PLAB Exam 2026-27: Full Form, Eligibility & GMC Registration Guide

What is PLAB Exam?

The PLAB exam full form is “Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board”. It is conducted by the GMC (General Medical Council) of the UK to assess the knowledge and skills required for qualified doctors who want to practice medicine and work as a doctor within this country.

The PLAB exam is taken by International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from outside the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland who aspire to gain better employment opportunities and enhance their professional growth by working in the UK.

Additionally, the PLAB test aims to determine whether they have the same knowledge and skills required for the UK Foundation Year 2 (FY2) Doctor. Additionally, note that the PLAB test can only be taken up to four times. If you fail all four attempts, you may request a fifth attempt, but only under certain conditions.

However, if you fail on the fifth attempt as well, the candidate will not be permitted to retake this exam.  This is a small overview of the PLAB exam. Now, let’s move ahead to acquire more information.     

PLAB vs UKMLA – Key Difference and Comparison 

The UKMLA, which is an abbreviation for UK Medical Licensing Assessment, is the updated standard examination. All international graduates of the medical sector must pass this exam to practice medicine in the United Kingdom. It examines both practical skills and clinical knowledge through a two-section exam.

UKMLA ensures doctors meet the vital skill requirements for treating patients safely. This exam replaces the PLAB and aligns with medical licensing in the UK for the best healthcare practices. Here’s a quick comparison of these exams to learn how they differ from each other.

What PLAB Exam Involves | Overview of PLAB 1 and PLAB 2

The PLAB exam is divided into two parts: PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. One is an MCQ-based exam, and the second one is a practical exam. Here is a detailed breakdown of both exams in the section below.

PLAB 1

The PLAB 1 exam is an Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) that assesses clinical knowledge used in everyday scenarios. This test is a written-based exam consisting of 180-200 MCQ questions that should be completed within 3 hours.

Every question begins with a scenario, followed by related questions. Afterwards, candidates are given five multiple-choice options, and only one of these options needs to be chosen as the answer to the question.

These questions cover a wide range of medical topics that evaluate not only your ability to recall the lessons and facts provided in books, but also your understanding of the concepts.  

PLAB 2

The PLAB 2 is an Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE). It is also considered a Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment Test that analyses practical skills, professionalism, and communication. It consists of 16-18 stations (scenarios) that last 8 minutes and reflect candidates’ clinical skills in realistic settings.

The PLAB 2 exam takes 3 hours to complete all the stations. Besides, these stations are assessed on three domains: interpersonal skills, data gathering, and clinical management, involving physical examination, history taking, diagnosis and counselling. Thus, you will get 90 seconds to read the question before the station starts, then move on, and this cycle will continue until you complete all the stations within the time limit.

Unlike PLAB 1 exam dates, PLAB 2 is accessible throughout the year, which means you can give this exam anytime.  However, please note that you must take this exam within 2 years of completing the PLAB 1 exam. Apart from this, the PLAB 2 exam is conducted entirely at the General Medical Council (GMC) assessment centres situated in Manchester, UK.

PLAB Exam Syllabus

The PLAB syllabus for both tests differs, as one assesses your knowledge and the other evaluates your practical skills. It tests a combination of medical knowledge, patient management, communication skills and clinical reasoning that reflects solving real-life situation issues in the NHS (National Health Service). Below is a brief syllabus for PLAB 1 and 2.

PLAB 1 Exam Syllabus

Graduates must be prepared to apply the theoretical knowledge across various disciplines, clinical scenarios and questions of patient management in this test. Here is what the PLAB 1 exam syllabus includes.

• Medicine: Common conditions, pharmacology, emergencies, investigations, and treatment principles.
• Surgery: Trauma, perioperative care, wound management, and post - op complications.
• Paediatrics: Growth, development, emergencies, and common childhood illnesses.
• Obstetrics & Gynaecology: Antenatal care, complications, labour management, and principled scenarios.
• Psychiatry: Emergency psychiatric care, mental health disorders, and patient counselling.
• Ethics & Law: GMC Guidelines, confidentiality, consent, and professional conduct

PLAB 2 exam Syllabus

The PLAB 2 exam is an OSCE-based test, and each station replicates real clinical situations in the UK.  Here is the syllabus for the PLAB 2 exam

• History & Physical Exams: Structured, systematic, in-depth patient-centred assessment.
• Diagnosis & Management: Formulating safe and practical management plans and recommending the right treatment.
• Professionalism & Ethics: Representing GMC standards in patient care, confidentiality, and teamwork.
• Communication Skills: Explaining diagnosis and treatment, breaking bad news, and patient counselling.
• Emergency Skills: Anaphylaxis, sepsis management, CPR, and rapid decision-making.

PLAB Exam Format & Structure 2026

These two exams follow a different exam pattern, which includes written and OSCE stations to assess the ability to treat the patient. It ensures candidates are job-ready to solve real-world cases and seek world-class clinical practice in the NHS. Here is the PLAB exam format, which consists of two parts; let’s review them.

