Are you a medical student or doctor planning to work in the UK? The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exam remains the primary route for international medical graduates who want to practice medicine in the United Kingdom. Passing PLAB shows that you have the clinical knowledge, communication skills, and professional judgment required to work safely within the NHS.
PLAB is divided into two parts:
Like most licensing exams, PLAB can feel overwhelming at first—especially with recent changes linked to the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA). This guide walks you through everything you need to know about PLAB in 2026, including exam structure, eligibility, dates, fees, and preparation tips.
Is PLAB Being Replaced by the MLA?
This is one of the most common questions among international doctors.
The General Medical Council (GMC) introduced the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) to standardize how UK medical graduates are assessed before joining the medical register. Since 2024, all UK medical students must pass the MLA as part of their degree.
However, PLAB has not been replaced.
Instead of creating a separate exam for international doctors, the GMC aligned PLAB with the MLA content map. This means:
- UK graduates take the MLA
- International graduates continue to take PLAB
- Both exams now assess the same core knowledge, skills, and professional standards
From 2024 onward:
- PLAB 1 exams are written using the MLA content map
- PLAB 2 OSCE stations are also mapped to MLA outcomes
This alignment continues into 2026, ensuring fairness between UK-trained and internationally trained doctors.
PLAB Exam Pattern (2026)
PLAB still consists of two separate exams, both of which must be passed to obtain GMC registration.
PLAB 1 Exam Format
PLAB 1 is a written multiple-choice exam designed to test applied clinical knowledge rather than memorization.
Key details for 2026:
- 180 Single Best Answer (SBA) questions
- 3-hour exam
- Each question includes a short clinical scenario
- Five answer options, with one best answer
The exam focuses on real-life decision-making using UK-based guidelines, such as NICE recommendations. Questions assess what you would do next in diagnosis or management, not what you would do in your home country.
PLAB 1 questions are mapped to these professional domains:
- Knowledge, skills, and performance
- Safety and quality
- Communication, partnership, and teamwork
- Maintaining patient trust
Content areas include:
- Basic sciences: anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology
- Clinical sciences: ethics, communication, UK medical law
- Applied clinical sciences: general practice, medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and emergency care
PLAB 2 Exam Format
PLAB 2 is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) that assesses how you apply knowledge in real patient interactions.
Key details for 2026:
- 16 clinical stations
- 8 minutes per station
- 2 minutes to read instructions before entering each station
- Conducted only in Manchester, UK
Stations may involve:
- History taking
- Physical examinations
- Explaining diagnoses or management plans
- Ethical and communication scenarios
- Prescribing or documentation
- Telephone consultations
Examiners assess your performance across:
- Data gathering and clinical assessment
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Clinical management and professionalism
PLAB Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To sit the PLAB exams, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Medical Qualification
You must hold a primary medical degree from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Final-year students may apply with proof of enrollment.
2. English Language Proficiency
You must pass one of the following:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 7.5 with at least 7.0 in each section
- OET Medicine: Grade B in all four components
3. Internship
Completion of at least 12 months of internship, including:
- Minimum 3 months in medicine
- Minimum 3 months in surgery
Always confirm eligibility requirements on the official GMC website, as policies can change.
PLAB Exam Dates for 2026
PLAB 1 is held four times a year, while PLAB 2 runs year-round.
Expected PLAB 1 Dates for 2026
(Based on GMC’s established schedule pattern)
- February 2026
- May 2026
- August 2026
- November 2026
Exact dates and locations are released by the GMC in advance. Seats are limited, so early booking is essential.
PLAB 2 Dates
PLAB 2 is available throughout the year in Manchester. Once you pass PLAB 1, you can book PLAB 2 based on availability—though waiting times can be long due to high demand.
PLAB Exam Fees (Updated for 2026)
PLAB fees are reviewed periodically by the GMC. As of 2026, the fees are:
- PLAB 1: £268
- PLAB 2: £981
Cancellation Fees
PLAB 1
- More than 42 days before exam: £26.80 (10%)
- Less than 42 days: 100% of fee
PLAB 2
- More than 42 days: £98.10 (10%)
- 42–28 days: £490.50 (50%)
- Less than 28 days: 100% of fee
Always check the GMC website for the latest fee updates.
How CanadaQBank Helps You Pass PLAB
Preparing for PLAB requires consistent practice with exam-style questions—and that’s where CanadaQBank comes in.
CanadaQBank offers:
- MLA-aligned PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 question banks
- Realistic SBA and OSCE-style scenarios
- Timed and untimed practice modes
- Detailed explanations based on UK guidelines
- Performance tracking to identify weak areas
- Regular content updates reflecting exam changes
Whether you’re aiming to pass PLAB 1 on your first attempt or preparing for PLAB 2 OSCEs, CanadaQBank helps you build confidence and exam readiness.
Conclusion
PLAB remains a challenging but achievable pathway for international doctors aiming to work in the UK. With the continued alignment to the MLA content map in 2026, success depends on understanding the exam structure, booking early, and preparing with the right resources.
With focused study and the right support—like CanadaQBank’s PLAB preparation tools—you can approach the exam with clarity and confidence.
Best of luck on your journey to practicing medicine in the UK!
