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PLAB Guide 2025

PLAB Guide 2024

Are you a medical student or doctor seeking opportunities in the UK? The Professional and Linguistics Assessment Board, PLAB, is your ticket to making that dream come true. By taking the PLAB exams, you prove that you have the medical and communication skills required for a doctor hoping to practice medicine in the UK.

PLAB consists of two parts: PLAB 1, a written exam, and PLAB 2, a more practical assessment of your medical knowledge. Just like every medical exam, PLAB can appear daunting, and it doesn’t help that there is so much to know about the exam and so much to prepare for. However, in this article, we’ll be offering a comprehensive guide that will provide you with all the information you need.

Is PLAB Being Replaced With MLA?

For years now, aspiring doctors within and outside the UK have been required to take PLAB before obtaining a medical license. However, the General Medical Council, GMC, introduced a new assessment program, the Medical Licensing Assessment, MLA or UKMLA. With this new assessment in place, all medical students graduating from UK universities are required to take MLA as part of their degree before they can join the medical register. The case is slightly different for international doctors or medical students who hope to practice in the UK.

For foreigners, instead of changing the entire assessment program from PLAB to MLA, the GMC proposed that the PLAB syllabus and requirements become compliant with MLA. So, international applicants will not take MLA but will continue with PLAB, with just a few modifications. This way, both international and UK-trained doctors are assessed based on the same topics and requirements.

So, starting in 2024, the PLAB blueprint will be replaced by the MLA content map. All PLAB 1 tests sat for on and after August 8th, 2024, will be based on the MLA content map, as will all the PLAB 2 tests taken on and after May 17th, 2024.

Click here to find out more about the MLA content map.

What is the PLAB Exam Pattern?

As mentioned above, the PLAB exam is divided into two categories. PLAB 1 is a written multiple-choice exam that consists of 180 questions. The time allotted to this section is 3 hours, and for each question, a short scenario will be painted, followed by a question and five possible options, of which you’ll be required to pick the best answer.

The questions are centered around a wide range of medical topics related to current best practices in the UK. This part of the exam is designed to assess your ability to apply your knowledge to the care of patients. You can see a more detailed breakdown of the questions in our PLAB 1 question bank.

Overall, you’d find that these questions test you under the following domains:

  • Knowledge, skills, and performance
  • Safety and Quality
  • Communication, partnership, and teamwork
  • Maintenance of trust with the patient

PLAB 1 also tests your medical knowledge under the following categories:

  • Basic Sciences – i.e., human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, and pathology.
  • Clinical Sciences – i.e., communication skills, medical ethics, and medical law.
  • Applied Clinical Sciences – i.e., general practice, specialized medicine, etc. This section assesses your theoretical ability to diagnose, manage, and treat patients in various clinical settings.

PLAB 2 is slightly different. It is a practical objective structured clinical examination, OSCE, which is meant to assess your ability to offer quality medical care in a real-life scenario. You will be presented with 16 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes. These scenarios may be presented in an acute ward or mock consultation. Check out our PLAB 2 question bank to get familiar with past questions.

Both exams are taken separately on different dates, but you need to pass both before being eligible to join the UK medical register.

What are the Requirements for PLAB?

To register for the PLAB exams, you must meet a few essential requirements:

  1. Proof of Medical Degree: You must provide evidence of your medical degree from a recognized medical school. If you’re still studying, you need to submit proof of your current status as a medical student at a recognized institution.
  2. English Proficiency: For non-native English speakers, evidence of your English proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated through exams like IELTS or OET.

For more details about the specific eligibility criteria and documents you need to submit, refer to the official GMC website.

What Are the Dates for the PLAB Exam in 2025?

There are scheduled dates for both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 throughout the year, and the GMC holds these exams in several locations across the UK and at some overseas locations.

Here are the scheduled dates for PLAB 1 in 2025:

  • 13th February 2025
  • 22nd May 2025
  • 7th August 2025
  • 6th November 2025

Find more about the exam locations here.

PLAB 2 exams are held throughout the year, so you can schedule a date once you’ve gotten your PLAB 1 results. You are advised to schedule a date as early as possible because the demand for PLAB 2 is higher, and the exam is held in only 2 locations, both in Manchester. Click here to find out more about the location of the two clinical assessment centers.

How Much Do Both PLAB Exams Cost?

PLAB exams are a significant financial commitment, so it’s essential to be aware of the fees:

  • PLAB 1: From April 1, 2025, the fee will be £268.
  • PLAB 2: From April 1, 2025, the fee will be £981.

