The Ultimate Guide to the PLAB Exam (2025/2026): Everything IMGs Need to Know
If you are an international doctor dreaming of a career in the UK's National Health Service (NHS), the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test is your gateway.
But the pathway is changing. With the introduction of the UKMLA (Medical Licensing Assessment), many candidates are confused. Is PLAB still valid? What is the new content map? How do I prepare?
This guide is the most comprehensive resource on the web. We break down the entire process—from booking your IELTS to securing your first NHS job.
Table of Contents
1. What is the PLAB Test?
The PLAB test is designed to assess whether doctors who qualified abroad have the right knowledge and skills to practice medicine safely in the UK. It is conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC).
It consists of two parts:
PLAB 1: A written multiple-choice exam testing medical knowledge.
PLAB 2: A practical objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).
You must pass both parts to apply for a license to practice.
2. PLAB vs. UKMLA: The 2025/2026 Reality
This is the #1 question we get. Do I take the PLAB or the UKMLA?
The Short Answer: If you are an IMG, you will likely still book a test called "PLAB" in 2025 and 2026. However, the content of that exam is now compliant with the UKMLA content map.
| Feature | The "Old" PLAB | The "New" PLAB (MLA Aligned) |
|---|---|---|
| Name on Booking | PLAB 1/PLAB 2 | PLAB 1/PLAB 2 (transitioning to UKMLA name later) |
| Syllabus Source | PLAB Blueprint | MLA Content Map |
| Focus | Diagnosis & Management | Clinical Reasoning, Health Promotion, Ethics, & Transgender Health |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate-High (More "best single answer" nuance) |
Key Takeaway: You cannot study using old "PLAB" materials from 2020. You must use a question bank (like MedRevisions) that is updated for the MLA Content Map.
3. Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify?
Before you start studying, ensure you can even sit the exam.
Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ): Your medical degree must be from a university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS Academic: Minimum 7.5 overall (with 7.0 in each section).
OET Medicine: Minimum Grade B in all sections.
GMC Account: You must create a GMC Online account to book the test.
4. Step-by-Step Pathway to GMC Registration
Pass English Test (IELTS/OET): This unlocks your GMC account.
Book PLAB 1: Slots are released quarterly. They vanish in minutes. Be ready!
Sit PLAB 1: Held in the UK and overseas (India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt, etc.).
Book PLAB 2: Can only be booked after passing PLAB 1.
Sit PLAB 2: Held only in Manchester, UK. You will need a Standard Visitor Visa.
Apply for GMC Registration: Once you pass PLAB 2, you have 2 years to apply for your license.
Check out some November 2025 exam questions here:
PLAB 1 & UKMLA Clinical Scenario: Mastering Hypertension Management (November 2025 Recall)
PLAB 1 & UKMLA Clinical Scenario: Hair Loss in Gender-Affirming Therapy (November 2025 Exam Recall)
5. PLAB 1: The Exam Structure & Syllabus
TFormat: 180 Single Best Answer (SBA) questions. Duration: 3 hours. Pass Mark: Variable (usually around 60-65%, or roughly 110-116/180).
What is Tested?
The exam covers the common conditions a doctor at the Foundation Year 2 (FY2) level deals with. It is not a specialist exam.
High-Yield Topics (MLA Aligned):
Acute Medicine: Sepsis, Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath.
Ethics: Capacity, Consent, Confidentiality (GMC Good Medical Practice).
Chronic Diseases: Hypertension, Diabetes, Asthma.
New Topics: Transgender Health, Genetics, Palliative Care.
6. PLAB 2: The Clinical Exam
Format: 18 OSCE stations (8 minutes each). Location: Manchester, UK.
This exam tests your communication and practical skills. You are not just tested on "knowing" the diagnosis, but on "explaining" it to a patient.
Common Stations:
Breaking Bad News
Medical Error & Apology
Simman (Mannequin) - Acute Emergency (e.g., Sepsis, Anaphylaxis)
Practical Skills (e.g., Catheterization, Venepuncture)
7. Cost Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost?
Budgeting is crucial. Here are the estimated costs for 2025/2026.
| Item | Cost (Approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS/OET | £200 - £350 | OET is more expensive but often considered easier. |
| PLAB 1 Exam Fee | £279 | Payable to GMC. |
| PLAB 2 Exam Fee | £986 | Payable to GMC. |
| MedRevisions Qbank | £30 - £60 | Essential for PLAB 1 prep. |
| Flights & Visa | £1,000+ | Variable based on location. |
| GMC Registration | £185 - £480 | Depending on when you graduated. |
Total Estimated Cost: £3,000 - £4,000 (excluding PLAB 2 academy fees).
8. Study Resources & Preparation Strategy
How long do I need?
PLAB 1: 3 to 6 months.
PLAB 2: 1 to 2 months (usually in the UK).
Recommended Resources
Question Bank (Essential): You need a bank that mirrors the exam format. MedRevisions offers 5,000+ questions aligned with the MLA map. With our decade-long experience with exam conducted by the GMC UK, we have been helping candidates pass the PLAB exam since 2019
GMC Good Medical Practice: Read this for Ethics.
Patient.info / CKS NICE: For reading up on guidelines.
Pro Tip: Don't use too many resources. Stick to one comprehensive question bank and the official guidelines. Using 5 different books will confuse you.
9. Life After PLAB: Finding Your First Job
Passing PLAB is just the beginning.
Steps to Employment:
GMC Registration: Apply immediately after passing PLAB 2.
NHS Jobs: Create a profile on
jobs.nhs.uk.The "CREST" Form: If you haven't done an internship, you may need this signed to enter training.
Junior Clinical Fellow (JCF): Most IMGs start in a non-training JCF job to get NHS experience before applying for specialty training.
Average Salary (2025/2026)
FY2 Level / SHO: Approx. £38,000 - £45,000 base salary + extra for on-calls/nights.
10. Real Success Stories: From Exam to Employment
The path from PLAB 1 to NHS employment is achievable with the right strategy.
In a recent post to the PLAB/MLA Community, Dr. Rahul Pillai shared his inspiring journey of passing both exams and securing a job in the UK.
Dr. Rahul Pillai’s Strategy for the PLAB 1 exam: "MedRevisions Only"
Dr Pillai passed his PLAB 1 with MedRevisions on his second attempt, using MedRevisions as his sole resource. His approach perfectly demonstrates the power of focused study: Dr. Rahul Pillai’s Journey and strategy.
The Lesson: Don't be discouraged by low initial mock scores. Use them as a diagnostic tool. If you follow a structured plan like Dr. Shavini did, your scores will improve.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the PLAB exam difficult? A: PLAB 1 has a pass rate of around 60-70%. It is not "impossible," but it requires focused preparation on UK-specific guidelines. PLAB 2 is often considered harder due to the communication nuances.
Q: Can I work in the UK without PLAB? A: Only if you have a sponsorship (MTI), a postgraduate qualification (MRCP/MRCS), or are from the EEA/Switzerland. For most IMGs, PLAB is the standard route.
Q: Does MedRevisions cover the new November 2025 topics? A: Yes. We update our bank within days of every exam diet. We recently added topics like Transgender Health and Isotretinoin Safety based on recall feedback.
Start Your Journey Today
Don't let the new MLA changes scare you. With the right roadmap and the right resources, the NHS is within your reach.