PLAB 1 Exam

• Format: 160-180 single – answer MCQs
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Content: Pediatrics, Surgery, Psychiatry, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ethics, Law, and more.
• Scenario-based questions: Testing clinical reasoning, decision-making skills, and patient safety.

PLAB 2 Exam

• Format: OSCE with 16-18 stations

• Duration: 8 minutes per station (overall get 3 hours to complete PLAB 2 exam)

• Skills tested: Clinical examination, emergency management, professionalism, patient communication, diagnosis, and moral decision-making.

Here is the table to get a quick overview of the PLAB exam pattern.

PLAB Exam Eligibility

The PLAB exam is considered a challenging exam, as it assesses all the skills and learning that must be equivalent to the UK Foundation year. To pass this exam, candidates must understand all the PLAB exam eligibility criteria to ensure sufficient preparation time for these two-part exams. Here is the eligibility set by the GMC for the PLAB exam.

1. Must have PMQ (Primary Medical Qualification)
2. Students must have a medical school recognised by the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDMS) and also accepted by the GMC in the UK.
3. English language proficiency scores of IELTS academic: 7.5 or 7.0 minimum in each section (reading, listening, writing and speaking).   
4. OET medicine scores: Must have a grade B in all skills in the test result.
5. For ID requirement: Valid passport that matches all the GMC online details set for PLAB requirements to give this exam.
6. After passing PLAB 1, Candidates must take PLAB 2 within 2 years.

PLAB Exam Fees 2026-27

The PLAB exam fees are set by the General Medical Council (GMC). As of April 1, 2026, new updates have been made to the PLAB test fees for both parts. Here is the table of PLAB exam fees 2026.

Candidates get four chances to retake the exam, and they have to pay the fees again. In the next section, check out the cancellation fees information and details.

Cancellation Fees of PLAB exam

Due to any circumstances, candidates may have to cancel their exam, and they are subject to paying cancellation fees. The GMC have introduced new PLAB exam cost and cancellation fees this year. Here is the table you can refer to check out the fees for cancellation.

PLAB Exam Passing Marks, Attempt Limit and Pass Rate

If you are planning to take the PLAB exam, you should understand its passing marks, pass rates and attempt limits. It is crucial to create a rational preparation strategy that helps you secure your targeted scores. Hence, the details below include this information to assist you in setting realistic prospects and gauge their difficulty level.

Passing Marks for PLAB Exam

PLAB 1- PLAB has two different parts, and each section has a different passing threshold. For the PLAB 1 section that includes a written exam with multiple-choice questions, the passing marks are set using a unique standard-setting process. Thus, it varies for every exam that normally ranges from 115 to 120.

PLAB 2- For PLAB 2, clinical OSCE candidates are required to meet the minimum marking criteria across all 16 stations. It typically ranges around 100 of overall marks to ensure proficiency in practical abilities.

Attempt Limit of PLAB Exam

All candidates can take this exam for a maximum of 4 attempts for both the 1st and 2nd parts of the PLAB exam. If a prospect fails in 1st part, they must reappear for this exam and pass it to progress to 2nd part. In addition, each attempt needs to be finished within a given time duration. The eligibility of this exam is limited to 4 attempts only.

PLAB Exam Pass Rate

The passing rates for the PLAB exam vary year to year and by the background of the candidates. However, on average:

• Around 62.2% students pass the exam appearing for the first time in PLAB 1.
• The 2nd part of the PLAB exam is challenging, with a passing rate that ranges around 59.8% in 2025.

These passing rates highlight the robust standards set by healthcare authorities to ensure students with the right knowledge and skills are registered to provide their services in the healthcare sector.

How to Register for the PLAB Exam?

The PLAB exam is registered mainly online through the GMC portal. However, before applying, several factors must be considered, including proper planning, compliance with GMC guidelines, ensuring candidates can book preferred test dates, efficient preparation, and achieving the desired scores to obtain permission to practice medicine in the UK. Here are the steps to register for the PLAB exam. 

1. Visit the official GMC website, sign up and create an account by providing your personal details.
2. Submit Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) certificate recognised by the GMC.
3. Upload scores of OET and IELTS Academic (make sure that all the documents are clear, reliable, and meet GMC requirements)
4. Now choose the PLAB 1 exam date available in the UK or another international centre.
5. Check seat availability on the chosen date and time to allow enough preparation time.
6. Note- keep monitoring closing dates of registration (UK: 2 weeks and Overseas: 6 weeks)
7. Pay the PLAB exam cost for part 1 by using a credit or debit card or any other accepted payment method.
8. Save payment confirmation details for proof, as it is required for verification.
9. Download the admission ticket as it includes exam location, date, and ID instructions.
10. Now that you have passed PLAB 1, apply for PLAB 2 in Manchester, UK.
11. It is important to book early as seats are limited for the PLAB 2 exam.

