PLAB: Practice Medicine in The United Kingdom (UK), Eligibility and Preparation Tips

Do you want to practice medicine in the United Kingdom (UK)? Yes, you can by just clearing the Professional Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exam, which is conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC). The purpose of conducting this exam is to assess the knowledge of medical professionals outside the UK, European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. This exam is conducted in Two levels which are usually called PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. The candidate who clears the PLAB 1 is eligible to write the PLAB 2.

Eligibility Criteria For Professional Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB)

Medical Qualification of Candidates must have been accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC).
Candidates must have qualified IELTS or OET to demonstrate English proficiency. For IELTS, Overall, 7.5 and minimum 7.0 in each section or OET B grade in all sections required.
Make sure that the college which the candidate graduated from is listed in the World Directory of Medical School.

Exam Pattern:

PLAB 1

PLAB 1 is a written exam with 180 multiple choice questions.
Exam duration: 3 hours
It covers commonly encountered cases in the UK and the various parts of the world.

PLAB 2

PLAB 2 is primarily focused on clinical skills, Patient Interaction, Decision making.
A practical Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OBSE).
It consists of 18 clinical scenarios and each lasting 8 minutes.

Is The PLAB Exam Conducted In India?

Yes, the PLAB (Professional Linguistic Assessments Board) exam is conducted in India but only PLAB 1. It is typically in cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata. It can be changed over the course of time therefore stay updated with the official site of GMC.

PLAB 2 is only conducted in the UK in GMC (General Medical Commission) clinical center in Manchester.

Application Process:

Create a GMC (General Medical Council) account online
Submit primary qualifications and proof of English Proficiency.
If you clear PLAB 1 then you can apply for PLAB 2
Pay different fee for both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2
If you cleared both exams then you’re eligible to apply to GMC to practice in the UK.

How many times does the GMC conduct PLAB in a year?

GMC conducts the PLAB 1 written exam 2 times in a year.
PLAB 2 conducts 4 times in a year.
Book your slot for your convenience.
Exams are held in March, June, September and November. It may change in the upcoming years therefore keep following the GMC updates.

Preparation Tips

Go through the medical books, study Material including GMC guidelines.
Practice mock written exams and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OBSE).
Join the study group and attend the preparatory classes
Take coaching from the reputed institutes if needed
Prepare a time table and study according to it.

Exemptions

Doctors who graduated from the UK or EEA (European Economic Area) typically do not need to take the exam. They follow other pathways to licensing and Registration.
Candidates graduated from the medical colleges accredited by the (General Medical Council) GMC.
Graduates from certain countries with bilateral agreements might not need to take the exam.

Countries That Accept The PLAB Exam Other Than UK:

Several countries other than the UK accept the PLAB exam therefore you can practice medicine in those countries by simply clearing the Professional Linguistic Assessments Board exam.

Following Countries Accept The PLAB:

Australia
New Zealand
Canada
Dubai
Ireland
Scotland
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Sri Lanka

Conclusion

PLAB exam primarily for doctors who wish to practice in the United Kingdom (UK). If the UK is the dream country for you to practice and live a great life there? Just book your slot for the PLAB exam. Candidates who graduate from within the UK or EEA and graduate from the colleges accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC) or the countries with bilateral agreements do not need to take the PLAB exam.