Cancellation Fees:

  • PLAB 1:
    • Cancellation more than 42 days before the exam: £26.80 (10% of the fee)
    • Cancellation less than 42 days before the exam: 100% of the fee (£268)
  • PLAB 2:
    • Cancellation more than 42 days before the exam: £98.10 (10% of the fee)
    • Cancellation between 42 and 28 days before the exam: £490.50 (50% of the fee)
    • Cancellation less than 28 days before the exam: 100% of the fee (£981)

Conclusion

While the PLAB exam can feel overwhelming, it is completely achievable with the right preparation. At CanadaQBank, we offer a range of resources to help you pass the PLAB exam on your first try. Whether you’re preparing for PLAB 1 or PLAB 2, our study materials are designed to help you succeed.

Good luck on your journey toward becoming a doctor in the UK!

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USMLE Step 2 CK 2025 Exam Dates and Costs

USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge

What is the USMLE Step 2 CK Exam?

The USMLE Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) is a critical examination conducted by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) in the United States. It forms a part of the US medical licensure process alongside Step 1. This article will delve into the essential aspects of the USMLE Step 2 CK, including its format, dates, costs, and preparation tips, providing a comprehensive guide for medical students.

Understanding the USMLE Step 2 CK

USMLE Step 2 CK is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to apply medical knowledge and understanding of clinical science necessary for the care of patients. The exam is a computer-based, multiple-choice test featuring approximately 318 questions and spans over nine hours. It covers a wide range of medical disciplines including internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and preventive medicine. Additionally, the exam includes questions on patient safety, medical ethics, and legal issues.

Importance of USMLE Step 2 CK

Medical students typically take Step 2 CK after completing their core rotations in their third or fourth year. It plays a crucial role in the residency application process, as residency programs frequently consider Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores as part of their selection criteria. With Step 1 now transitioning to a pass/fail system, Step 2 CK scores are becoming increasingly significant in evaluating candidates.

USMLE Step 2 CK Test Dates for 2025

Unlike Step 1, Step 2 CK does not have fixed test dates. Students need to obtain a registration permit, which allows them to schedule the exam within a three-month eligibility period. The test can be scheduled through the Prometric website, which offers various dates, times, and locations within the specified eligibility period. For updates on Prometric center closures, visit their website.

Scope of Mathematics on Step 2 CK

The Step 2 CK exam includes a small percentage of questions requiring elementary mathematical calculations, primarily biostatistics. The math level is basic, involving simple arithmetic, which can be handled using a four-function calculator built into the exam interface. Familiarizing yourself with the calculator before the exam can enhance your efficiency.

Exam Duration and Structure

The Step 2 CK exam consists of approximately 318 questions, divided into eight 60-minute blocks, each containing up to 40 questions. The entire exam lasts about nine hours, including 45 minutes of break time and 15 minutes of tutorial time. You may view the tutorial before the exam, and if you do so, this time is added to your break allowance, giving you a total of 60 minutes of break time.

USMLE Step 2 CK Costs for 2025

The cost to take the USMLE Step 2 CK exam in the United States is approximately $1,000. International students may incur an additional surcharge of about $200. You should also consider other potential costs, such as travel, accommodation near the testing center, and potential rescheduling fees.

What to Wear for the USMLE Step 2 CK

Comfort is key when dressing for the USMLE Step 2 CK. Choose clothing that is comfortable for extended periods and suitable for the testing environment. Testing centers may have specific attire guidelines, so it’s wise to check in advance. Consider wearing layers, such as a sweater or light jacket, in case the exam room is cold. Comfortable shoes are also recommended, as you will be sitting for long periods.

Preparation Tips

  1. Study Materials: Utilize recommended textbooks and online resources specifically tailored for the USMLE Step 2 CK.
  2. Practice Tests: Take full-length practice exams to build stamina and time management skills.
  3. Tutoring: Consider engaging a tutor for personalized guidance and support. Services like Elite Medical Prep offer consultations and specialized tutoring to help you succeed.

Conclusion

The USMLE Step 2 CK is an essential examination for medical licensure in the United States. Understanding its format, scheduling the exam within the eligibility period, preparing thoroughly, and knowing what to expect on exam day will significantly increase your chances of success. For further assistance, consider utilizing resources such as CanadaQBank for practice questions and professional tutoring services to guide your preparation.