PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board)
What is the PLAB test?
The PLAB test is for doctors who have qualified overseas and wish to practise medicine in the UK under limited registration. The test assesses your ability, as a doctor, to work safely as a senior house officer (SHO) in a UK NHS hospital.
How many parts to the PLAB test are there?
There are two parts:
- Part 1 : Following a review, the number of questions contained in the PLAB Part 1 exam (UK and overseas) is being reduced from 200 single best answer questions to 180. This will be effective from the June 2018 PLAB Part 1 exam onwards.
- Part 2 : comprises 18 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes
What are the entry requirements for the PLAB test?
- A primary medical qualification accepted for limited registration by an institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools 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.
- 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.
Where can I sit the test?
- Part 1 can be taken in the UK and in Egypt (Cairo).
- Part 2 may be taken in the UK only.
When is the Part 1 test held in Egypt?
Part 1 is held in Cairo twice a year and the deadline for registration is five weeks prior to the test date.
How can I apply to take Part 1 in Cairo?
You must apply online through the General Medical Council (GMC) website.
What is the fee for Part 1 and how can I pay?
| PLAB Fees | Effective from 1 April 2018 |
|---|---|
| Part 1 of the PLAB test | £230 |
| Part 2 of the PLAB test | £840 |
How many times can I attempt the test?
- A candidate may make four attempts at part 1.
- A candidate may have four attempts at the part 2 OSCE, provided their pass in the part 1 examination is within the currently permitted period.
You must pass part 2 within two years of the date you passed Part 1, and you are allowed a maximum of four attempts. If you do not pass Part 2 within two years of passing Part 1, or fail at your fourth attempt, you will have to re-sit Part 1 and Part 2.
What happens after I register for the test in Cairo?
After you apply for the test, and once the deadline for application is over, you will receive an email from the GMC confirming your registration, your place, the venue and the starting time of the test.
What should I bring with me on the day of the exam?
You must bring your passport, your admission letter, a pencil, an eraser and a pencil sharpener.
When will I receive my results?
Results will be available in the My Tests section of GMC Online about four to six weeks after you take part 1 and four weeks after you take part 2
The exact date for the release of the results is announced on the test date. Results are available on the General Medical Council website the day after they have been sent out by post.
The GMC will post the results directly to you using the address on your application form. We do not give results over the phone,by email or by fax.
If you want your final mark to be checked you must request this in writing.
Please note that a clerical check does not mean your exam will be re-marked, it is a check to make sure your marks have been transcribed correctly. If you would like us to undertake a clerical check, contact the GMC within 28 days of the results being posted by writing to:
PLAB Test Section of the GMC
350 Euston Road
London NW1 3JN
You must enclose a cheque for £40 made out to the General Medical Council, and you will receive a response within 10 working days of receipt of your request.
We do our best to cater for any special needs. We will do all we can to help you understand test questions and ways of giving answers. You will be assessed fairly and objectively irrespective of disability.
If you require special arrangements please get in touch at least three months before submitting your application. Relevant supporting materials such as medical certificates should be submitted during registration.