PLAB 1 and 2 Test Details Quick Summary
From 1 April 2026, PLAB 1 costs £283 and PLAB 2 costs £1,036. PLAB 1 can be taken in Pakistan (Islamabad and Karachi), but PLAB 2 is only held in Manchester, so most international doctors travel to the UK on a Standard Visitor visa for it. In 2025, 62.2% of PLAB 1 candidates and 59.8% of PLAB 2 candidates passed.
PLAB fees in 2026
You pay the fee for each attempt, so a re-sit costs the full amount again. Refugee doctors have reduced fees for their first two attempts; see passing and re-sitting PLAB for the details and the attempt limits.
PLAB pass rates
The GMC publishes overall pass rates only, not a breakdown by UK and overseas test centres, so there is no official evidence that candidates do better in one country than another. Around four in ten candidates fail each part, which is why thorough preparation matters.
Should I take PLAB 1 in Pakistan or the UK?
PLAB 1 is held in February, May, August and November at UK venues. Overseas venues include Islamabad and Karachi through the British Council, but the February 2027 sitting is held only in the UK and EU. Sitting PLAB 1 at home is usually the practical choice: you avoid the cost of travel, accommodation and a visa, and you can prepare in a familiar setting. PLAB 2, however, is only held at the GMC's clinical assessment centres in Manchester, so you will need to travel to the UK for it. For booking steps and dates, see how to register for PLAB.
Which visa do I need for PLAB 2?
Does postgraduate experience help after PLAB?
Postgraduate experience is not required for PLAB or GMC registration, but it can make you a stronger applicant for NHS jobs and, in some cases, can open other routes: the GMC accepts some international doctors with an acceptable postgraduate qualification for registration without PLAB. Competition for UK specialty training is high, and since the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act became law on 5 March 2026, UK graduates and certain other groups are prioritised. International doctors can still apply, and many start in locally employed NHS posts to gain UK experience first. Read more about clinical attachments and NHS jobs after PLAB.
Frequently asked questions
> What is the PLAB fee in 2026?
From 1 April 2026, PLAB 1 costs £283 and PLAB 2 costs £1,036. The fee is charged for each attempt.
> What visa do I need for PLAB 2?
A Standard Visitor visa. Home Office rules allow visitors to sit tests such as PLAB, and you need confirmation of your test from the GMC.
> Can I stay in the UK after passing PLAB 2?
Only for an unpaid clinical attachment, for up to 18 months in total as a visitor, and you cannot treat patients. Paid work needs GMC registration and a work visa.
> What is the PLAB pass rate?
In 2025, 62.2% of PLAB 1 candidates (8,513 of 13,691) and 59.8% of PLAB 2 candidates (8,787 of 14,689) passed.
> Is it better to take PLAB 1 in the UK?
The GMC does not publish pass rates by test centre, so there is no official evidence of an advantage. Taking PLAB 1 in Islamabad or Karachi saves travel and visa costs.
New to PLAB? Start with all about the PLAB exam, or explore our PLAB preparation guide. Questions? Contact us.
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