for the topic areas. PLAB 2 tests history taking, examination, communication and management in realistic clinical scenarios, described station by station in our PLAB 2 syllabus guide.
Results and attempts
PLAB 1 results are published six weeks after the exam. The pass mark is set for each sitting using the Angoff method plus one standard error of measurement, so there is no fixed percentage. You can keep taking PLAB 1 until you have failed it four times; after that you may apply for one fifth and final attempt. Refugee doctors can take their first two attempts free of charge. For preparation tips and what to do if you need to resit, see passing and re-sitting PLAB.
How to become GMC registered through PLAB
- Check that your primary medical qualification is acceptable to the GMC.
- Get your English language evidence, usually IELTS Academic or OET Medicine.
- Set up a GMC Online account; once your English evidence is checked, book PLAB 1. Places in high-demand cities can fill early, so read how to register for PLAB before you book.
- Pass PLAB 1, then book PLAB 2 in Manchester through GMC Online, and arrange your UK visit using our guide to UK immigration rules for PLAB doctors.
- Pass PLAB 2 and apply for registration with a licence to practise. Your application must be approved within two years of passing PLAB 2.
Can I get GMC registration without PLAB?
Sometimes. The GMC accepts some international doctors through other routes, including an acceptable UK or international postgraduate qualification. A few overseas registration exams are also accepted, but only under strict conditions: the USMLE counts only if you passed Step 2 Clinical Skills on or before 13 March 2020, the Canadian MCCQE parts 1 and 2 only if passed by 27 October 2020, and the Australian AMC through its MCQ and clinical exams, with each part passed in four attempts or fewer. Most doctors from Pakistan therefore take PLAB. If you are also considering the Gulf, see how PLAB affects MOHAP UAE exam eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
> What does PLAB stand for?
Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board. It is the General Medical Council's test for doctors who qualified outside the UK, EEA or Switzerland.
> Can I take PLAB 1 in Pakistan?
Yes. PLAB 1 is held in Islamabad and Karachi through the British Council in the February, May, August and November sittings, except February 2027, when the exam runs only in the UK and EU. PLAB 2 is only held in Manchester, UK.
> Has PLAB been replaced by the UKMLA?
No. PLAB became compliant with the Medical Licensing Assessment during 2024: PLAB 1 meets the AKT requirements and PLAB 2 meets the CPSA requirements. The GMC is keeping the PLAB name for now.
> How much does PLAB cost in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, PLAB 1 costs £283 and PLAB 2 costs £1,036.
> Does passing the USMLE exempt me from PLAB?
Usually not any more. The GMC accepts the USMLE instead of PLAB only if you passed Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 Clinical Skills, with Step 2 CS passed on or before 13 March 2020.
Questions about your UK plans? Contact us.
Preparing for PLAB 1?
Practise with exam-style questions and detailed explanations in our PLAB Part 1 Qbank.
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