Documents Required for PLAB 1 Registration

Students who are planning to register for this exam must submit vital documents to the GMC to authenticate their eligibility, qualifications and identity. The primary documents to apply for the PLAB seat 1 exam include:

• Medical Degree Certificate
• Primary Medical Qualification Transcript
• English Language Proficiency Evidence (IELTS certificate or OET certificate)
• Passport or National Identity Document
• GMC Registration Application Form
• Passport-Size Photograph  
• Payment Confirmation

Why Doctors Take the PLAB Exam?

The PLAB exam is taken by many doctors mainly to become licensed to practice medicine in the UK. This is an important requirement for foreign medical graduates to obtain full registration with the GMC. This permits them to work in the UK’s National Health Service. Here are some reasons why doctors take this exam.

1. GMC Registration: Achieving good scores in the PLAB exam is essential for obtaining medical registration with the GMC, enabling medical practice in the UK.
2. NHS Employment: This exam demonstrates that the candidate possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to work within the UK system. Hence, it enables them to apply for training and other roles in the NHS in the UK.
3. Professional Growth: The PLAB exam opens doors for professional growth, making a robust career in the UK medical industry. Also leads to applying for a residency program and special training in this nation.

Potential Salaries After PLAB Exam

After passing this exam successfully and registering with the General Medical Council (GMC), you can start your medical career by practising in the UK’s healthcare industry. It helps you earn high salaries based on your location, experience and job roles. Entry-level roles are also considered competitive because they offer competitive salaries. A few common job roles and their potential salary are mentioned in the table below:

People Who Are Exempted from the PLAB Exam?

PLAB is not mandatory for all international doctors to practice medicine in the United Kingdom. Certain groups of medical alumni are exempted from these exams due to their experience or qualifications. These include:

• Graduates from the UK and European Economic Area– Graduates who have pursued their medical qualification in the EEA, EU or UK countries are identified by the GMC.
• Students with GMC-Identified Primary Medical Degree– A few medical degrees are recognised by the GMC, exempting these qualification holders from the PLAB exam.
• Doctors Holding a Standard PG Qualification – Certain medical degrees, such as MRCGP, FRCS or MRCP, demonstrate enough clinical competence. Hence, exempt graduates from the PLAB exam.
• Doctors with Prior GMC Registration– Doctors who were registered with the GMC previously and returning after a short break don’t need to take this exam.
• Doctors on Sponsorship Schemes or Approved Training– Some NHS-sponsored routes or official programs may bypass this exam, especially if students have met the training standards.

IELTS vs OET – Which is Suitable for PLAB?

To take the PLAB test, doctors must show their English skills through OET or IELTS. Both exams assess the English proficiency of students. However, IELTS evaluates general academic English while OET emphasises healthcare-specific interactions. Students must secure an overall score of 7.5 in IELTS and a Grade B in the OET exam to sit in PLAB.

Both exams are accepted by the PLAB, but choosing OET can offer a competitive edge to medical graduates. Here’s the key difference between the two tests:

Conclusion  

In brief, the PLAB exam is a globally recognised licensing assessment for foreign medical graduates seeking to practice medicine in the UK. This exam is taken by many candidates, and it is a mandatory requirement for GMC registration. However, it may seem easy to pass this exam, but many stumbling blocks may have to be faced in this journey. But to streamline this process, you can connect to our study abroad consultants at Gradding.com. They will help you with this exam. Or if you are the new one who desires to pursue medical courses, then you can use their College Finder and Course Finder tool to find the best university and course to pursue in the UK.

FAQs:-

1. What is the PLAB exam Full Form?

PLAB stands for Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board.

2. What is the passing score for the PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 exams in 2026?

For 2026, the PLAB 1 passing score is typically 115–120 out of 180 (roughly 60–65%). The PLAB 2 pass mark varies, with pass rates generally between 60–70% of stations.

3. What is the PLAB exam fee in 2026?

The PLAB 1 exam fee is £283 and the PLAB 2 exam fee is £1,036, payable to the General Medical Council (GMC). Total exam fees are approximately £1,319, although total costs—including travel, accommodation, and preparation—can exceed £5,000–£9,000.

4. How many attempts are allowed for the PLAB exam?

Candidates can attempt PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 up to four times each. A fifth and final attempt is allowed only if the candidate submits evidence of additional postgraduate training or clinical experience. Failing all five attempts results in a permanent ban from the PLAB exam.

5. Is PLAB being replaced by UKMLA?

Yes, the UKMLA (United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment) is replacing the PLAB exam, with full implementation beginning in 2024–2025. 

6. What IELTS score is required for PLAB?

For IELTS Academic, candidates need an overall score of 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in each individual skill — reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These scores must be achieved in a single sitting.

7. Can Indian doctors practise in the UK without PLAB?

Yes, Indian doctors can practice in the UK without passing the PLAB test by obtaining GMC registration through alternative routes. Candidates must also provide EPIC verification for their degrees and meet English proficiency standards (IELTS/OET).